This project was born out of my love for all things Americana.  I, like many others, have dreamed of hitting the open road and exploring the quintessential Americana that is Route 66.  Neon signs, retro motels, and diners that serve apple pie all day long.  At least, that is what I imagined. 

The first indication that Santa Monica is the end of Route 66, or that it is even a part of the "mother road", was a small vendor selling Route 66 junk about 50 feet from the "End of the Trail" sign.  Many of the old motels, and of course their neon signs, have either fallen into disrepair or have been removed in favor of more modern developments.  The remaining motels were mostly sandwiched between these modern buildings.

Don't get me wrong, I get it.  I stayed in a motel, the Ocean Lodge, that was built in the 50's and still retained it's "charm".  My neighbors partied until 5 a.m. each day and what could I say?  I was the idiot that chose to have the full experience of Route 66 and stay in a motel.  Well, I got the experience.  By the second night I was wishing I had stayed in one of those more modern hotels with a little better noise dampening. 

All of the images you see here were taken while walking along the beach in Santa Monica.  I met a variety of people from all walks of life and had a blast.  This project may be titled The End Of Route 66 but it's certainly not the end of my journey along it.