San Diego

During mid afternoon we arrived in California. Although we still have a lot more to see and many miles to drive, once we gazed across the water at the San Diego marina, we knew we had technically crossed the states! 

We started the day with a slight delay due to an engine oil warning light on the dashboard of the Ford Explorer. We figured we were better safe than sorry, so we took the car to Hertz at Las Vegas airport for an oil change. They were excellent and carried out the work in 45 minutes. As soon as this was done, we started the 320 mile trip to San Diego.

At one point, we nearly ran out of petrol. Ten miles from empty, we happened upon a deserted Californian gas station where we were able to refuel. It was the kind of place where a sign squeaks in the wind while an old man sits on a rocker on the porch. We also had to pass through the Californian inspection point for agricultural goods. They stop you if you are trying to bring fresh fruit or plants into the Golden State. We made it through with a box of Mike & Ike's and they're made with real fruit. Suckers!

In early afternoon, we stopped for a bite at In N' Out Burger in Victorville, San Bernardino. This was our first time at the fast food joint and it was very good indeed. I can see why Tom Hanks calls it his favourite burger. The menu was simple and and the guy behind the counter was so enthusiastic, it was like interacting with a 1950's soda jerk. Nonetheless, despite all that In N' Out has going for it, it's not a patch on the Super Sonic Cheeseburger with a strawberry milkshake. I'll wager that Sonic's drive-in meal deal is the finest fast food burger available in America right now. Please correct me if there's another contender for this title.

On the road outside of Perris in Riverside, we witnessed a car swerve dangerously in front of another. The unlucky driver pulled alongside the offending driver, opened his window and launched a medium coke into the air, which exploded all over the other car. It made quite an impact at 70mph. Hopefully, we won't experience soda rage first hand again on this road trip.

Today was a long day. We got to San Diego too late and were really only able to enjoy a few shops and the essence of its bohemian vibe before we had to look for a place to stay. Traffic was heavy and hotels were few and far between. Despite having been on the road all day, everyone held their patience, though i'm sure it was wearing thin by the time we eventually pulled into a motel. Dale broke the tension when we walked into the hotel room by saying: "let's pull out the sofa bed. You can braid my hair. We'll spoon."

In other news, we've now mastered turning right on red lights. Being bad feels pretty good.