Getting our kicks on Route 66

Today we started our road trip to New Mexico to the International Balloon Festival.  Driving to Santa Monica, the end of  Route 66, but our beginning.  We'll drive to Barstow, Kingman, Winslow and then to Albuquerque. Head up to Santa Fe and then start back along the same route but making different stops.  Should be a fun road trip.

 

The end of Route 66..or is it?

Reading the history books, this is not really the end of the famous Route 66.  But is best known as the conclusion of this route.  There was a street festival going on and and no parking anywhere.  Roads blocked off did not deter us.  We valet'd our car for a cool $20 for this picture.  Hey, we're on vacation.

Driving east toward downtown LA, we found the factual end is at 7th and Broadway.  Right near the famous Clifton's Cafeteria.  Determined as the end of the route from 1926 to 1936.

Opened in 1932

Broadway and 7th

We then traveling north up the Pasadena Fwy to Colorado Blvd.  Then jumping on the 210 Fwy, we made our way to the 15 Fwy and up the Cajon Pass to Victorville.  

The museum was closed, so we continued up the National Trails Highway (Historic 66) to this place.

Oro Grande Bank

Then on to the Bottle Tree Ranch.  Built in 2000, its full of antiques and more junk than should be allowed.

 There's bottles stacked like trees.  Hence, the name.

Junk abounds.

I think my mom had one of these.

Nice intersection....

We made it to Barstow and then to Rosita's for a great meal.

Coming back to our motel, we captured the SpaceX launch of an Argentinian satellite.

 

A nice way to end a fun day.  And, it's only day one!