After 6 days of camping through wind, rain and sandstorms we were more than ready for a bed and a room which didn't have the possibility of blowing away in the night. We choose to stay in a small historic town in Arizona called Jerome.
Founded in 1876 Jerome is a revived Ghost Town which was abandoned for many years after the Gold and Copper Mines closed in the 1950's. Once referred to as the Wickedest Town in the West Jerome now acts as snapshot to this historic time.
When the mining ended in the 1950s the population of 15000 left to find work elsewhere, leaving their houses behind and Jerome become a ghost town. The town has now been revived with the arrival of hippies, musicans, poets and artists. Jerome is a quircky cool place to hang out and very different from the highly comercialised, all look the same, american towns we have visited.
Coming from England its hard to be impressed with American history as many of the buildings date from the 1930's. One 'museum' looked like a typical scrapyard in Blyth. However, the town is set on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200ft), the sun was shining and there was plenty of wine to be tasted.
The downside to our stay in Jerome was the parking fine we received when we went to leave. Apparently there are laws dictating which direction you need to park. Needless to say Karl wasn't too happy.
Big Sur
After two long days of driving we finally made our way back to the Californian Coast. We drove up the famously scenic Highway 101 to reach the Big Sur National Park where we spent two nights camping, walking and relaxing on the beach.
Los Angeles
Our last stop on our American Itinerary was LA. The city of Angels. Or more like, the city of crazy people who talk to themselves. We cant comment too much on LA. We only had one day there before our flight so just stayed around our hotel which was based in Hollywood. We saw the sign, saw the stars and then swifty left America behind.
Next stop Mexico City.
