The Journey Out West

Lessons learned on the drive

Listen to the Old Guys when they tell you something about your vehicle - such as "The tires on that van are in need of replacing".  It would have been better to replace them in Conway for 150.00 at the used price, than replace them in Tucumcari, New Mexico for 462.00.  Now that I am away from Shade Tree Mechanic central, who am I going to run too about auto issues? I hate the thought of paying the ignorance fee with mechanics in a state I've only been in for such a short time.  Blowouts in the desert going along at 60 mph will increase the adrenaline levels!

Stop and see the sights. It was my original intention to see some of the sights along the way - as long as it didn't cost anything. But, a blowout that made me late, killed some of those plans. I got a few images along the way though, with a couple of stops.

Get XM radio. There are places in the desert where the only radio stations are Spanish catholic, or Evangelical Crazies. I played the NPR station bingo. Of course, I've only ever had KUAR 88.9 in Central Arkansas, with occasional classic rock. XM would have been really nice. I'm not sure what I would have done without my 9 year old iPod and the FM transmitter.

An iPad is an awesome thing to have - with offline maps. It's even better when in a city and looking for a place to stay and some food to eat. I can still remember the map shuffle my parents played when traveling.  I got good at folding them for them. I had much more fun on this trip even though I am by myself.  How weird is that?

Talk to people. Find a local! Be it a place you stop to eat, or gas up - but ask local's where to find the best places to eat and sleep. Just ask them about the town - people love to brag about their town and they love it when you are interested in what they have to say.

I made it here safe, and I start work tomorrow - Mon 14th of Oct. 

Thank's to all who helped me along the way!