WE MADE IT!!!!!

September 21, 2006: Leaving Barstow, CA the convoy was pleasantly surprised to be accompanied by Jim Johnston (President of the Austin Bantam Society, ABS) and Neil Fraser (also of the ABS) in a pickup truck with a huge welcome sign on the back. The old road twisted and turned along side the railway tracks all the way through San Bernardino and into Pasadena. The now familiar old neon signs and Route 66 art-deco architecture were also evident along the way, including a lovely old drive-in movie theatre.

Just before Pasadena, the convoy was joined by three vintage MGs from the 1940s and 1950s. Once in Pasadena, the group gratefully accepted Norman Booth's (Founder and Secretary of ABS) invitation to a picnic at his house where the food (thank you Katie Johnston) and company were excellent. A cake in honor of the trip was also produced - amazing.

Jim Johnston was presented with a shield from the 750 MC so the ABS could use it as a trophy for American Austin and Bantam car events. The suggestion of using the shield as a long distance prize was met with some amusement but let's hope that the Route 66 Tour has inspired more usage from the Baby cars in the USA. Certainly, Lynn James should be a candidate this year for his pilgrimage along the Mother Road with the convoy. In addition, there was an exchange of gifts between the MG folks and the ABS folks with the intrepid British car crews - thank you all.

Leaving the picnic earlier than they would have liked, the Austins hit the road for the final leg of the journey into Santa Monica. The convoy, expertly guided by Gene Olson (TC Motoring Guild) and Steve Simmons, both in their MGs, passed through the traffic of LA County, through China Town and Beverly Hills and into Santa Monica. The official end of America's Highway was a little disappointing since it was unmarked and is now the entrance to a freeway. Undaunted, the convoy drove onto Santa Monica Pier where, as they drove over the wooden planks, they were met by a round of applause by Gene Olson whose clapping was significant and sounded like 10 thousand hands. It should be acknowledged that the final 40 miles were made so much easier by Gene and Steve's help and support, and the access to the pier was made possible by Gene. Thank you so very much.

September 22, 2006: A trip into Beverly Hills to see the homes of the rich and famous was followed by a lovely farewell BBQ for the group, hosted by Steve Simmons and his wife at their home in Calabasas. A very emotional evening and a bitter sweet time. The Five Baby Austins and their support car all made it safely but now it was over.

Comments

[Janet Edroff]

Congratulations to all of you! What a fantastic acheivement for cars and occupants, youshould be very proud.
A special vote of thanks to the blogger in chief, you can probably tell by the comments people have made, but we have enjoyed following day to day progress both in words and pictures. I know it has been my first task each morning to read of yesterdays exploits!I am amazed that you found the time and energy to do it each day! Many thanks to you.
Have a great rest and holiday now and enjoy the Califronian weather. I'll look forward to meeting you at Heathrow,Thanks for a great holiday! Love Janetx

[Stephanie Duffy]

Dear All, congratulations on finishing the trip. I bet you're already thinking "where next"!
can't wait to talk to veronica when she gets home.
Stephanie.
PS Love to Diana and Veronica.

[Linda Hunt]

Well Done!!!!!!!!!! Very proud of you all! The cars have been brilliant too, even the youngster supporting you. Loved following you on-line.
Now try and have a rest.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
love Linda,Ian,Rachel and Lizzie

[Miriam]

Message for Veronica and Wendy
Thank you for your route 66 postcard it was read to the Purton Evening WI members at their recent meeting.
We are looking forward to your return to hear more about your travels we guess ordinary life will be a little diffulcult after such an exciting journey.
Miriam

[Nev, Jan, Danielle, Rebecca]

Hi all, Fantastic, very proud of you all, what an experience, the update of your journey has been excellent to read and the pictures great to look at, enjoy and relax now, see you mum and dad, nan and grandad when you get home, love nev,jan,dan and bec xxxxxx

[Nev, Jan, Danielle, Rebecca]

Don;t know if you got the message about james mum and dad, his going to be a dad, kayleigh is pregnant, another great grandchild for you both. xx

[colin cooke]

What a performance. Well done to everyone. I can only repeat what has been said before. It's been so much fun following the adventure, from the comfort of our homes. Thanks must go to the creator and maintainer of a great web site.
I can imagine the discussions at the celebration dinner. For a group of people that are so obcessed with history; I bet you were only looking forward.....to the next challenge.
Congratulations from the Towcester Cookes.

[Tweed]

I`m going to buy a hat just so I can take it off to you all....what a fantastic trip and an inspiration to everybody that has been following your progress. Can`t wait for the book!! :>)

Tweed .... 1947 MGTC

[Linda Hunt]

The grapevine has been busy. Special congratulations to Diana and River!
love from the Shefford Hunts

[Robert Paige]

Add my congratulations to all the others you have received. Good Show !

Also, you have done an excellent job on your daily postings to provide us readers with an "armchair tour" of Route 66.

(I especialy like your photos of the Mojave, the Garden Spot of California. ;-)

Thanks also for allowing me the privilege of meeting all of you and joining along with the caravan between Claremore and Oklahoma City.

Best wishes on your next project, whatever that may be.

I have just invested in a copy of the "EZ Guide" which clears up some mysteries about some of those detours you took between Claremore and Oklahoma City.

My next project....The Titanic Museum at Branson, Missouri; the Munger Moss Motel at Lebanon, Missouri; and "filling in the gaps on Route 66" in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.

Bon Voyage for a safe and sane return trip for you and all the members of the Austin Seven Family.

Robert Paige

PS- I still think you should consider "Route 40" sometime when you have the time for a future project.
;-)

[Bob Stoner]

HiWe enjoyed meeting you in Napoleon, Ohio. We haved followed your daily log and really enjoyed it. Good luck on your trip home.Mary & Bob StonerToledo, Ohio

[to Veronica and Wendy from Lydiard Millicent Lunch club members]

Congratulations to you and "the team" we have been thinking of you on your travels. What a fantastic experience, so many great photo's. We are looking forward to hearing about it all first hand. have a good journey home

[Tara Beth Browne (River's sister and Veronica and Diana's friend)]

Congratulations, River and Diana. I will be very proud and excited to call Diana my new "sister", and Veronica my "Mum" and friend. Thankful everyone had a safe and wonderful adventure and so very thankful and blessed to have met the "other" wonderful Brits. Love to you all. If any of you guys across the big blue decide to visit the east coast in historical Charleston--we have a beautiful beach condo you are more than welcome to stay in during your stay here--Just get my info from River. God Bless.--Tarabeth

[George and Karol Halin]

Congratulations to all of you. We have greatly enjoyed reading of your daily adventures and viewing the wonderful pictures. We are so happy that we were able to share a small portion of the trip with you from Butler, PA through Ohio and into Indiana. Have a safe trip home!!