#USAroadtrip – Over 50 Aussie female solo traveller USA road trip and beyond

End USA Road trip 2018

13 August 2018

I have come full circle. I started my trip in California on 1 March 2018. I have driven 29,850 kilometres/18548 miles, a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and completed my goal of visiting all 50 USA states. With a slight detour of a Transatlantic cruise to Barcelona from Florida and a drive through two provinces of Canada to meet up with Canadian cousins.

I have very mixed feelings about my Odyssey ending. The beautiful places I have discovered, the interesting, kind and loving people I have met, the memories I have made, the adrenaline, anxiety, excitement, happiness, wonder, awe, sadness leaving people, I feel privileged to have experienced all this and so much more than words can describe.

To everyone who has been part of my journey with me or through my blog, the people who would talk to me on the phone while I was driving to keep me awake, the people who opened their homes family and hearts to me, the people who encouraged me and made me feel I was doing something special, the people who made me feel special, and the people who supported my sons while I was on my journey, I thank you.

Hope to see you all again soon somewhere in the world. My door in Sydney is always open. Just check I am home first 🙂

To the most important people in my life, my gorgeous sons, Dion, thank you for holding the fort at home and Carlos for encouraging me to write this blog. I love you both, as Carlos would say “a thousand times more than the biggest number”.

Let’s see what adventure home has in store for me.

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination. For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one”.

ALFRED D. SOUZA writer, philosopher

“Your vibe attracts your tribe”.

“Those who wander are not always lost”. JRR Tolkien

Kings Canyon and Sequoia Forest

9 August 2018

Park rangers recommended these two treasures as Yosemite has wildfires. There is only one road open into Yosemite and visibility is poor due to the smoke. The smoke also affected some of the Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park as you will see in some of the photos.

This is my favourite photo for today, Lemon Cove, even though it is quite hazy. This spot is just breathtaking.

General Grant Tree is the 2nd largest tree in the world and also known as “the Nation’s Christmas Tree”.

When I got out of the car to look at this tree I was overwhelmed by the scent of the forest. It smelt like Christmas!! With wildfires raging nearby, temperatures of 40C/104F the pine smell was incredible. The largest tree in the world is also in this forest but I will have to come back as I unfortunately ran out of time.

Once again the change of landscape driving out of the forest was phenomenal.

This is the tunnel tree.

Area 51/Death Valley

8 August 2018

Before venturing to Death Valley I did some extensive research as I had heard it gets very hot at this time of year. I am not used to the extreme temperatures this part of the world experiences.

Satisfied that I would be ok and that my Corolla should function fine, I left Las Vegas at 10:00am with extra water and my snacks of popcorn, cheese, pumpkin seeds and a banana.

I took the longer route from Las Vegas as I was advised it was more scenic and I was so excited when I came across the Area 51 Alien stop. I have seen documentaries and movies which depict the conspiracy theories including UFOs around this Top Secret highly classified Government site just off Route 95 Nevada

Next door is the biggest firecracker.

I drove through the Beatty entrance of Death Valley.

The Sahara Desert has temperatures which reach 47C/117F and today I drove through Death Valley my car temperature reached 49C/120F. This thermometer outside the Ranger’s Station at Stovepipe Wells at 2:00pm in the shade is proof of how hot it gets.

One thing I did not get to do in Death Valley was drive through naked. I thought this part of the world would get few people so I could check this item off my bucket list. I don’t think there is anywhere in the USA which has no-one driving through to enable me to fulfill this goal. This small section of the Mesquite Dunes are an example of how many people are around the Valley.

Stovepipe Wells is the first resort in Death Valley.

Mosaic Canyon

The changing landscape.

Leaving Death Valley through Lone Pine to Bakersfield, the landscape changes again.

Video of Cow Flat Creek in the Sequioa National Park outside Bakersfield.

Las Vegas Day 2

6 August 2018

It is difficult to move in 44C/111F heat and that was at 6.30pm but I managed to get to the site of one of my favourite fun movies “Transformers” although the Hoover Dam has a much more important purpose and fascinating history.

