As the weeks pass by we get further and further from our home state of Florida.
Our first stop was Mississippi – far enough away from home, but still close enough to travel back in a day. Then, our second stop was Texas – over 1,000 miles from Florida, but only a two-days journey if need be. As we continued on to New Mexico, the third stop of our 2023 travels, I came to the realization that home is a long long way back in the rearview mirror.
The story of our third stop is quite complicated. An unexpected detour, to say the least. Recently, I started a travel journal – a place where I can write down my thoughts during long travel days in the truck. To give you a glimpse into what the weekend was like, and what happened with our third stop, I would like to share my journal entry with you.
Here’s an unedited peek into the insanity and beauty we met on our journey.
The morning of our travels, my alarm went off at 2:55 am. What a way to start a Saturday, right?
Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that the heater in our room has made the decision to go on strike in light of the freezing temperatures, so it was a chilly 47 degrees. I have to count my blessings though because at least it wasn’t the 32 that met the outside of the rv.
Nevertheless, despite the cold and early wake-up call, we had everything packed up and ready to go in a little over an hour. It was nice to be moving around so fast to keep our bodies warm, inside and outside the rv.
Hours after we left the campground, the sun busted forth with the most brilliant colors. I guess this was Texas’ way of saying goodbye. What a beautiful send-off it was.
As we continued to travel West, the wind tried to knock our camper to and fro, but she’s a strong one and remained faithfully behind us fighting it off the best she could. We on the other hand didn’t stand a chance when stopping for gas. Its strong gusts pushed me side to side like I was as light as a feather.
My favorite part of the drive was getting to see untouched land firsthand. I say that lightheartedly because we were traveling on a man-made road, so it wasn’t completely untouched, but the vast lands that surrounded it told a different story.
Green trees dotted the dry land and red rocks were visible in the distance. Ever since Chris and I went to Utah for our honeymoon, red rocks continue to remind us of a sweet beginning to our marriage. I’m excited to be surrounded by them once again and make new memories that are just as sweet.
Towards the end of our drive, my hips were screaming for a seated-position relief, but I was too busy staring at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to care. As the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, the snow-capped mountain range offers a contrast to the dried-up grass and dotted green trees that surround it.
These views remind me not only how intentional and thoughtful the Creator of the universe is, but also how blessed we are to live this life.
At the sight of our campground in New Mexico, thankfulness remains in my heart, but the thoughts quickly fade away and are replaced by the sight of a winter wonderland.
Yes, it snowed. Little did we realize that our little house for the week in New Mexico experienced 2 feet of snow just days before.
That put a hinder in our plans. Two Floridians in an rv not prepared for freezing temperatures? Doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.
Quickly, we decided we would move on to someplace warmer. But where would we go? Arizona? Nevada?
Turns out that God wanted us in a little town in Southern California since it was the only one out of 30 or so we looked at. The availability at the closest parks was not on our side, but again God had different plans.
So onward we went. At least our wake-up call wasn’t 3 am this time. We woke up around 6 and got ready to pack up.
By God’s grace, we were able to get out of our icy rv spot and campground and on the road safely.
Even though we’re tired, the views are a welcome sight. A peace in the chaos. But I guess that’s life. Even when you’re struggling through difficult and tiring circumstances, God’s goodness can always be found in the creation around us.
Vast plains and red rocks and snow-capped rocky peaks were the perfect entertainment for a long drive.
I could go on and on about the different terrains and the “wow”s that came from our mouths every five minutes, but I think I’ve mentioned enough about our views.
I will end it with the fact that we made it to California safely and are very happy with our decision to leave New Mexico. Chris can finally wear shorts again, so he’s a happy boy.
As for me, I’m excited to explore an area we never planned on visiting.
‘Til next time.
