In the above picture you might have noticed a couple mirrors shining off in the distance. Oh you didn't see them? Better look again.
This is the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. In 2013 it was constructed by Bechtel and is operated by NRG Energy. It provides power to over 140,000 California Homes.
It works by pointing mirrors at a central point on a tower. This heats the tower and the water inside. The heated water produces steam which then powers the turbine to create electricity.
This stretch of the road is very remote. You drive for almost 2hrs and no exits or gas stations. Be sure to fill up before crossing.
While we were driving across this desert we saw a crazy rainbow. No rain anywhere and very dry. Not sure what caused it but it was interesting. It stuck around for about 10min before fading away.
Off in the distance we could see Mt Baldy. Up into the mountains we headed and then a little while later back down we came. LA came into view and we knew we were getting close.
The end of Route 66 is on the Pier in Santa Monica. There is a very small booth with a gentleman working it. He was very knowledgeable about the route and had traveled it several times himself.
This is the last stamp for the Route 66 passport and he also has Route 66 Completion Certificates. He may quiz you a little to make sure you actually did the route. :) Here are a couple pictures of the sign on the Pier.
Walking around on the pier we saw some strange things. This guy was hanging off the side of the pier. He's in the middle of the pic and I added an arrow pointing to him.
It was now getting close to rush hour traffic. We needed to figure out a place to stay and what route we are taking home.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw a sign and it pointed away from the city. To make it even better it was heading North. We just happened to need to go North to get home.
The Pacific Coast Highway, also called the PCH, is a route that takes you up the coast of California. It takes CA-1 and Highway 101 all the way up to Seattle. The ride was absolutely stunning. Looking out across the Pacific while the sun was getting closer to the waters edge.
It was getting late and we were ready to stop. We found a nice little town in Wine Country called Lompok. The area was beautiful with rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye could see. We hung out at the beach until sunset to get some pictures and it was worth it.
So now what do we do? Drive back home the fastest route? Stay tuned to see where this adventure takes us. I can tell you it's far from over!!!
Here is our route for the day.
Thank you for following along and we hope to hear from you in the comments!