Highly recommend a tour of this mammoth structure built before computers and modern technology were even thought about.

I went to the David Copperfield show on at the MGM Hotel. How does he do it!! His illusions and magic right next to you!!

Tickets were $US95 and I was upgraded to the $US125 seats. My first ever upgrade anything!

Check the photobomber!

This is the most expensive milkshake ever at $AUD10.20.

Route 66 to Las Vegas

5 August 2018

Goodbye to Annalise, the Norwegian owner of the Stagecoach 66 Motel Seligman. I love the interesting people I have met on my travels. Annalise is 74 and rides her Indian Motorcycle around the USA solo. It was such a pleasure meeting her and hope I see her again on our travels.

Some fun stops on Route 66 which inspired the animation “Cars”

Radiator Springs

Hackberry

Mike’s Outpost Saloon

One stop was at the Route 66 General Store. A cowboy with the sexiest voice gave me a compliment which made me all flustered. As I walked into the store his remark “The scenery is pretty good in here” was the nicest pick up line I have heard. Where was he last night!! Shame I was leaving.

Throughout my trip people would say things like “you are so brave travelling alone”, “aren’t you scared driving alone” and my answers are “would you drive to the next town or state alone? That’s all I am doing. But driving to the next state”. However today I had a moment or two of concern. Driving to Las Vegas the temperature got to 46C/115F and I was praying that the car would not break down. There was no reason for it to break down but that temperature in the desert made me worry.

At my hotel, the Royal Resort, $US133 for 3 nights free parking and best of all no resort fee, I cooled off in the pool but as it was 40C/106F at 6.30pm I decided a cool shower and the cool hotel room was required.

2 people I met on the northbound Alaska cruise, Valentine and Abe joined me in Vegas.

Bellagio water show

And across the road

Route 66 (Seligman the Town of broken toys)

4 August 2018Not sure what Siri had in mind for me to take a 17 minute shortcut to Route 66 on a very remote rough dirt road. Perhaps she thought I meant 666? When I came across this noose and “no way out” sign I decided it best to retrace my steps.Then I saw a man filling a water tank on the back of his pickup and thought I could get directions from him. Walking towards me with a revolver in his belt I was a little wary. He was very helpful even though my distraction made the water tank overflow into the back of his pickup. I retreated as soon as I could.Back on track I arrived at this historical motel Stagecoach 66 Motel.I got the Harley Davidson themed room. Betty Boop was already taken.Downtown SeligmanDrinks at the Pizza Joint at the Stagecoach 66 Motel with the Norwegian owner Annalise (in pink) and some locals Tracey, Tad, Steven, Clancey James and the bartender Little Bit in white.A quote from the locals about Seligman “so far out in the sticks they have to truck the daylight in”. The quote “the town of broken toys” like “hotel california” once you come here you don’t leave. Lucky I have an appointment in Vegas.

Jerome Arizona (Ghost City)

4 August 2018

Jerome is also known as the Wicked City, the Haunted Town and Ghost City.

An old copper town which had a population of 15,000 in the mining boom to around 400 now. A quaint tourist town now with quirky shops. Well worth stopping by if around Sedona.

Sedona Arizona

3 August 2018

I drove on the 89A from Flagstaff to Sedona. This drive is through beautiful mountains with lots of switchbacks as the road runs from an elevation of 8000 feet down to 4000 feet.

This drive is one of the top 10 scenic drives of the USA and it again gave me the Wow factor.

Sedona is a town with very wealthy retired people but is a very popular tourist spot. TheCoconino National Foresthas mouintains, buttes,green trees including firs and willows, red rock, streams for fishing and many camping grounds which were mostly full. With all these people the town did not feel touristy.

I had a personal tour guide who drove me to some of the must see spots.

Courthouse Butte

This house is just below the Chapel of the Holy Cross and is owned by a Romanian doctor. I found this blog which has a little of the history of the house.

The last walk I coped with in the 38C/100F heat was to the top of Airport Mesa.

