Day 9: Through the desert to Arizona

Greetings from the desert!

Did that rhyme? Well, sort of, it sounded less good than I had hoped, but oh well.

However, my day did not start in the desert, it would be strange if I fell asleep in Los Angeles and woke up in the desert...

As befits a German tourist, I was at the entrance of the breakfast room right at 7 o'clock, but I wasn't the first. A group of 8 Austrians, of all people, challenged me for the title of "most German" tourist and occupied all stations at the buffet. Nevertheless, the food was delicious again and a good foundation for the day. Because today I had my longest stretch by car planned: 500 km from Los Angeles to Lake Havasu City in Arizona.

Even the newly baptized Engelbert couldn't wait and already made the tires screech. The first leg led me once again across Los Angeles. However, due to the early hour, I was able to navigate the sometimes 6-7 lane interstates without any time loss this time.

Speaking of traces of American roads. Coincidentally, that is also relevant today for:

Driving in the USA *Intro music*

Today it's about the right-of-way, or rather, it's not about that, because there is no such thing in the USA. You can drive in any lane as long as you want and you can also overtake on the right, or in my case, be overtaken on the right. This means that you stay on your lane for very long distances and there are significantly fewer lane changes overall than in Germany, following the motto 'Keep your Lane'. At the beginning, it feels a bit unusual when the third pickup truck overtakes you from the right within 2 minutes, but you get used to it quickly. Nonetheless, I spend most of the time in the right lane. However, there are occasional signs with inscriptions like 'slow traffic to stay right', which quasi prescribe a kind of right-of-way.

That was driving in the USA for today *Outro music*

After I left LA behind, the vegetation became sparser and the temperatures hotter. At first, I passed through well-known cities like Palm Springs, Coachella (known for the festival), or Indian Wells (known for the tennis tournament), then all civilization ended and the desert began. At first on the interstate, then on a desolate one-lane road, surrounded by endless desert valley extending to the horizon and surrounded by vegetation-free mountains. Without the other drivers, I would have felt like the loneliest person in the world.

After almost 450 km, I crossed the Colorado River and also the border between California and Arizona. Right after that, there was the first larger town in ages and I took the opportunity to refuel. The gas stations in Arizona don't seem to be so demanding because for the first time my credit card was accepted directly at the gas pump.

The last 50 km went along the river, which is like an oasis in the middle of the desert.

Finally, I arrived in Lake Havasu City. A city in the middle of the desert on the namesake reservoir of the Colorado River. And what I already had a taste of during the few photo breaks became even more noticeable now: the temperature. In the city, it was up to 45 degrees (!) today. And believe me, it feels just as hot as it sounds. It's like being in a sauna, only with clothes on and without infusions. You simply start sweating and 100 meters feel like 1,000. The wind that hits you feels comparable to the draft when you open the oven. I have never experienced anything like this, not even remotely.

Since I arrived at 1 p.m., I had to pass two more hours until my room was ready. Most of that time I spent in the air-conditioned McDonald's. In the remaining time, I visited the very unusual main attraction of the city:

The London Bridge.

And no, it's not a cheap copy of the London original, but the real London Bridge. When the bridge in London caused static problems and a new construction was required, in 1968 the American oil industrialist Robert McCulloch bought the old London Bridge, had it dismantled stone by stone, numbered, shipped, and rebuilt it in Lake Havasu City. So, if you don't have a birthday present for me yet, I think the Golden Gate Bridge would look good in my garden.

Afterwards, I fought my way back to the hotel through the heat of nearly 400 meters and finally could check into my room. And it surpasses all other rooms so far. It's almost like a small apartment with a living room and kitchenette. Additionally, it's very clean and well-air-conditioned. The room is actually too good for me and too good for just one night, but of course, I gladly take it.

And since I know that some of you are just waiting for it: No, ironing board and iron are unexpectedly not available today. So, the rate drops to 3/5 (60%).

I will spend the rest of the day only in the nice and cool room because there is no need to go out anymore. Lake Havasu City is just a stopover for the eagerly awaited stage tomorrow. I wish you a good start to the week.

Leart