I left Needles at an already very hot 10:30 and drove old 66 pretty much as planned. The desert must have seen endless in the old days. You drive to the same mountain forever and it does not seem to get any closer. The San Benardino mountains were gorgeous, but the traffic left no place to stop and take a few pictures. I followed historic Route 66 into LA county, checking into a motel in Azusa. One of the oldest McDonalds restaurants is here, but I will skip.

Driving down Route 66 has been a great experience. While an interstate was almost always close, the trip had nothing of the boring monotony of interstate travel. I felt connected with the landscape, and human settlements, feelings I never have on an interstate. This was especially so during the times the temperature was low enough to drop the top.

I felt I touched the experiences of those who went this road before; from the fields, deserts, and mountains the early settlers passed through to the rest stops in the early days of automotive travel.

Pictures (click for larger size):