Mystery Mansions, Hollywood Dreams & a Fast-Food Nightmare
Day 4 of Our 9-State Overlanding Journey
We woke up stiff, cranky, and tired after yet another uncomfortable night in a Walmart parking lot. This was our third night sleeping in the truck, and let’s just say our spirits were starting to crack. But like every day on the road, there was no time to dwell — adventure was calling.
The Winchester Mystery House: A Maze of Madness and Wonder
After grabbing breakfast, we drove toward San Jose to check out the legendary Winchester Mystery House — and wow, it did not disappoint.
Imagine walking through staircases that go nowhere, doors that open into walls, and hallways that twist like a dream. This mansion is an architectural fever dream built by Sarah Winchester, and every corner feels like it’s hiding a secret.
As wild as it was, there was something truly beautiful and eerie about the place. The craftsmanship, the bizarre design choices, and the ghost stories whispered through the halls gave us goosebumps and left us in awe.
Hollywood Stars & Beverly Hills Views
From there, we hit the road again — destination: Los Angeles.
We strolled down Hollywood Boulevard, taking in the glitz and chaos, reading the names on the Walk of Fame, and soaking in that surreal feeling of standing in a place we’ve only seen in movies.
Next, we cruised through Beverly Hills, caught a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign, and tried to imagine what life was like behind those gated mansions. The sun was shining, traffic was wild, and it felt like we were right in the middle of a movie set.
Popeyes Disaster in Santa Monica
But then… it happened. Our worst fast-food experience ever.
Rolling into Santa Monica, we stopped at a Popeyes to grab dinner. Cayden went in and ordered, but after being told it would be a 14-minute wait, he chose to cancel. They offered a refund — but didn’t give him the full change.
I went in to sort it out… and the employee just disappeared.
One full hour.
That’s how long I stood there — filming the chaos — trying to get our money back. Staff shuffled around awkwardly. No manager showed up. No apology. Eventually, someone handed us the refund.
Later, we checked the reviews: 2 stars. Makes sense. We left angry, frustrated, and just done with fast food for the day.
Walmart… Again
By now, it was dark. We were drained. After striking out on nearby campgrounds, we surrendered to the inevitable — Walmart, night #4.
Uncomfortable? Yes.
Memorable? Also yes.
Road Rage to Road Resilience: Day 4 in the Books
From the twisting halls of a haunted mansion to walking the streets of Hollywood, and ending with a ridiculous battle over fried chicken, Day 4 reminded us that overlanding isn’t just about the scenic views — it’s about the unexpected stories you collect along the way.
Some of them funny.
Some frustrating.
But all worth remembering.
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