ROAD TRIP ACROSS THE WEST

For eleven days my family and I set out on a road trip across the west. Our end destination was to drive to the California coastline, make it up as far north as San Francisco and then decide where to go from there. We eventually decided to slowly make our way down to Los Angeles, spend a couple of days in Las Vegas, head to New Mexico, and then begin the trek back home to Austin. This is a series of several posts in which I take you along for the ride and show you the places we visited this summer.
 

Our family vacations never involve dealing with airlines and airplanes. Rather then floating in the sky and flying over the states, rivers, farm land, and towns in-between, we much rather keep four wheels rolling on the surface. We love making unexpected stops along the way, take turns DJ-ing in the car, stopping at filthy little gas stations for restroom breaks (the part we don't love), driving from sunup to sundown and witnessing the scenery change as you add up the miles. Seeing these places that connect to the big cities is the only way to truly gain some perspective on the vast diversity of land and people that make up this country. Most of these towns along the way won't make it onto a 'Top Places to Visit' list, but if you pay close attention you will at times come across some hidden gems.

With the suburban filled with luggage meticulously placed to fit like a stack of jenga blocks, we were all ready to go.  My brothers were the most alert and energetic that I've ever seen them that early in the morning. We are not morning people but everyone was buzzing and looking forward to the adventures ahead. Two things to remember to do when going on a road trip, bring noise canceling headphones and nap.  These things are crucial to keeping everyone sane and pleasant on days that involve 13 hour car rides.

First stop on the trip was to gas up the burbs and stop for lunch at Coopers BBQ. My mom and I got down and ordered six brisket sandwiches and lays original potato chips, a classic pairing when on the go.  We ate them in the car and it was so good it made me sad to be leaving Texas (ok not really). We spent the majority of the first day driving through Texas because it is so damn big.
 

That day we almost made it out of New Mexico but stopped to sleep in Gallup, a small historic town along Route 66. Since we arrived at night we were aching to find our hotel. Exploring a bit of Gallup would have to wait till the morning.





Gallup is right in the middle of many Native American reservations so much of that influence can be seen throughout town. Gallup was also the setting to many old westerns movies filmed in the 30's, 40's and 50's. Back in the day many legendary movie stars such as John Wayne, Mae West, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Gregory Peck, as well as many others used to roam the rugged terrain and stay at El Rancho Hotel. We didn't stay there but paid a quick visit in the morning. 
   

The lobby is beautiful in all its western and native american influenced glory. It is decorated with rich warm hues, a wooden and stone staircase invites you in, and the creaking floors on the second level add to the old time charm. The entire time I was in there I kept thinking of my grandpa who is the biggest John Wayne fan you will ever meet. His favorite movies of all time are westerns and to this day when I call or visit him he often tells me he just finished watching one. He would have really liked seeing this place.



After a quick morning drive through Gallup we were back on the road to head further west. Next stop, Arizona.