May 24 - California
After the US plains, Rocky Mountains, Arizona desert, driving into LA is a bit of a change and a unique experience. Especially on a Friday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend. Those of us who live in the GTA have 401/QEW experience, which I suppose in some small way prepares you for LA. First of all, the heavy traffic started up around the San Bernardino Mountains, which was about 65 miles from my destination. Lots of stop and go, lane changing and intense sign reading and GPS scrutiny. Your brain (fortunately) seems to click into a higher gear, knowing that your normal functioning self is never going to get you through this. It seems that virtually every vehicle around you knows exactly where they are going and that you may be the only one who is trying to figure out where to go. When I got on the Ventura Highway,
I got that song in my brain and still can't get rid of it. Throughout this wonderful experience, I saw only one accident and never once heard a horn blow. These people really know how to drive and I saw a lot of courteous driving. Finished up on the Santa Monica Freeway, found my hotel (another euphoric rush) and immediately had a couple of stiff rum and cokes - just another day's work. Tomorrow, I will show Warren, how I really know my way around this town.
Look out LA - You Da Man !!
After the US plains, Rocky Mountains, Arizona desert, driving into LA is a bit of a change and a unique experience. Especially on a Friday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend. Those of us who live in the GTA have 401/QEW experience, which I suppose in some small way prepares you for LA. First of all, the heavy traffic started up around the San Bernardino Mountains, which was about 65 miles from my destination. Lots of stop and go, lane changing and intense sign reading and GPS scrutiny. Your brain (fortunately) seems to click into a higher gear, knowing that your normal functioning self is never going to get you through this. It seems that virtually every vehicle around you knows exactly where they are going and that you may be the only one who is trying to figure out where to go. When I got on the Ventura Highway,
I hope you and Warren have a great week!!
ReplyDelete-Amelia
Have a super week with Warren! I totally relate to your visceral reaction to all the traffic! although I never thought of the rum & coke solution to unwind afterwards :-) I'm a little surprised there was no horn honking and drivers were(generally) courteous, which is nice to hear. Great song, Ventura Highway. Hotel California and Carefree Highway (by Gordon Lightfoot) might be some good road music too...I'll be curious what your playlist is with Warren. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteBev