September, 2008

The early morning fog in no way dampened our spirits. Actually, just the opposite. What a way to start an adventure, with a brisk cool day that replaced the oppressive heat.

As most usually happens when jump time was set for 0800, time of departure was actually 0930 hours. This is really the best time to start. Most scurrying cubicle occupants are already at their desks and the roads are clear.

Interstate 15, with it’s posted 70 mph, had minimal traffic blazing along beyond that numerical value.

One cannot appreciate the countryside, gliding along Interstate 15 south of Cajon Pass.

Shrouded in Smog, that portion between Corona and the beginning of the climb, one cannot visually cut through that brown LA veil of pollutants.

The majestic mountains, billowing clouds and clear blue skies only come into view when one is halfway up the 4190-foot climb. Once you have passed this point, it is like entering another dimension.

That distance between earth and the clouds is almost non-existent, it’s as if you could reach out and touch the clouds. Clarity, contrast and beauty are apt descriptions of the countryside. When one turns to view the valley below, one sees nothing. The LA veil hides it.

The average temp today, Wednesday, September 17, 2008 is 72 degrees. Our 2000 Hyundai is getting a respectful 33.4 mpg while cruising at 65 to 70 mph. However, for the first four hours of our trip we only averaged 34 mph.

We spent too long on two pit stops and over an hour at Bob’s Big Boy restaurant fueling our bodies with a Chicken Salad for Susan and a ½ pound Bacon and Swiss Burger for me.

Our first nights lodging is at Holiday Inn Express, Kingman, Arizona. After a large, I mean large, 12 oz. plastic cup of complimentary Merlot wine (was offered two … but had to refuse for mental reasons ;-)) and six blueberry (miniature) muffins, a hot shower … this lil’ old guy is ready for the sandman.

Till next time … take care.

John