MERAMEC CAVERNS
After driving for close to two days, our first planned stop was Meramec Caverns at Stanton, Missouri. Meramec Caverns was one of the prime destination for travelers traveling through Route 66 as it was located in the roadside along Route 66.
After checking some pictures in google, we were just expecting some limestone caves. But the cave entrance welcomed with beautiful dome-shaped caves that are lit beautifully. We have never seen such underground caves and it was truly a great experience.
Some of the cave formations were really breathtaking. The cave system was lit properly so that we were able to enjoy all the intricate features of the cave. During the Civil War, it was mined for manufacturing gunpowder. Some rooms in Caves were used by local farmers for get-togethers and dances and that tradition still runs today were it is used for easter services, arts and crafts shows.
ROUTE 66 MIDPOINT CAFE
Located half an hour away from Amarillo, Texas towards west is the 50s- style pit stop featuring classic American cafe including breakfast & pie. Built in 1928, the cafe was operated 24 hours a day during Route 66's heyday. You can still see some of the Route 66 road marking and the midpoint border and the sign board is still well preserved. The classic cafe has the 50s style signboard and layouts.
Unfortunately, when we reached there it looks to be closed. However we managed to get some cool pictures.
CADILLAC RANCH
Between Amarillo and Midpoint cafe, Cadillac Ranch is another landmark on the south side of the Interstate 40. Located 10 miles away from Amarillo, Texas there is an open field with 10 cars buried in a single file. All the cars are Cadillacs and painted with graffitis with vivid colors.
Cadillac Ranch is used as a Metaphor for death in the song "Cadillac Ranch" by Bruce Springsteen. The song portrays the death of Cadillacs, which was once symbols of wealth and luxury now being buried and rusting away over time.
METEOR CRATER
Before reaching Flagstaff Arizona, Meteor Crater is another favorite destination for the road travelers. Its one of the best preserved meteorite impact site in the world. The welcome center is maintained beautifully and there is lots of informative material displayed around the center. Visitor center features an informative movie with 3D modeling and animations which shows the formation of the meteorite crater thousands of years ago.
Some of the signboards along the road to the welcome center are really interesting.
NEW MEXICO
Interstate 40 welcomes us to Land of Enchantment, New Mexico through an elaborate gateway. Diverse terrain encompasses the Chihuahuan Desert and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On the way, we stopped at a restaurant in Albuquerque for some authentic Mexican food. The restaurant is located in the historic Old Town Plaza, which is a beautiful scenic small market with hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens, and balconies.
Our next stop was at Acoma Pueblo or Sky City in New Mexico. Located in the west of Albuquerque is a small community of Native American Pueblos and home of legendary Acoma pottery and rich cultural heritage. Acoma Pueblo is one of the oldest continually inhabited city in North America. Archeological evidence shows it has been occupied since the 13th century. Acoma was quickly reestablished by the ancestors of present occupants after it was nearly destroyed by the Spanish in 1599. When we reached there we couldn't see any entrance or people around, also we didn't have any network connection. So we took some pictures and drove around.
After leaving Sky City. We took a wrong road that made the GPS in the iPhone reroute. Since we didn't have any internet connection maps got stuck and we were lost in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, we used some of the maps provided by the visitor center to find our way to the interstate. We realized the necessity of the physical map and compass. At least we should have a proper GPS that doesn't rely on the cell network.
Finally made it to Gallup and stopped at El Rancho Hotel. Established in 1936 along U.S Route 66, El Rancho hotel is rustic style building which has the fantasy of the Old West. The hotel has a unique ambiance as it was built of brick, random ashlar stone and roughen wood and lit with classic neon lighting around the building.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
One of the most inspiring scenic landscapes and home of the immense canyons with its layered bands of red rock that stretch to many miles. The view is breathtaking along the way of the Grand Canyon National Park and offers many overlooks and panoramic viewpoints. Best way to experience the park is to visit all the viewpoints, but since we didn't have much time, we were only able to spend an hour in the park.
ANTELOPE MOUNTAINS
By the time we left Grand Canyon National park it's already afternoon and we didn't have much time left for the day. We head straight to Antelope Mountains which is located near Page, Arizona. We came to know we have to take tours to see the Canyon. Since we were late we took the last one available which was the upper Canyon tours.
Unfortunately, we were unable to see all the colors of the Canyon as it was already dark. The best time to view these canyons is during the afternoon. We took some pictures and head to Las Vegas.
LOS ANGELES
Home of American film and Television Industry, Los Angeles is the cultural, financial and commercial center of Southern California. We reached Los Angeles around midnight after leaving Arizona in the evening. Midnight hours helped us skip the peak traffic along the interstate. After taking proper good rest at Los Angeles we head to the streets to take some pictures of the Hollywood signboards and other attractions.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is known for its giant granite mountains, glaciers and sequoia trees. By the time we reached the park it was already late in the evening. Park took us along the trees on a winding road until we reached a tunnel. The tunnel opened up to a spectacular viewpoint of the giant mountain. We took some pictures and went to other viewpoints before it went dark.
SAN FRANCISCO
As we cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, we are enjoying the happiness of reaching the final destination after days of travel. We drove to battery spencer and waited for 2015 to begin and fireworks.
