Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The ironed "business casual" hung on the doorknob with care,
In hopes that during the morning commute, wrinkles wouldn't dare.
J was tucked away in her third-story turret,
While visions of Monday and first impressions danced in her head...
TEFL looms but I should do justice to the highlights of the horrid trek. Thank goodness I had my madre as my driving companion or I would have fallen asleep and been splattered across a semi's windshield, pages out of my grammar books flying away in the desert wind.
8 naps were taken and 1,444 miles were driven in 17 hours. My 1998 Honda Civic averaged an astonishing 40 miles to the gallon. It's just proof that even ten years ago, Honda was already kicking ass.
Trip Highlights Included:
- Eating a satisfying birthday dinner of tacos and enchiladas for two people for $8 (including tax).
- Discovering a useful travel tip: When in a super-touristy town where all you can spot are casino's spaghetti buffets and convenience stores, pull into a grocery store parking lot and ask locals where they eat. Anyone buying six bags of groceries is probably not going back to the Red Garter Casino to play slots...
- Witnessing a Buddhist monk pump gas in his saffron robe.
- Buying gas was for less money at every gas stop after leaving California (from $4.65 to $3.99).
- Duly noting and appreciating Wyoming's wind farms that generate electricity.
- Hearing on the radio that a 74-year old California woman driving her Cadillac got a little confused about where the parking lot ended and Joe's Convenience Store began, thereby "parking" in the window. When she exited her car she decided she was thirsty and tried to buy a 6-pack of Budweiser Beer. Her patronage was refused and police were called. Oh California, I am already homesick for you.
- Pros On Arrival: Denver is a pretty fabulous city. After only two and a half days, I can tell. Denver put on a great Fourth of July fireworks display. What more could they possibly need?! I visited an art festival yesterday and saw Valet Bike Parking. Tell me you're not falling in love.
- Con: Hanging out in the Mile High City makes you sleepy and exhausted when your body's not accustomed to breathing air with less oxygen.
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Additional moments that mmmadre will remember:
-- The thrill of seeing the driver's side window close after a hundred and fifty miles of I-80 with wind whipping through the car This was accomplished with the help of some friendly Jehovah's Witnesses who knew exactly where to WHACK the door while pulling on the recalcitrant window. When they gave us a copy of "AWAKE!" magazine, I actually smiled broadly and took it with gratitude. Thank you, Jesus!
-- The terror of the FedEx truck we tried to pass -- on the way up the mountain into Park City, UT -- that was dragging something huge that scraped the concrete and emitted sparks like acetylene torch. Called 911 on that one, we did.
-- The dog that barked from 3:30 to 4:30 AM in Coalville, UT, at the motel where the woman said, yes, she did have a dog or two, but they were very quiet, and she was sure they wouldn't disturb our sleep!
-- The joy of arriving in Denver at the home of our good friends Don and Monta, and finding dinner all ready to grill, beds all ready to sleep in, fireworks ready to explode at Coors Stadium, and friendship that never flags regardless of how much time passes between meetings.
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