I’ve been back in the US for ~2 months now.  The transition from international man of mystery to domestic couch surfer has been less than inspiring.  Being back in Boston was great!  But, LA has felt twilight zone-ish.  

For 13 months I didn't have a car.  It was refreshing living in walkable cities, and using public transpo.  Los Angeles is not really one of those cities.  It is astounding how much time one spends in their car in LA.  It's a total turn off.  Unless you like sitting in traffic at 11am on a Tuesday or 10pm on a Wednesday.  Trade offs, I guess.

Living in LA the past 6 weeks has felt like the end of a bad relationship.  Those last few months, when you're struggling to make it work but the writing is on the wall.  It's sad, because I still love LA.  And I guess I'll leave the door open to try again in the future.  But, for now, some time apart will be good for us.  

So, I’m back on the road!  Kerouac would be proud!

I’ve never done a cross country road trip.  Always wanted to do it when I could take some time and smell the roses along the way.  I’ve got about ~5 weeks to make my way from LA to Boston.  I’ll be taking a supremely circuitous route.

Basically, starting in San Bernardino, heading east to Joshua Tree National Park, then up to northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, South Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, and then east to NY / Boston.  Somethin' like that.

My first stop was the iconic Wigwam Motel off of Route 66!  "Welcome Travelers!  Have you stayed in a teepee lately?"  I had no idea the Wigwam Motels were a chain.  There are only 3 remaining.  

The owner was a super cool guy: Kumar.  Fantastic food recommendations!  And we had some great conversations.

The whole lot is themed out in Route 66 memorabilia.  

They have classic cars and vans in the parking lot like this rusted out beaut: 

The wigwam was a lovely, cozy home for a few days!  I highly recommend staying in a teepee --- if you have the means.  

Next up, Joshua Tree National Park.  Excited to get my photo game back in gear in this picturesque park!