The drive through AZ went pretty smooth. Things went wrong after crossing into New Mexico. I lived there for a few months right after college. To this day, I've still got no us for the place. Just before Albuquerque traffic came to a grinding halt for 30 minutes due to a traffic accident involving a semi and an old car. When I finally passed it with my camera rolling I was awed by the scene. Certainly there were fatalities in the car. Just after Albuquerque, traffic stopped for another accident. I was behind schedule and the trip was a little longer than I had thought so I was not tempted to stop at exit 203 on I 40. I won't say what's at that exit but suffice it to say Momma wouldn't approve. I drove on and stopped at a Denny's for dinner at 7:30. I called Barry to warn him I would be in later than expected. I had the gitters or somesuch malady at that time and couldn't sit still to eat my dinner. I requested a to-go box and hit the road again.
Twice these familiar roads were confused by road construction. It was 11:30 when I rolled into the town where I spent 4 1/2 very educational years. I was feeling very sentimental at being back there. I was also very happy to be off the road after 13 1/2 hours and 834 miles.
Back
Home
After a long day on the road there's nothing like a few cold ones with old friends. I had no idea they would keep me up until 4AM playing cards. It was just like old times. I should've known.
The next day Barry's family and I went to Lubbock where Jay & Shawna live. Matt and Mona couldn't join us so I'll have to catch them next time. Jay's sister, Shawna's brother and Gary stopped by for a while that evening along with a couple other guys.
Jay got out 80's and early 90's tunes and Shawna brought out some photo albums. We all visited for hours and recounted tales that grow taller with each passing year.
One by one, everybody went home and I crashed for the night around 2AM after visiting with Shawna, Melanie and Brandon. It was very hard to leave the next morning but I know I'll be seeing these friends again next year at my 10-yr reunion.
