Nick: The past three weeks have been the most memorable weeks of my life, collectively. There has been adventure, laughter, challenges, hot weather, beautiful landscapes and a lot of music on repeat. To top all of that off, it was three weeks well spent with the best friends anyone could ask for. I have learnt, that despite the piss-taking of country music; James, Chris and Marc all admitted that they enjoyed one or more of the songs on our playlist - my job here is done and I can now rest peacefully!

Each part of our trip opened my eyes to different things along the way. During Route 66, we all had to pull together to read maps or look out for signs constantly to make sure we were on track. Between Los Angeles and San Francisco, we were able to appreciate how carefree life was in California, despite the fact it wasn't realistic or what we were used to. Finally, on route to Las Vegas (especially by June Lake), we were able to absorb the finer things in life; friendship, laughter, each others company, nature and most importantly, alcohol.

There are so many moments that I could look back on and tell you about, but I'll mention just a few (as we've mentioned the majority of them in our blogs):

1. Oatman - a quiet little rundown village that fulfilled the perfect image of the 'wild west' with saloons, barrels and anything else you could imagine. Having arrived there off of a 15mph drive round the cliff edges of the Arizona canyons, just as the sun set, it was in my mind, the image of Route 66.

2. San Francisco - having spent our nights in the s***hole of the city, the Fisherman's Wharf was amazing, and it was refreshing to eat fresh fish rather thang cakes and/or fried food. The night out was hilarious, and as a whole, we enjoyed a lot of laughs, almost some tears, and an awful experience doing our laundry... there are a lot of stories to tell.

3. Las Vegas - I learnt so much about casinos; no windows, no clocks and they're pumped full of oxygen so you don't feel tired. Thank god for that, because despite losing a lot of sleep, gambling a lot of money and flying through the Grand Canyon, it was literally the most surreal place where life just didn't stop 24/7 - most of all I enjoyed singing along with my friends while the duelling pianists played.

The scenery was ever-changing and couldn't have been more beautiful; from the hills of Oklahoma to the empty plains of Texas, from the pine trees and canyons of Arizona to the beaches and surreal lifestyle of California: it was a lot to take in, but something I'll take a lot more from.

Having spent these three weeks in the company of the same people 24/7, I've realised that I will be friends with these boys for a very long time:
Chris, you've been hilarious and a real pleasure to spoon with most nights. Your inappropriate behaviours (cow slapping) and straight-to-the-point approach to things have made this trip what it is; don't feel like people look down on you; it's not the case.
James, your stomach has been my worst enemy on this trip, but it has also led to the most laughs; what you eat and how it is transitioned through to the other end, shocks me! Your wake up calls to Marc will always be remembered and your up-and-get-ready attitude in the mornings didn't make me feel like such a prune, thank you. Just remember, Team Stunner became Team Stunning on this trip!
Marc, where do I begin. Your relaxed and easy going attitude made this trip so enjoyable, whether it was the laughter we shared over how scared James and Chris were in Holbrook and San Francisco, or the ridiculous challenges that you accepted that no one else would. Pure brilliance!

To those of you that have read our blogs throughout our trip, thank you. I was actually surprised by how many people read these blogs, and quite honestly, we continued writing them because you all seemed interested. I think this time away has made us all appreciate family and friends more, and cherish the relationships we have. Once again, thank you.

For me, this trip started as an idea 5 Years ago, became a plan nearly 3 years ago, and became reality when we booked the flights back in January. To be able to tick Route 66 off of my bucket list as well as squeeze in visits to San Francisco and Las Vegas has been a dream come true, and worthwhile organising. We'll all take away memories from this trip, including football in the desert, visiting the cadillac ranch, eating a 32oz steak and getting pissed in Hooters. Looking back on the last three weeks, would I do anything differently? No. Would I go with anyone else? No. Would I do another road trip or travel with you boys again? Yes.

When's the next trip happening? Did someone say Thailand?

Seriously though, James says it perfectly: it's very easy to plan for a good time, but the best moments we had on this trip (Carlinville, the derelict barn and drinking in Tiger Bar) all occurred by accident, and what a way to share these moments, than with your best friends... and a few token cows!

Boys on tour... no baggage!

x