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
Northern Arizona and Southern Utah are bright gems in our country’s collection of priceless jewels. Rounding bends and lost within roads cutting through canyon walls, I found myself speechless. At other times, I am only capable of uttering, wow. At times, the sheer beauty of it all is too much to handle. More than once, I pull off the road to snap photos, search for the perfect song to encapsulate the moment, and just absorb the vista. I am a lucky man indeed and moments such as these are proof.
Page, Arizona
Page, Arizona is the capital of all this beauty. As I weave across the state line, I finally arrive at my resting spot for the night. Soon, I find myself exploring my adopted home for the evening. In every direction is a view of unimaginable beauty. Deep lakes, dramatic canyons, and in the distance, Flagstaff and her awe-inspiring peak, each of the views inspire me. Once again, I am a lucky man I tell myself.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley has been on my bucket list since I was a little kid watching westerns with my dad. I have always dreamed of a long road trip to visit these mystical carvings in the desert. As I enter the Navajo Nation and the sacred space of Monument Valley, I find myself brought to tears. Realizing a dream always does this to me. Driving around taking photos and attempting to capture a moment in time, I can only think of all the people I wish were with me right now. Tim Hendrix and my father would have loved to explore this place.
California v. Texas
I cannot linger for long. I need to get to my parent’s house. As I cross into New Mexico and then into Texas, my California license plate announces my arrival. With nothing better to do, I dream up comments made by Texans who see my plates. I think of their cliches, expectations, and presumptions. I assume their judgments before they are ever uttered. California is a paradox and Los Angeles is not everything that is advertised, but I find myself willing to defend her. Perhaps this place had a bigger impact on me than I realized.
Home Before The PCT
A visit to my parent’s house before the Pacific Crest Trail is essential. They may have not said it out loud, but I know they are worried. A six-month hike and camping outside every night are outside of my character. This trip is about reassuring their worried minds. I want them to be at ease. For my mom, this is a heavy lift. Worrying about me is in her nature and I absolutely love her for it.
LA, One More Time
Before I know it, this journey is over, and I am on a flight back to Los Angeles. Before me, I will finish moving out of my apartment. I will complete my work at The Center. I will attend a going-away party and then I will begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I would not dare say it out loud, but I am scared. This is a lot of change all at once. I feel like a radically different person at the age of 36. How will I change in the next six months?
Be good to each other,
Nathan
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