Road Trip — Part III
Driving through Arizona & New Mexico
When a friend who lives in Arizona wondered why I was driving from Colorado instead of flying to see him in Maricopa. I explained to him that driving long distances is a time for me to relax, think, reflect, and physically leave places we sometimes get too comfortable with.
I mapped out the trip, which consisted of major Interstate highways, but somehow, my GPS took me to the scenic route. I grumbled a little to my wife, But I did nothing to find my way back to the main Interstate. Instead, I settled my mind, slowed my heartbeat, and took in everything my senses would allow.
The drive from Colorado Springs to Maricopa took us through bigger towns and cities such as Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Las Cruces. Still, I did not stop in any of those places, not even for gas. We have been to all of those places in the past. I wanted to go off the beaten path and soak in what small towns offer.
Driving long distances always involves quirks. There is an apparent interest in food, culture, and industry. But as a visiting traveler, the people themselves are of the most interest. How do they make their living, what do they do for entertainment, are these current residents transplants or natives, and why do they still live where they do? Meeting strangers always surprises me with how much I will reveal about myself to strangers, and they reveal much to me. It is beautiful that we are less guarded when talking to strangers because we can afford to be. It is cathartic to think unpleasant memories away and physically speak them out of your mouth to a stranger’s ears.
On this trip, I did not speak to many people. Still, with an open mindset, it felt good not to worry about what people think about my words, how they will come across, or what effect my words will have. It is like that old show Taxi Cab Confessions, where taxi passengers, under the surveillance of mics and cameras, would spill their guts to the cab drivers with the most intimate personal information.
I would not tell anyone my darkest secrets, whether to a friend or stranger, but it is still desirable not to be so guarded. This may be a personal issue because I am a person whose words are often taken in a way I did not intend to. This trip could only be completed by a long, leisurely drive. If I had to rush, that would have defeated the purpose of driving. Having free time and patience is essential.
Some of the landscape is desolate and barren. We watched dust devils in the distance on either side and gliding black vultures overhead. I traveled through vast plains and rugged mountains, such as the Rincon and Tucson mountains. The land turns from mountains and hills to flat, arid terrain lined with mesquite trees in the Sonoran Desert. We drove down two-lane dirt highways lined with giant saguaros. We drove past the Whitestone and Dragon Mountains, and the Chiricahua mountains wore a crown of white clouds that rained droplets as big as black cherries. I appreciate the beauty of the wide open spaces, and even with the expensive gas prices, it’s still cheaper than a psychiatrist.
