Vegas to San Francisco - Almost There and on a Mission

Day 5 - 481 miles - December 31, 2011
Left Vegas at 10am, arrived in Sausalito at 7:30pm
Conditions: 53 degrees and sunny

We left Vegas on a mission to make it to our final destination with plenty of time to ring in the new year in style.  We did not stop for anything except a gas and fast food.  Similar to the first day of our trip except the weather was much better, we had less miles travel, and we didn't hit any accidents that would slow us down.

We started the trip going south to get back on our route.  We passed through the border of Nevada into California in only a couple of hours.  Crossing the border into California, you have to go through a checkpoint.  We had never heard of this so we had no idea what to expect.  Were they going to make us get out and search the car?  Not that we had anything illegal, but we had a lot of crap in that car!  We waited in a line of cars like we were going through a toll booth.  It went pretty quick.  When it was our turn, a young man asked us where we were headed and if we had any agriculture or livestock with us.  Michelle told him we had bananas.  He told us to be careful and have a nice trip.

Soon after we decided to get some gas.  We were running low and noticed that fuel stations were few and far between.  At the next sign for fuel, we would exit.  So we did and came to a station priced regular 87 at $4.75 per gallon.  Highway robbery at its finest!  I only put $30 worth to hold us over.  You can do the math on how many gallons that equals.  So with about half a tank we were on our way.


The trip through California lasted forever.  We went through high rounded hills with wind turbines strategically placed on many of them.  I had never seen so many in one day ever in my life.  When they were on a hill, there were hundreds and hundreds of them.   The land flattened a bit and we passed through many different types of farms.  Lots of cows, horses, orange trees, and other types of tree farms.  We went through some pretty ugly and economically challenged areas.  Definitely not the picture you think of when you think California.  At one point we saw a hitch hiker headed in the other direction looking for a ride to Flagstaff, and a couple sitting outside their van with a sign asking for gas.  It was sad.

Wind Turbines

Hitch-hiker, botom left corner of windshield

We eventually had to stop again for gas and something to eat.  This second time stopping was much more reasonably priced and was near a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combo so we each got a personal pan pizza and stretched the legs before continuing the journey.

The rest of the way lived off of snacks and water we had in the car.  I was driving after this last stop.  I am sorry California - but your drivers are awful.  The highway was 2 lanes in each direction and even though there are signs telling slower traffic to stay in the right lane, they do not listen.  I think it may have to do with the tractor trailer speed limit being 10 mph's less than the cars so no one wants to be in the right lane even if they are going as slow as the trucks.  Whatever the reason, it was very annoying and felt like there was no order or courtesy.

At the same time as Michelle was taking a sip of her Powerade, the most awful smell of dung came over the entire car.  I couldn't imagine having to swallow at the same time this awful stench is taking over your nostrils.  So we were both grossed out and wondering where it was coming from.  Next thing you know we are driving by this gated area of land with some barns all in a row by the highway and looking at literally thousands of cows mooing and packed together.  Not like the other cows we would see grazing in the grasses previously.  Ugh!  So gross.  I wish I had a picture but we were to enthralled by this unexpected sight and the smell that we weren't thinking.  And if we did, it probably wouldn't have come out very well anyway.

We were making great time and passed through other areas of California with huge hills and large houses tucked into the cliffs.  It was crazy to see and although the houses were nice and had spectacular views, we couldn't imagine living so dangerously and so remotely.  If you had a dog or a child, they would just tumble down these hills into traffic or thickets to their deaths.

We started getting texts and facebook messages hoping we would get there in time to celebrate the new year.  We thank you for all your well wishes!  Since we were 3 hours behind east coast time, as it was getting late for you, we still had some time.  As soon as it started getting dark, we knew we were almost there and as long as there wasn't any major traffic getting through the city, we would be fine.  The last hour was probably the coolest part of the trip, but for me, also the longest.  We first crossed the huge Bay Bridge, drove through the pretty city, made it onto the gorgeous Golden Gate - all lit up for the clear night sky - and made it into Sausalito.  Through winding steep downhill roads we finally made it to Rose Court.  We made it to my new home and Greg was there to greet us after the exciting long, but quick, 5 day cross country trip. YAY!!

After a total of 3,105 miles and $420.15 in gas and the following in Hotel expenses (including parking):
Holiday Inn Express Nashville - $160
Hampton Inn Oklahoma City - $130
Sage Inn New Mexico - $100
La Quinta Las Vegas - $110
Total:  $500 in hotels, split - so about $250 per person.

So for 2 people and 5 days, the trip was about $1000 (not including meals and entertainment).  Not bad!  Experience, knowledge, and stories: Priceless.

Now that this is done - I can get into the real cable car experiences of San Francisco.  Thanks for staying tuned!
-Colleen