On the Road: Cross-Country Days 3 and 4

Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.
~ Jack Kerouac

So yesterday I made for Dallas, TX to visit with an old friend and his wife, just a week before their 30th wedding anniversary.  I was their best man so the wedding reference seemed relevant.

The drive was the official beginning of spring for me, drove by lots of daffodils that were up and in bloom.  Lot’s of trees are starting to leaf out and flower and so I have officially left the Northeast and winter behind.

Dallas was great, got to visit with an old mean parrot that tried to kill me 15 years ago.  I swear he remembered, he looked at me with a knowing eye.  I also got to meet their dog, she’s 10 and had just had ACL surgery, yes, she’s an athlete.  But she’s a Labrador Retriever so she has an unlimited desire for affection and I spent a lot of time petting the old girl.  Much to the dismay of the cats, who sensing I was allergic to them, desperately wanted me to pet them and experience minor anaphylactic shock.  Had a lovely dinner with my friends and watched a bit of Documentary Now! which is very funny.

I left this morning making for lovely Santa Rosa, New Mexico.  My view isn’t great but there really are some nice places in the area.

Staying tonight on historic Route 66, I’ve driven large chunks of Route 66 and I wish I could have seen it in the 1960’s.  Today, Route 66 depresses me, it reminds me of the old guy in the club, the one that’s too old to be there but is trying really hard.  There are still some great stops, my favorite is the corner in Winslow, Arizona, a tribute to the Eagles.

But all in all Route 66’s time has truly passed.

Nothing too fabulous or interesting on the drive today, but I did roll through Amarillo, TX and pass my favorite food challenge in America.  If you eat the 72 ounce steak and fixins in an hour, it’s free.  However, fail and you just bought a $72 dinner.

So tonight, early to bed, eleven hours of driving tomorrow arriving on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day in Las Vegas.  As always, have a happy day my friends. ~ Rev Kane