Road Trip!

I recently went on a trip with my parents down to visit family near San Diego, California.  We drove.  This, however, is not the first time we've driven down there, no, not by any stretch of the imagination.  In fact I can count the number of times I haven't driven down there on one hand...2, but I have been down there well over a hundred times I'm sure!

With that being said, it is 1,018 miles from Corvallis to San Diego, a drive time of about 16 hours and 30 minutes according to Google Maps directions.  My parents and I did it in one day, a long day, but one day, again, not the first time we've done that either.  But along the trip there are key things that I always remember, look for and reminisce about from when I was a kid.  I thought I'd share some of them with you, and maybe a funny story or two.

1) We always stop for gas in Grants Pass, Oregon.  When I was little we went to this gas station that was near the caveman in Grants Pass.  We switched gas stations several years ago, so it's been a very long time since I've seen the caveman, but I still remember what he looks like.  We got off on the exit that he stands at this trip, but I didn't see him.  Here is a picture of him that I found online though:

2) Just as you get into California, there is "The Rusty Dragon."  I don't remember when he showed up, but I don't really remember him from when I was really little (but then again I could have been sleeping, coloring, throwing up...you know, all those things little kids do in the car).  But now he's a highlight of my trip.  I always "check-in" at the rusty dragon on Foursquare as I drive by.  On my way down I didn't get to because I was actually driving (a problem I never had as a kid) but I was able to click this really blurry picture of him on our way home!  The rusty dragon has a rusty cow friend too...but he's near...

3) The State of Jefferson!  If you haven't heard about this, you should look at this: http://www.jeffersonstate.com/
It gives you all the information on the "State of Jefferson"

4) Did you know that the closest In-N-Out Burger on I-5 is in Redding California?  Well, it is.  This is a MUST STOP place on our trips to southern California.  I know exactly how to get there...oh man, I can taste the Protein style Double Double and fries just thinking about it!  Oh...and California now has a law where you have to post the calories for everything...not cool California, not cool.  I didn't want to know how many calories are in a Double Double! This shot isn't from the one in Redding, but from the In-N-Out in Kettleman City, where we ate dinner.  Pretty awesome shot for a cell phone if you ask me!

5) I was born in California, did you know that?  Yep, Sacramento!  Woohoo!  Well, here's a funny story for you.  When I was little I wanted to be a spy, why, I don't know, but I did.  I had a pair of Foster Grant sunglasses that were black with a little red FG on the ear piece that was a circle.  They were my "super special sunglasses" and I would pretend that I could shoot lasers from my sunglasses if I pushed the little red "button" and could save the world...my target:

The "spaceship" that landed in Sacramento, also known as, the giant Sacramento Water Tower just off I-5.  This was always my target of choice.  Even to this day, as I drive by I have the secret urge to shoot down the aliens that have landed...and yes, this was before I ever saw Men In Black.

6) The Grapevine and all the wonders of the LA area.  I always look for Magic Mountain, San Dimas, Disneyland, and when I was really little I tried to keep a tally of all the palm trees...that was impossible, but I still tried. I would sing "I heard it through the grapevine" as we would drive through the mountains on our way.  But Lyons Ave In-N-Out was always the last stop before Grandmas! (but not this trip...it was too late)

7) Ahhh...Grandmas!  We would pull in and all of the familiar sounds and smells would come flooding back.  It really is a home away from home. I don't think I can put into words how being at my grandparents place makes me feel.  It's always warm and cozy feeling, and not because of the temperature but because of the love of my family.  Here are just a couple pics from there.

This was my Grandpa's sign.  I though it was a cool shot.

I'm Picking at night...yeah, it's hard to pick grapefruit with a flashlight under your arm

I Love Southern California!  It makes me feel like I'm safe.  And it's always hard to say goodbye to family down there.  Here's one final shot of Mt. Shasta from the Weed rest area...another must stop. :-)

Do you have a place that you like to go that always brings back wonderful memories? Where?