5/2/08 Almost there.

We left Lake Havasu this morning after filing up our gas tank at $3.45 per gallon and washing our car. It was such a beautiful morning. As we drove into California, we saw the Welcome sign for Historic 66 in California.

We drove miles and miles from one town to another through the Mohave desert. Our guide told us that the small town of Fenner had the last gas for miles. We were thankful we had filled up because the gas was $5.39 per gallon.

In Amboy we found a crater that was recognized in 1975 as a National Landmark. The crater is 250 feet high, is 1500 feet in diameter and includes a 24 square mile area of lava. A few miles down the road is the Pisgah crater that is nearly equal in size to the Amboy Crater.

Near Helendale, we saw the Bottle tree Ranch. It was set up by Elmer Long during his life. When he died, supporters decided to keep the artsy display of glass bottles and signs in a distinctive design. Driving through the desert can be boring so others set up shoe trees and underwear trees. Denny and I decided we didn't want to add to the exhibits.

After driving past the Roy Rogers ranch, we were surprised to find snow capped mountains as we drove into San Bernardino. Tonight we are staying in Rialto at the Wig Wam Motel.

We are on the mother road for one more day. We have had great road, bumpy road, confusing road, different routes for different times, and we have seen towns and heartland America that you dont't see from the highways. We are saddened that it is almost over, and yet we have so many places to go yet. Our last installment on Route 66 will be tomorrow, and then we will keep you informed of our future plans and progress.