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Lunch at White Sands National Park
All alone for lunch at White Sands National Park
Lunch stop inside White Sands National Park. We give it two thumbs up for its unique design and otherworldly look. It's also perfectly designed for social distancing during a pandemic.
Giant Marfa
Pop art commemorating the western movie Giant
Located just west of Marfa, Texas are several large, colorful pieces of pop art commemorating the western movie “Giant.” The movie was filmed at Little Reata Ranch in the 1950s and starred James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson. The film was James Dean’s last movie before his death in 1955.
“Giant” was a western epic capturing the drama of a Texas ranch family amidst the prospect of oil riches. “Giant” was added to the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
The plywood tribute by artist John Cerney, titled "Giant Marfa," was erected in October 2018. It is located a few miles west of Marfa on US 90, on the north side of the road. A solar array powers a sound system playing country music by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees.
Rock Hudson, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor
Rock Hudson in car with James Dean
Mural featuring Elizabeth Taylor painted by California based muralist John Cerney
Crossing the USA on I-40
Sign showing the distance to Wilmington, North Carolina at the start of I-40 in Barstow, CA
We have now traveled the entire length of Interstate 40. From the eastern end in North Carolina to the western end in California. And then back. Twice.
Eastern end of I-40 in Wilmington, North Carolina
Interstate 40 spans 2,554 miles. The western end of I-40 is at I-15 in Barstow, California; its eastern end is at a concurrency of U.S. Route 117 (US 117) and North Carolina Highway 132 in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is the third-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, behind I-80 and I-90.
I-40 runs east–west through eight states. The state with the longest segment of the highway is Tennessee; the shortest state segment is in California.
The sign in California showing the distance to Wilmington, North Carolina, has been stolen several times.
Twice is not enough. We're ready to go again.
Donner Summit
Donner Summit on I-80
One of the go-to overnight stops on our cross-country trips to the west coast is Donner Pass Rest Area. The rest area is located on the eastern side of California on I-80 at an elevation of 7239 feet. No air conditioning required at this elevation. It's a great overnight spot.
Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park
40,000+ miles later, still one of our favorite places.