July, 2009:

So, it looks like I am mere minutes out of Elko NV. I am wondering if I should call the concierge, or just take my chances at the ticket counter for tbe big shows…

It is a little weird to go into a Flying J for my cup of joe and walk by the rows of slot machines. Toto, we are definitely not in Kansas any more.

I’m pretty sure that Elko is going to be the end of the day’s drive, so hopefully I will bring you a full post when I am ensconced in some luxury establishment. Yea. Right. But just in case we don’t have internet later, it has been a good – long day. Thanks everyone for checking up on me and Ranger Rick – Special shoutouts to: Booty, Nosmo, Beedica, Brenda…I be gettin back wif ya
‘ll.

For those of you who may be wondering whether I am coming or going, I filled up Ranger Rick just south of Greeley Colorado this morning, and free with every fillup is the answer to that question…

And becuase we have time for just one more question…”So Mr. Warrick, how do you get a head in life?”

“I shot an arrow in the air, where it lands, I know now where” – I dont know where this quote came from, but I remember doing this when I was a kid. In retrospect, standing in the wide-open and releasing a projectile straight up, only to watch it fall back to earth and embed itself in the ground next to you; is a wonder. And something you should never really admit to.

Straight lines. I have decided not to tempt fate or the temperatures in the low desert by driving poor Ranger Rick through Vegas in mid July. Rather, we are going north through Wyoming and on to Cali through the Sierra Nevadas.

As I ponder the Google map, I can sort of imagine what the pioneers must have seen when first they looked out the windshields of their covered wagons. 1000 miles of straight, all the way to the coast. And all on one interstate. Sheesh.

I find myself on a pathway now to both a known and unknown destination. Some of it looks familiar, even underneath the changes that time has wrought. The buildings, the roadways, the people, even my reflection have a slightly different look, but it is still the same underneath. If Ranger Rick, my ancient pick-em-up truck agrees, today I will continue the sojourn. Next stop – Las Vegas and my Aunt and Uncle. More reports from the road to come…

Webcam shots from Rocky Mountain National Park. When we got to the top of Trail Ridge Road, the temp was 53 degrees and people were throwing snowballs made from glacial snow that was probably a million years old or more. Let’s hear it for recycling.

One Lane dirt road up to the Continental Divide

Living Large with no guard rails

Bob and I being impressed with technology....Ooooooooh.....

Making my way back to California, a stop in Colorado reveals the majesty of the Rockys, lots of memories and a chance to spend a few days with my favorite “La’s” – More photos from the road to follow…

Oh for a fly rod and a woolybugger

This shoutout goes to Nosmo King, friend of my yoot, sage of the age, oracle of Greece and all round nice guy. I’ll see you when I get there.

Yes, this is the beginning of my sojourn. I give credit to the afore mentioned Mr. King, because he was the one that turned me on to Billy Joel in 1973. The following lyric if from Piano Man. side one, Stop in Nevada:

Oh, and now he’s heading out to California
With some money in his pocket he’s a rocket on the fourth of July
And he left a little letter said he’s gonna make a stop in Nevada
Goodbye, goodbye.

I’m sure Mr. Joel will excuse the slight gender change to accommodate the present situation.