Hallo All-
Let's just start with the statement that whatever thoughts I had about driving before, I really really dislike driving now. I even wrote a poem for yalls:
I don't like driving.
I really don't like driving.
Vroom vroom goes the car.
My bum hurts.
I won't hold my breath for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Neither should you.
Today was just filled with driving. And driving. And more driving. Amarillo, TX to Henderston, NV was going to be twelve hours+ long.
I left the hotel at 12:00 PM CST (the receptionist was the rude one from when I tried to book a room the day before. I won't even go into how terrible the experience was. Having worked in the hospitality business, I was appalled) and literally just headed west on I-40 for what seemed like forever. I only stopped for gas until I realized I was SOOOOO hungry in Flagstaff, AZ, that I had to stop and get food as well.
I took a few pictures along the way. But they just don't do it justice. Plus I couldn't hold the camera steady. I mean, I wasn't on my phone while driving... >.>
Thoughts on New Mexico
Gallup was a cute town. I must have visited or stopped by there before because I totally recognized the main touristy area on the old Route 66. I did have to drive a little bit more in town than expected (wasted about 25 extra minutes) trying to get to the Shell gas station. Apple's maps was wrong and so I had to reroute myself so out of my way almost out of town to get gas. There were so many hitchhikers to be seen. Even if I wanted to help them, I couldn't, with the bookshelf frame spanning the whole passenger side front to back. I also didn't realize how Albuquerque was nestled in the mountains. And, seeing a lightning storm from far away was amazing. The last time I saw one of those were in the Black Hills in South Dakota. You can just see a massive grey wall and sun right next to it. So cool. I passed by quite a few little towns, each with their own church (at least I think they were churches), scattered along the highway. Everyone in those communities must be super tight with one another.
Thoughts on Arizona
The first thing I saw when I drove into the state was this huge "Indian City" sign selling your standard Native American souvenirs and goods. Then there was "Indian Ruins" and then another one and then another one. Then I realized: I was driving by the Navajo Indian Reservation. Then I really looked around. I passed this grouping of buildings that resembled the discarded blocks left by a child; all were the same design of a one room with attached garage; one small dirt road leading away. It may not be the poorest Indian Reservation (I believe Pine Ridge in South Dakota has that title), but it still pained my heart at seeing the starkness and overall poverty. On a different note, I counted seven separate trains trudging along on their own paths. Made me think of Harry Potter again. I really should try and make it out to Harry Potter World.
Same trees. Same shrubs. No Shade. All sun. Why did I wear a black polo?!
I realized I didn't eat a real meal since lunch with Betsy yesterday, I mean you can't really count a bag of Fig Newtons as real food.
The drive down the mountain in Nevada were scary as crap. I had to put Marmot back into his carrier because I couldn't have him accidentally shift gears on me. Thank goodness I made the trip with my dad a couple of times so I was prepared to not slam on my brakes. But do you realize the speed limit is 75 mph and SO many trucks and cars went whizzing by. I am sure they were all annoyed by the small Michigan car going super slow, but I was not going to take any chances. I didn't smell any burning smells so that means my tires are okay! Hahaha
Pulled in at 11:10 PM PST. Nothing like thirteen hours of being on the road. And me...who I always thought I could only handle four hours at the most?
I apologize for all the typos. I am tired.
Okies. More adventures to come.
Much love,
Rog
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