On to California

On 1-31-2009, we flew from Orland, FL (11:30 AM-EST) to Los Angeles, Ca (4:30 PM-PST). (We had enough frequent flyer miles to get two first class free tickets for the trip -- I'm thinking coffee and Baileys all the way across the US). The plan is to visit with Carmen's brother (Del) and his wife (Cece) in Apple Valley for a couple of days before leaving Los Angeles for New Zealand. (In case you do not remember, Apple Valley was the home of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Happy Trails!)

After landing we got our rental car and headed East (of course just about everywhere from the airport is east). It is about 5:15 PM - PST by the time we get on I-10 and it is clear and about 73 degrees with the sun going down. Off to the North we can see the mountains around Los Angeles and the very distinctive "Hollywood" sign. (Hollywoooood! Reminds me of the Bob Seger song: "Hollywood Nights" -- or Snoop Dogg's version if you prefer.)

Shortly after getting onto I-10, we hit the 5 o'clock traffic, even though it is Saturday! You may remember the song with the Jim Croce "Speedball Tucker" song lyrics: "... 95 is the route you were on and not the speed limit sign ..."; well "I-10 is the route we were on and also the speed limit sign". We were in the 10-mph traffic for only about 6 miles or so, then the traffic cleared and our speed reved up. Just before we switched to I-15 we stopped for something to eat.

Our route to Apple Valley and Carmen's brother's house will take us through the Cajon pass. The pass is not very high in elevation (4020 feet), but it has some very extreme weather and can have very high winds. But today (yesterday actually), the weather was pleasant with low winds.

We got to Del and Cece's house without incident (always a good thing) and will stay here for a couple of days. Del and Cece says hi to everyone they know (and to those they don't also.) If anything important happens, like going to a casino, I'll be sure to let everyone know.

Talk later. Adios Amigos!