We made it! Bittersweet Symphony playing on Spotify and tears of joy and relief as my beautiful, magnificent Coachella Valley mountains come into view.
That always happens.
So there it is. Another epic fait accompli.
Thanks to all for following along, and if you ever have any questions about traveling with pets cross-country by car, hit me up!
I aim to serve. ❤️
Until next time… with many blessings of health and abundance…
🙏🏼🌿🦉🌵 OBC
Before hitting the road this morning on day six of seven, I got to see both the gorgeous full moon setting (from the parking lot) AND my baby granddaughter, Belle (on Facetime). Lucky me!
in terms of scenery, this penultimate day of my Westbound journey is perhaps the most dramatic. New Mexico and Arizona showcase tall painted cliffs and wide open vistas, expanding the heart. But heed the signs:
Zero visibility is possible.
Gusty winds may exist.
(Not to mention very long trains.)
Some trains out here can pull hundreds of container cars. I saw one extended lineup requiring four engines up front. It takes a lot of power to move a heavy load.
Think about it. 
About halfway through today’s drive, I stopped at a trading post to look at Navajo rugs. That particular place, which I popped into last year, too, has a small locked room lined on three sides with racks of rugs, all woven in peaceful colors of black, white, gray, brown, and deep red. So beautiful, so soft, and, as I learned, so very expensive. So I did not purchase one… but it was a pleasure to look and feel.
The Native woman who let me into the locked room wasn’t too chatty (I may have interrupted her lunch) but she did tell me the wool comes from sheep raised on the res. When I asked if I could take a photo of the display, she said “no photographs allowed on the reservation”— none at all. I was surprised to hear that, and will investigate further. (If she had been inviting, I would’ve loved to ask her more, but we need to meet people where they are.)
Anyway, sorry I can’t show you pictures of the beautiful rugs. But here’s another shot of that spectacular full moon, from this morning in Edgewood.
By the time she rose again, I was in Flagstaff, walking around (and around!) the block with my dear old friend, Celia, who lives here. Such a treat to see her twice a year on this journey! She’s like my semicolon—a lingering pause, enjoyed near the closing bracket of each trip’s beginning or end, depending on the season.
In this case, it is Autumn and we are almost complete! Just one more day of traveling, illuminated by fullness…
OBC 🌕🦉🌵
Day 4 of this journey marks a literal turning point as we 1) begin by continuing south on I-44, which we picked up yesterday from the I-70 in St. Louis; 2) take I-44 down through the beautiful cave-studded Missouri Ozark mountains into Oklahoma, and via Tulsa to Oklahoma City; 3) veer onto the I-40, and start heading due WEST!
California here we come!
It will be good to put this tangled central corridor behind us. Columbus, Indianapolis, and of course St Louis were all challenging on Day 3.
Not to keep repeating myself, but as some of you know, of all the cities encountered on this 7-day road trip, St Louis is probably the most harrowing. I have learned to cross it on Sunday, the quietest day of the week, and it’s still a monster. Officially the worst.
I have to admit OK City is in the running, tho. Largely due to those danged ubiquitous faded lines (federal government get on this please!) and poorly marked, multiple lane changes. Keep right. Stay in the left two lanes. Go past this exit, then keep right. Arghhh!
Peaceful travels to us all….and see you next time… in New Mexico!
OBC 🌿🦉🌵
ROLLA, MO For regular readers of this bi-annual blog, I have an exciting update to report. Evidently, the lone goose of Blue Lake is lonely no more!
When passing through Rolla in years past, I’ve come across this graceful gal solo on the water. But it seems her mate has returned… or perhaps she found someone new?
Blue Lake rejoices, and so do I. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d say it’s a sign!
Speaking of signs…
Right after I took this picture of the Uranus sign during my morning walk with Timi in Richmond, Indiana, I tripped on a steel rod. Nearly fell down, but thankfully caught my balance. Phew. And message received. Don’t be an asshole! Stay alert!
😂🌿🦉🌵
Today I came out of the North-—from Olean, Alegany and Seneca Nation in Western New York State, to skirting the Lake Eerie shoreline across the Pennsylvania panhandle, and then dropping down through Ohio, “the heart of it all.”
Just across the Ohio border into Indiana, we took our exit and arrived in Richmond. I love staying here because 1) the extended Indian family who runs the hotel is super sweet, and 2) five minutes down the road is Gulzar’s, an amazing Indian restaurant!
Don’t worry—Timi and Clyde had a nice meal, too, each with their own special food.
Thankful, tired, satisfied and content, we all settled in for a cozy night.
That’s all for now. Sleep well!
OBC 💜🌵🦉
One Bold Crone 