Muscle Car

USA, California


Late in the day, I'd gotten sloppy with travel arrangments and for some reason thought I'd be in America within about 6hours from Rarotonga. Including a transit stop in Papeete, Tahiti, I was staring at a 12 hour trip with 3hrs in time difference to add too. So 2 more flights with the ageing Air New Zealand fleet were endured - though I did get a good 6hours kip before we landed at LAX at about 2pm.

On my way out of the terminal I met Adam randomly that I'd had a night out or two with back in Syndey. But with no time to spare, I headed to Budget to pick up Compact Ford which would be my home on wheels for the next 11days. Though I had a pleasent surprise when I arrived - the car I'd reserved had been allocated already so I was given a free upgrade.

Now, since an early age, I've dreamed of driving a bright red 2 door car with a prancing horse on the front. Today was nearly my day - I arrived at bay B24 to find a 4litre V6 Bright Red Mustang coupe awaiting my arrival. Better still, the stereo (which sounds fantastic) is tricked up with MP3 capability.

My mind body and now wheels were ready to roll with just one huge obstacle to overcome - Los Angeles traffic before and during rush hour on a Friday.

Eventually away from the airport, I passed Inglewood and an hour or two later Ontario before finally (3hours, 80 miles) getting onto Highway 15 headed North.

I got to see the infamous LA sunset in my rear view mirror - the sun well diffused by the city smog and other atmospherics.

Hungry, thirsty and well in need of a bathroom break, I stopped at the first available eatery - the Golden Arches; I guess I've made a habit of sampling every nations famous dishes. After my burger, I stocked up on some junk food and sugarfree red bull (hey, I'm watching my figure!) and got on the road for the remaining 216miles of todays drive.

The first 50miles were the toughest. I was well ready for a sleep, so I cracked open the pop which got me back on planet Earth enjoying the rare sight that passed me by - there's not many as you pass South of Death Valley desert - at night. With 100miles to go, the light pollution of Las Vegas made a dim sillhouette of the distant mountains, and as I crossed the state border from California to Nevada, the immediate option to gamble at Buffalo Bills was there.

30miles to go I could see a column of lights firing direct into the sky, I'd later find out this was from the Luxor casino - the brightest spot light in the world I think?!

Finally, on a red bull induced level of consicousness, the horizon lit up as "The Strip" came into view. I got a full tank of gas in before my 1st cruise down the Strip - not so much a cruise, more a stop/start traffic jam for 4miles of brash neon and OTT advertising for anything and everything - my first impression? My eyes were buzzing and I was looking forward to having a proper explore of this place. But after 12hours on a plane, followed by nearly 8hours in a car driving, I was ready to sleep. Sleep Good.