Day 9 - May 7, 2011

Day Nine Summary

No stats today, as we made it to the end of Route 66 yesterday.  However, today we did tour downtown Santa Monica, CA and took in a few more Route 66 sights.  We got some good rest last night and spent some time this morning just relaxing at the hotel – very much needed after the trek we have been on.

Once we checked out of the hotel we headed back into downtown Santa Monica, CA.  On the recommendation of Dan Rice, we visited The Georgian Hotel.  This hotel was built in 1933 and is a glorious art deco architectural gem.  During an era of prohibition, The Georgian was a place for Hollywood’s elite, including Clark Gable and Carol Lombard.  Bugsy Segal was also a frequent guest.  Dad and I were fortunate to get to tour the basement speakeasy – thanks Ron!  The former speakeasy now serves as an employee break room, but is still appointed in 1930’s décor – very cool.

We strolled along Palisades Park, a terrific green space running adjacent to Ocean Avenue.  This is an incredible linear park that allows views of downtown to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.  The weather was a very comfortable 66 degrees and the place was packed.  We discovered last night that there has been some debate over the years as to the actual western terminus of Route 66.  Some say it is Santa Monica Pier, while others have placed it at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.  In fact, there is a sign in Palisades Park at this location stating, “West End of Route 66.”  Just to be safe, we took our picture at this sign as well.  We also saw the marker where Route 66 was dedicated as the Will Rogers Highway.  It seems Route 66 is both real and mythical – certainly legendary.

We also walked through the Third Street Promenade.  Third Street has been closed to vehicular traffic and is now a thriving shopping and entertainment district complete with high-end fashion, eateries, and street performers.

Finally, we made one last walk on the Santa Monica Pier.  The Pier was incredibly busy today – much more so than yesterday – weekend, I guess.  We saw Dan and Jessica Rice again and spent a little more time getting to know them.  If you ever have the opportunity to be in the Santa Monica area, please go patronize this tremendous couple (you can also purchase merchandise at www.route66-to-california.com).  Dan and Jessica, you are in our prayers and we know the Lord is going to bless you tremendously.  As you are well aware, the Lord has a plan for you and is working it out daily through you and your faith.  He makes no mistakes and honors those who honor Him.

Well, we’ve returned the rental car and settled into our hotel.  Tomorrow morning we will depart from LAX and return back to our families in South Carolina.  One final blog tomorrow – don’t miss it!

What I learned from my father today: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Yesterday, Dan Rice told Dad and me about the speakeasy in the basement of The Georgian Hotel.  However, when we walked into the hotel today, there was no sign of a basement staircase.  Had I been by myself, I would have looked around the lobby and then left, but Dad walked right up to the registration desk and asked about the speakeasy.  Ron, the guest services director immediately offered to show it to us and it was a great experience.  It never hurts to ask, and, in this case, it resulted in more great memories.

What I learned from my son today: It Will All Work Out

Today, we had lots of moving parts to deal with – we needed to ship souvenirs back home that couldn’t be carried on the plane, check into our hotel, return the rental car, print our boarding passes, and still try to have some fun.  I was concerned that it would not all come together, but Ernie had a quiet confidence that it would.  Sure enough, it all did.  The Lord really blessed today and throughout our trip.