Three month road trip across America continues – and completes. This mid-pandemic, post divorce finalizing, adventure with the Rogue was full of twists and turns.
SHAMROCK, TEXAS
Wed. June 23 Shamrock, Texas Drove from Oklahoma back into Texas. With my son living in Ireland, I just had to visit Shamrock, Texas. On the old Route 66. Everything (decrepit) and Irish themed. Really enjoyed it. The distraction was great after the earlier Big Reveal of “Long Dark Hair” (i.e. T2) being a friend of mine, living with Ex in the family home (in Part 9).
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
Thursday, June 24. Albuquerque, New Mexico again for a night. Drove through Amarillo, Texas (childhood road trip memories); not sure why I have one photo only of taxidermy! Ate at a Cheesecake Factory in Albuquerque, then too many whiskeys with a few people in hotel bar. Hungover today. So silly. Went on a walk. Feeling despondent over T2 situation. Another sucker punch post divorce. They just keep on coming.
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
Friday night, June 25 – Flagstaff, AZ. Had a nice mellow night in together with the Rogue after long drive through Arizona. Ate at Roadhouse Steakhouse. Enjoyed seeing the trees at the higher elevation after the long journey through dusty flat land. Nature is good for the soul.
BARSTOW
Sunday, June 27 – Waking up in Barstow. 113 degrees. Had super fun Saturday night at Walmart – truly! Felt like real life. Ate at a Chilis again, one of our favorites on the road (slim pickings!). That and Cracker Barrel bring great delight knowing there’s one in sight. No photos from here.
ORANGE COUNTY – BACK IN CALI!
LATER Saturday – Drove from the hell of Barstow to Orange County. Had great afternoon/evening with my sister and niece at Marriott Bayview in Newport. Ocean breeze! How I’ve missed it for three months. Rogue always has a great time with them. Drinks, lunch, etc.
We later relaxed alone with wine and dinner at hotel bar. Road trip nearly complete.
Look at that car! Three months on the road.
VENICE BEACH
Monday, June 28 Hotel breakfast. Quick Balboa island drive. Then drove to Venice. Stayed at Inn at Venice Beach. Cute, small. Walked around boardwalk, had cauliflower crust pizza.
Planned Barbados as our way back to the UK (traffic light system in place for Covid). Need a “green” country to quarantine in for 14 days to avoid quarantining 14 days in a London hotel.
I had dinner with Daughter at Boa. Overall good, but sad that I was leaving again. Hard to get enough time with family.
SANTA BARBARA
Wednesday June 30 We rolled into SB after I had a breakdown. Tears, anxiety, etc. So negative. A lot of it in my head. Rogue got a haircut, then we met a friend at Joe’s. I think I had to cry and mourn the shock of the T2 thing, the Ex taking the house thing, everything. The Rogue has stuck by me through thick and thin.
Met my parents at Harry’s. Came “home” (i.e. parents’ home, my refuge).
Thursday Caught up with some friends. Good to reconnect before taking flight again.
Rogue and I trying to figure out how to get to London with the traffic light system. It keeps changing. First Dominican Republic. Then Barbados. None of them working. Don’t even have our flights yet!
Friday July 2 – Santa Barbara
Finished hectic day of errands. Visited my storage unit. Hate it there. Negative. Represents loss of the family home – and the family. Helpful with the Rogue.
July 4-6, 2021
Celebrated family with the 4th, a quick trip to San Luis Obispo for my brother’s birthday. Then time to pack again for first time back to U.K.
Three month Road Trip Across America – and Back – is complete. Next stop, London. But first have to “quarantine” fourteen days in a “green” country. Well, hello Turks and Caicos. Twist my Second Chapter Nomad arm!
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