Driving cross-country

 

In mid-August, I drove 2000 miles from my AZ home to my mom’s in OK and back. I drove 500 miles each day and stopped often to relax and view the landscape. Driving alone across rural states provides plenty of time for contemplation and inspiration.

It is interesting to stop in rest areas along the interstate highways. My favorite in AZ is Texas Canyon on I-10 near Dragoon, AZ. It is an iconic scene from a mid-century cowboy movie of the old west.

My favorite interstate highway in the US is I-25 from Las Cruces, NM to Albuquerque, NM. I love the vistas and the curves through the mountains. The traffic is not heavy and the road is in good shape for an interstate. My favorite rest area on this road is a group of wooden pod buildings connected by raised walkways. It is near San Acacia, NM in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. It would be a great setting for a sci-fi movie.

I-40 across the middle of the US is one of the worst highways. It parallels old Route 66, but has none of its little town culture and quirkiness. The road is in terrible shape and carries tons of regional and national traffic. However, one of the nicest rest areas in Texas is on I-40, near Alanreed, TX. It has a dramatic oversize architecture that soars skyward from the plains.

The I-40 rest stop near Erick, OK was a relief. I love the classic rock walls that remind me of my Uncle’s ranch house in South TX. The flower beds out front are a relief after the bleakness of TX Panhandle terrain.

In OK, I helped Mom clear a storage unit. My MINI is too cute!