Day 9 the Final Day of the Road Trip
How Was It Already the Last Day?!
I could hardly believe it—the final day of our road trip was here. Our last destination, San Diego, was just a six-hour drive away, and as I settled into Tina’s car for the final long haul, I felt a wave of mixed emotions. Sadness that the adventure was ending, but excitement knowing San Diego was just hours away.
But one thing was certain—this journey had been unforgettable.
Saying Goodbye to Route 40
The reality of it all really sank in when we finally parted ways with Route 40—a highway that had practically become home over the past several days. It had carried us through the heart of the country, and now, saying goodbye to it felt like closing the chapter on an incredible adventure.
As I focused on the road ahead, I couldn’t help but reflect on how grateful I was that this journey had happened at all.
I won’t say a cross-country road trip had always been a lifelong dream, but over the years, it had worked its way onto my list. With their rise in popularity during COVID times, the idea of driving across the country felt more and more appealing—but I never had a set plan for when it would actually happen.
And now, thanks to my good friend Tina, it had finally become a reality. (Shoutout to Tina—couldn’t have done this without you!)
But even though the road trip was coming to an end, the adventure wasn’t over yet. I still had a full week ahead in San Diego, and I reminded myself to soak in the present moment.
San Diego, here we come!
Welcome to California
With a quick fuel stop in Yuma, AZ, Tina took over the very last shift of driving. It only seemed fitting for her to drive into San Diego, her future home for the next 4 months.
Crossing into California felt surreal. The first thing we saw? Massive sand dunes stretching out before us, with off-roaders riding buggies up and down the huge dunes. A quick Google search revealed that these were the Imperial Sand Dunes, the largest mass of sand dunes in California, spanning over 40 miles.
Just beyond the dunes, the landscape transformed yet again as we entered a winding, curvy stretch of Interstate 8 known as Kumeyaay Highway. This part of the highway snakes through Devils Canyon, a steep pass in the Jacumba Mountains.
Surrounded by towering rock formations and boulder-strewn cliffs, we were in complete awe. But as much as we admired the scenery, one thought crossed my mind—I wouldn’t want to be here during an earthquake! Some of those boulders looked like they were hanging on for dear life.
Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, another realization hit us—just how close we were to Mexico.
At times, Interstate 8 literally hugged the border, with towns like Calexico and Mexicali flashing by on the road signs. The proximity became even more apparent when we unexpectedly had to pass through an agriculture checkpoint and then a border inspection station, two things we hadn’t anticipated.
Before we knew it, the rugged landscapes of Southern California gave way to urban sprawl. Traffic signs for San Diego appeared, and suddenly, the realization hit us—we had made it.
Crossing the Finish Line in San Diego
We rolled into San Diego early in the afternoon, with plenty of time to explore Tina’s new neighborhood and, most importantly, celebrate the fact that we had just driven nearly 3,000 miles across the country.
Nine days.
Fourteen states.
Eight overnight stops.
Countless memories.
It had been the adventure of a lifetime.
Final Thoughts on the Road Trip
This road trip was so much more than just getting from Point A to Point B. It was about uncovering quirky roadside stops, playing incredible golf courses, exploring new places along the way, and most of all, sharing the adventure with a great friend—laughing, reminiscing, and making memories we’d never forget.
There’s truly something special about crossing the country mile by mile—seeing how the scenery shifts, how the people and cultures change, and how the open road has a way of making you reflect on the bigger picture.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
But for now, it was time to kick back, soak up San Diego’s ocean breeze, and toast to the journey we’d just completed.
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