Point B: The Great Southwest

Driving Away from LA

I left early in the morning. Before traffic could come alive, the rubber of my tires was warm, and I found myself inching closer to the state line. I am driving to my parent’s home in Oklahoma. In Elk City, I will park my car, spend some time with my parents, fly back to LA, finish up work/moving, and then begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. To many, I assume this seems like unneeded stress. For me, it is quite the opposite. Driving away from Los Angeles, there is nothing but an open road before me and an opportunity to reflect upon the last three years of my life. There has been so much learned and so much gained. I am overjoyed when I think about all I have accomplished. I am anxious about what comes next.

A Road Trip

Road trips always seem to present themselves at the exact moment I need their redemptive power. Exploring this country of ours, I find myself lost in thought. I meditate on successes and failures. I scheme and plan for the future. Beyond a hiking trail, I do not find a lot of opportunities for this sort of searching. So, while the miles may be long and boredom will show itself, I am grateful. I can think of no better exercise before beginning a new chapter in my life.

Northern Arizona/Southern Utah