Hello,
I have been back in California for about two weeks now getting ready to head off to South East Asia. I had a great drive back across the southern part of the United States. I left North Carolina on December 31st and headed west on Interstate 40. I celebrated the new year in Memphis, Tennessee the birth place of rock and roll. Beale Street in Memphis is definitely a great place for a party – they close down the streets to cars and you can just go from bar to bar and check out all the live bands and the food is fantastic – a great way to start off the new year.
I continued my journey west through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and into New Mexico & Arizona stopping off at Petrified Forest National Park, Meteor Crater, and Sunset Crater National Park before heading to the Grand Canyon for a couple of days. I had a great time at the Canyon – hiking and camping around the south rim – such an amazing place –I had never been there before – but it is definitely a place I will return to…
Heading on from there, I decided to camp out in the Mojave Desert for a night under the stars, but when I tired to find the campground, I ended up getting lost for a couple of hours on dirt roads in the middle of the Mojave. I drove and drove, with no real idea of where I was. I figured that if I was ever going to be abducted by aliens – this was going to be the night – out there all alone in the desert – that’s when they get you. At one point I hit a cross roads and not knowing which way to go, I shut off the truck and headlights and stood on my roof looking for some clue as to which way to head. With the headlights off, I could see a faint glow on the horizon – figuring it was a town – I headed that way. After a few hours of driving, I finally ended up on the northern part if the desert near I15, having completely crossed the desert in an unknown direction. Go figure…
A few days later, I was home and feeling a little strange being back at my place after so long on the road. The trip was a great warm up for the one that lies ahead. Mostly I am packed and ready to head out, just trying to see my friends before I leave.
One final thought before I sign off – I am really concerned about the direction our government is heading in relation to war with Iraq. Despite building opposition at home and abroad – it feels like we are on a path to war despite how the people feel. If you are also concerned about this want to make sure your voice is heard, then join me in signing an online petition asking President Bush to let the weapons inspections work, rather than rushing to war. If we don’t act now, we could be at war by the end of the month. Go to the following site to sign the petition. http://www.moveon.org/winwithoutwar/
Well that’s it for now… Monday I am off for Thailand.
Peace,
Matt