3 January 2025
Nancy and I ushered 2025 into the world in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The land is grand, the food good, the culture exciting. But, it is always good to head home with fond memories and a wish to see more -someday.
We drive back the Santa Fe Trail, at speeds 75 times faster than the covered wagons which reached this neck of the woods 100 years ago. After incredibly long and clogged backups for road work, which seemed ill planned from the start, we reached the Albuquerque International Sunport for Nancy’s return flight to New Orleans. For me, I pointed my trusty Prius West toward home.
The landscape is awesome in this part of the country. On auto pilot, listening to Walter Isaacson’s audio book Elon Musk, the miles fly past. Interstate 40 through New Mexico and Arizona is posted 75 mph and yet others wizz past. I enjoy the mesas, desert, mountains, blue sky. Not much joy heard when listening to Elon the Muskrat. If anyone desires to understand the upcoming blood bath that will take place as a result of the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, read this book.
I stop for gas. I recognize this is the last time I will be able to fill my tank for under $20. However, I always remind myself at times like this that because of the additional taxes on fuel in CA, I can also breathe better in Los Angeles. I remember what it was like in the 1970s-1990s with thick smog over the basin. At least that improved enough my eyes don’t burn the moment I top over the mountains. But then, it also makes me angry every time I drive by all those oil pumps and refineries supplying that oil.
After an overnight stop in Kingman, Arizona, I continue my drive into California, through Barstow and over the mountains into beautiful downtown Bakersfield. The fog lies over the mountains but below the valley it is clear. I visit friends here for a couple days.
Then, I drive the miles home to the Central Coast. The wonderful sunsets welcome me. I am always glad to arrive.
And, the excitement builds as I begin planning for my next adventure.
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