Enjoyed one of the best caesar salads in this country at the The Tavern Grille Cottonwood.

I am staying at a lovely inexpensive hotel with this amazing view from the pool and from every room. The View Motel Cottonwood

I discovered live rock music was on in a dive bar called Kactus Kate’s Saloon. Looking up Google for the above link, I realised I had been talking to the bar’s namesake and owner, Katherine Woods. It is a very laid back bar with good music and a pool table with friendly locals.

Driving back from Kactus Kate’s Saloon, I heeded my cousin Adrian’s words “if you see a skunk, don’t hit it with your car, don’t chase it on foot. Go in the opposite direction because you can’t get the stench out of your car or clothes”. When one scampered in front of my car I was so tempted to get out to try and get a photo but reluctantly decided not to. I have seen a skunk now but still NO BEAR!!

Grand Canyon South Rim

2 August 2018

The Grand Canyon is huge!! I drove the 1.5 hours from Flagstaff while the weather was ok. I missed out on the Canyon at the start of my trip because it started snowing. The weather today was 27c (87F) with a breeze. The Canyon is HUGE. While there I was analysing and comparing the Canyon to every other magnificent landscape I have seen across the last 5 months. Looking over the photos I shouldn’t compare anything but appreciate the beauty of the changing colours and depths of this Wonder of the World. The Canyon is over 1 million acres!! There is nothing to compare it to.

However I had a sense of disappointment. I have experienced so much on this journey that just being BIG isn’t enough. I will get some back lash over this but I didn’t get the buzz I got from Ohiopyle or The Arches or Shoshone Falls or the Mississippi River. Have I seen too much beauty? Is this the infamous Australian “tall poppy syndrome” at work?

Don’t get me wrong, it is still beautiful.

I commend the transport system the park has in place. It is so well organised and easy to get around. I parked in the free parking area in Tusayan near the Imax. The purple bus whizzes you past all the cars lined up to enter the park. Then there are various shuttles which take you to different parts of the Canyon. The shuttles run every 15 minutes, pick up and drop off at spots along each route. It is easy, efficient and free after paying the park entry fee. I had purchased the America Beautiful Annual Park Pass $USD80 which has been well worth the purchase. Grand Canyon entry fee was $35 and I have used the pass in several parks around the USA and it has more than paid for itself. I do not recommend taking your car into the park as it is very difficult to park and I went on a day which did not seem too busy in high season.

On the way to the Grand Canyon I stopped off at Bedrock, the home of the Flintstones for a giggle.

Leaving the Grand Canyon I saw my first elk. I joined the crazy people who stop in the middle of the road to take a photo.

This family from Indiana were lovely company. Miles, Pearson, Deena, Evan and (you see I didn’t remember you all)

Colorado Utah Arizona

1 August 2018

As I have completed my goal of visiting every USA state, the remaining 14 days of my trip I will make my way across to San Diego to return my car rental. Today I crossed 3 borders having started in Cortez Colorado. Can you believe I was unable to find a fridge magnet for my last State!! I will hate if I have to buy one online but it may be my only opportunity to acquire one now.

At one of the parking lots there were several of these signs. Wonder what age you have to be to park there.

Hovenweep National Monument Utah

First thing this morning I drove from Cortez Colorado to Hovenweep in the Canyons of the Ancient National Monument.

Driving to this site I was on a road going through miles of flat green farm land. As far as the eye could see. Then all of a sudden the earth falls away and huge canyons appear out of nowhere.

This site includes six prehistoric villages where many ancient towers were built on canyon rims.

I stopped for horses, sheep and prairie dogs crossing.

Red Mesa Arizona

The landscape changed several times from pink, to maroon, to green, to brown, to sandy, with structures out in the middle of nowhere.

Late afternoon, for the first time, I received a text weather warning.

Flash Flood Warning this area til 7:15 PM MST. Avoid flood areas. -NWS

This was a little concerning as if you Google the area there isn’t anywhere to go till you get to Flagstaff. All good though. I arrived safely.