28th Day - 10th March 2022

The night was very windy and the wind whistled through the door. But I don't mind the noise. On the contrary, I find it cozy. So I wake up at 7:00 am feeling quite refreshed. There is no breakfast here, but considering the room price, that's understandable. I'm not hungry anyway, so I just have a coffee. My smart book advised me to drive the old Route 66 to Oatman. However, the car should be desert-worthy. I assume it is.

Directly behind Kingman, the historic route begins and first leads through a flat desert before winding up the mountain in tight sharp curves after about 15 km. A great road. But I don't see any bikers, who are always mentioned on signs to watch out for. After numerous stops and beautiful views, I finally reach the Sitgreaves Pass, the highest point.

From here, I go back down to my next destination, Oatman. This small town is visited by numerous tourists. One attraction is the free-roaming donkeys that are everywhere. I had already seen a few on the way. Some signs indicate that you should not feed them in front of the shop. And it says "burro," not "donkey," the Spanish name.

Patricia, who works in a small store, tells me that the donkeys have always been roaming here. When I ask her if there are not some accidents with them, she says that is rather rare. People are very cautious when driving. The donkeys should be more afraid of coyotes. They seem to have something against them more often. When I tell her that I come from Germany, she says regretfully that the weather is not good. I find it actually quite warm, but she seems to expect significantly higher temperatures. She also doesn't like the strong wind that has been blowing all day.

After 1 hour, I continue driving and in the distance, I now see how the wind blows the sand and dust into the air. I turn off the old Route 66 and head towards Needles, where the Colorado River forms the border between Arizona and California. When crossing it, I notice two things. First, the incredibly blue water that sometimes turns green, and second, the increased gas prices here in California. The gallon already costs over six dollars here, and I drive a few kilometers back and fill up in Arizona for $4.19. That's insane, just 6 km further and it's half more expensive.

After crossing the river for the second time, I turn left to take some pictures of this beautiful sight. The wind is still very strong, and I'm surprised to see a few determined seniors playing golf here. I would say blown away by the wind.

To make a little faster progress, I drive on Interstate 40 through the California desert. Two attempts to get back on a country road are thwarted because the roads are closed. It's only on the third attempt that it works, and I continue driving on Kelbaker Road. The Interstate was not very busy, and this road is even less so. For kilometers, it goes straight through this barren and fascinating area. Sometimes the wind blows so strong that the car in front of me disappears behind a layer of dust.

The drive is incredibly beautiful. This is where the whole character of the southwestern United States shows itself. Endless plains, few settlements, and straight roads along magnificent rock formations. And all in bright sunshine. Sometimes I just stop, get out, and enjoy this solitude and tranquility. You really only hear the wind and when another car approaches. In between, it is absolutely quiet. A state that I rarely experience at home.

My penultimate destination of this trip is Joshua Tree, a place named after the tree that characterizes the landscape here. Before that, I drive through 29 Palms, and I remember that I almost stayed here overnight. I probably should have done that back then because I was so tired after visiting Joshua Tree National Park that I wouldn't have gone any further. But my accommodation was already booked at the time, and I was determined to reach it. I wouldn't do that again today. It was my very first stage on my very first road trip - and you learn from that.

Ravi, who owns the retro motel where I'm staying, knows a few words in German. Good day and goodbye. And "how are you?". But that's it. I ask him where he's from, and like many motel owners, he says India. I ask him when was the last time he was there. He says ten years ago, for three days. I look at him amazed. Three days? He says he had to sign something there. And didn't have more time. Incredible.

The room is totally old-fashioned but clean. Price-wise, you can tell it's close to the national park, even though I won't visit it again. But it's still nice to be back here. I remember so fondly my first trip to America in 2018. From San Diego to Denver, eight national parks, a trip of a lifetime. Everything was so new and exciting. Even this time, the fascination with this country has not diminished. Although after the fifth time, of course, you have more experience.

I take my large suitcase into the room and tomorrow I have to pack everything in both suitcases. It's a bit annoying but necessary when returning the car. It was my home for 18 days. It has driven me through snow, rain, sun, cold, and heat. Somehow, you get used to your vehicle, and I don't want to give it up willingly. But unfortunately, I can't take it with me either. I'm glad that I still have a few days with Tom and Jen. And see Ethan again. That distracts a bit from the sadness that comes with the end of a road trip. From my point of view, it could go on like this forever.