Route 66 conjures memories and mysteries. A sense of romance and forgotten adventure travels what remains of the road from Illinois to California. Every time I’ve found bits of it to ride along, I look for defeated telephone poles,leftover motels and tourist sites as an archeologist seeks clues. While I have found a good number, I always thought it could be an unending adventure. Last weekend, on a family trip to Los Angeles, we found ourselves in Santa Monica. Reaching the iconic pier left me stunned when I realized we’d come to the end of Route 66. I expected more than a sign and a few handfuls of tourists. The road could not travel any further. It had reached the Pacific.It’s job was complete, but I still wanted more. Just selfish I guess.
appropriatelyfrayed 
November 5th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Sounds like the journey was more than the destination, leaving you wanting more. Not such a bad thing.
November 5th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
You’re so right. There’s still more of the road I haven’t seen so I’ll need to start backtracking.
November 6th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
I’ve often found that this to be true, travelling hopefully is often more satisfying than the arrival! Mind you I like this rather understated end to the famous route, it seems to say that the journey was the thing 🙂
November 6th, 2012 at 8:43 pm
You are right, but since I haven’t covered it all, I’ll need to explore some more.Good to have you check in 🙂
November 10th, 2012 at 10:49 am
[…] 66. I’m not sure where we’d actually drive it, but maybe we’d make it to the end of it in California (or maybe we’d start there!). (via Appropriately […]
November 11th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
It’s worth the trip whichever way you travel because you can only do it in sections! Thanks for stopping by.
November 10th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
say it ain’t so! how strange. and wonderful that you happened (?) upon it. they should have a comments box.
November 11th, 2012 at 6:33 pm
It does seem inconsequential doesn’t it? I had no idea it ended at the pier.
November 12th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
I had a similar experience this time last year. We went on the Eurostar train from London to Brussels through the Channel Tunnel. It was something I’ve always wanted to do. I was expecting some sort of announcement or fanfare as we passed through the tunnel, one of the greatest engineering projects of modern times. But no…there was nothing…it was just like being on any other train journey…..I wanted more too!!
November 12th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
I understand. The Channel Tunnel was on my list too!