April 2, 2024
Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 2)
By Simon J. Lau
I took Bruno out for a long walk around the Silver Strand neighborhood, and we eventually made our way to the pier. There we came across a large group of sea lions. Bruno usually loves to bully animals, but this time he wisely kept his distance. He seemed to understand he was undersized for this crowd.
Afterward, I stopped by the 24 Hour Fitness in Oxnard. I usually dislike 24 Hour Fitness gyms, but this one had excellent facilities and was located right next to the pier. Thanks to a weightlifting class I took before this trip, I also had one of my best squat days in years, completely free from back pain.
En route, we passed by one of my favorite spots, the Salton Sea. 🌊 Ever since publishing an OpEd about it in the Los Angeles Times, friends often send me news or inquire about visiting. I’m always glad to be associated with such a strange and fascinating place.
After a long drive through the desert, we eventually arrived in Yuma. It’s known as the “Sunniest City in the World,” with more than 90% sunshine annually. It also served as an important crossing point on many Old West trails, and was later made famous by the classic Western 3:10 to Yuma. Both the 1957 original and the 2007 remake used the town as the backdrop for an outlaw awaiting transport to justice, cementing Yuma’s place in Hollywood’s version of the Wild West.
For this trip, I’m sticking with affordable, pet-friendly spots, which means plenty of budget motels, including this surprisingly solid Motel 6. I’d never stayed at one before and, given their questionable reputation, I was a little skeptical. The first thing I did when I walked into the room was check for bedbugs. Fortunately, all clean! The place is pretty decent and conveniently close to the main drag.
One of the restaurants nearby was Hooters, so for dinner we walked over. The patio was spacious and dog-friendly, and the waitresses couldn’t resist showering Bruno with affection. 🥰
Finally, our route from Oxnard to Yuma (335 miles or 539 km).
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