"The age of nations has past. The time has come, if we would not perish, to build the earth." - Teilhard de Chardin
First day: I left on my birthday (June 7) ...remember, so you can send me expensive presents next year. It began an already tired traveler, stayed up too late and woke up too early. I wasn't my normal, patient consumer self when I was short with the Jack in the Box drive-thru dude who insisted he gave me what I asked for. I decided to drive to Mammoth Lakes via Tioga Pass. This was not so smart, as Tioga Pass was closed (found out 10 miles short of Yosemite Valley), and I had enough knowledge to know to check. My second choice was to go over Sonora pass: a huge but, really, only other reasonable detour. 25 miles before the summit, I noticed my Subaru's temperature gauge shooting up. I pulled over immediately and let the car cool ...the coolant was aboil and had even spewed out on the driver side of the car. It took me 5 or 6 hours to get to Carson City, going north, instead of south, on 395 because it was downhill. Mammoth Lakes would have to wait. I checked into America's Best Value Inn because it was $35.99, just like the neighboring Motel 6 whose 26 miles ago billboard drew me in (my hotel advertised free Wi-Fi). Before going to bed, I did notice that across the street (395) there was a Subaru dealership (I drive a Forester). I went to sleep thinking tomorrow would be better.
Second day: typing this blog entry at 4:01 pm. I took my car in at a few minutes to 7 and got it back at 3:00. Tomorrow I will drive to Mammoth Lakes, where it is still ski season. Of course, I am toying with the idea of going skiing.
Oh, the adult content warning. I may talk about drugs. And, in a moment of unrestricted feeling of freedom, I might emphasize something with an F-bomb. If that makes you queasy, I suggest trying to take it in stride. But, because I know some are a bit sensitive, I will do my best to limit myself to nongratuitous cussing. I'm sure most of you will be fine and fucking* dandy with it.
While I may cuss and joke now and then, this blog is not about silliness, drugs, or profanity. I hope I can make it even not about me. I'd like it to be about important stuff, like how we humans can actually do something real about where we are currently seeming to go in this handbasket. This is what I have been totally convinced of for 42+ years.
Lastly, my trip is through the end of July, making it one day short of 8 weeks.
Peace to all.
Ray
ps What I plan to do with this blog is post photos & videos, share my musings and update you on how the writing is coming. I confess to be afraid of doing too little. Maybe, this blog will help keep me disciplined, writing more and playing less.
* gratuitous? ...no
