The Great Road Trip Adventure: From San Diego to Tucson
Ah, the romance of the open road! There’s something thrilling about being packed, primped, and ready to tackle the miles ahead, especially when the day starts with a perfectly toasted bagel, a schmear of cream cheese, and the deep embrace of a black coffee. You can imagine the scene, right? It was a crisp morning, and by 10:00, Michele and I were out of the Westin hotel, all packed up and showered, with breakfast sorted, ready to face the day. The journey ahead? A long but exciting road trip from San Diego to Tucson.
Departure from San Diego
We said our farewells in the hotel lobby, where I bid adieu to my colleague from the Netherlands. He looked rather professional, working away in the corner while I, with my suitcase in tow, was ready for adventure. It’s always a bit bittersweet leaving behind the comfort of a good hotel and the memories of conversations had. But, off we went!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: How on earth do you get around without a car in the US? Fear not! We’d planned ahead and booked an Uber to whisk us away to the Alamo car rental at San Diego airport. Nothing too fancy, we thought, just a mid-size SUV from Costco. You know, something practical for the road ahead. But oh, were we in for a surprise!
Mercedes, Darling?
Imagine the joy of walking up to the rental desk, expecting something sensible like a Toyota or a Honda, only to be handed the keys to a Mercedes GLC300 SUV! Yes, you read that right—a Mercedes GLC300. I mean, talk about upgrading the road trip experience. There’s something quite deliciously smug about cruising along in unexpected luxury. It certainly added an extra pep to our step (or should I say, an extra purr to our drive).
By 11:30, we were buckled up and on our way, headed for Tucson. Pauline, my dad’s cousin, was waiting for us, and the miles between San Diego and Tucson stretched ahead, beckoning us with promises of desert landscapes, cacti, and—if luck would have it—tumbleweeds.
On the Road: San Diego to Yuma
Driving through California is always a treat. With the sun high in the sky and the Mercedes gliding over the tarmac, it felt as though we were in a film. The journey was as much about the drive as it was about the destination. That feeling of freedom, of the unknown lying ahead—it’s magical.
At 14:15, with stomachs rumbling, we pulled into Yuma, Arizona, for a quick pit stop. Subway was calling our name, and we heeded the call, ordering up a couple of sandwiches for lunch. (For the record, the sandwich game at Subway was strong that day.) A 40-minute break was just what we needed to fuel up, both literally and figuratively, as we also took the time to top up the Mercedes with petrol. Then it was back on the road, our sights set firmly on Tucson.
Entering Arizona: Cactus and Tumbleweeds Galore
Crossing into Arizona felt like stepping into another world. Suddenly, we were in the heart of the desert, with sprawling landscapes and mountains in the distance. And then, the moment I’d been waiting for—my first wild cactus sighting. Now, I know it sounds silly, but there’s something oddly thrilling about spotting a cactus in its natural habitat. They’re iconic, aren’t they? Majestic and prickly, standing tall against the dry, sun-beaten earth.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we were graced with another classic desert moment. There we were, minding our own business, when what should appear but a tumbleweed, rolling across the highway like something straight out of a Western. It’s the kind of thing you hear about but never expect to witness with your own eyes. But there it was, and I couldn’t help but grin. You know you’ve truly arrived in the Southwest when you’ve got tumbleweeds and cacti for company.
Arrival in Tucson: Family Time
Just after 18:00, we pulled into Pauline’s driveway in Tucson, having clocked a grand total of 406 miles. There’s something satisfying about seeing that kind of number on the odometer at the end of a day’s drive. It felt like we’d really accomplished something.
Pauline, bless her, greeted us with open arms. She was joined by her daughter-in-law, Christine, and soon we were all huddled around, chatting away. Family stories were shared—some heartwarming, some hilarious, all of them adding to the tapestry of our trip. There’s something so special about connecting with family, especially when miles and years have kept you apart. Those moments of reconnection are what really make travel worthwhile.
Time to Rest and Recharge
After a few hours of chatting and reminiscing, it was time to call it a night. We made our way to the guest bedroom, ready to collapse onto the bed. The journey had been long, but the day had been full of adventure and unexpected delights. Tomorrow promised more exploring, but for now, it was time to rest.
Lying there, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day. From the early morning hustle in San Diego to the luxury of the Mercedes, the lunch stop in Yuma, and the desert magic of Arizona, it had been a day well spent. And though my legs were tired and my eyes heavy, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. There’s something deeply fulfilling about a good road trip—something about the miles covered, the places seen, and the people met along the way that stays with you long after the journey is over.
But that’s a story for another day. For now, it’s time to dream of tomorrow’s adventures.
