Random Ramblings

When it comes to driving in a car for days at a time claustrophobia isn’t the best virtue.

In the past five days we have driven over 2000 miles, gone through five states and defecated in some of the best gas station bathrooms The South has to offer.

We did get to stretch our legs on a few separate locals. First when we went camping in the Arizona desert, about an hour away from The Grand Canyon. I busted out my wife-beater and bought a 32 ounce bud light so I would look the part. When in Rome I suppose.

After setting up the tents we roasted some hot dogs and chilled out watching the sun set. Considering we wanted to see the Grand Canyon bright and early we went to bed around 9 p.m. Sleep wasn’t the easiest, considering the temp dropped from 100 plus to around 50 degrees in a couple hours, but with a solid sleeping bag we were fine.

We got up around 5 a.m. and headed to the Canyon. We got there around 10 a.m. and we able to have a quick hike before the big crowds showed up. The Canyon is an all inspiring sight that can only be rivaled by the coastal views we saw on the Left Coast.

But the Canyon wasn’t the only giant hole in the Earth we were able to see on this particular day. Arizona also has the largest, and most well preserved meteor crater the world has to offer. We check that out for about a half hour and were back on the road, on our way to Albuquerque.

When we arrived in Albuquerque we immediately looked for a Mexican restaurant. We drove around looking for a place that was open for about an hour, because apparently the city of Albuquerque closes at 9 p.m. Luckily we found El Bandido a cheap Mexican place down the street from a cheap hotel. They gave us four types of salsa and I ordered a Dos Equis and fajitas. One of the best meals I’ve had all trip.

The next day we had a full day of driving ahead of us. We were going to attempt driving from New Mexico through the pan handle of Texas, up through Oklahoma and into Kansas. Over a 1000 miles of driving in one day. Fourteen hours in a car!

We basically were chain smoking and drinking energy drinks for 14 straight hours. On the way we saw signs for a 72 ounce steak, of which if you finished you got for free.

I passed. I didn’t feel like sitting in a gas station stall for an entire day.

By the time we arrive at Will’s nephew Dustin’s home it was 3:30 in the morning. While in Kansas we met several of Will’s family members. Including his brother-in-law CJ who had attempted the infamous 72 ounce steak. He finished the steak, but when it came to the side salad and baked potato he was readying to hurl. Just so you know, a 72 ounce steak goes for 52 dollar. I guess that’s fair market value for eating an entire cow. It was pleasure being able to chill out, drink and eat with some down to earth people after such a long couple days of driving.

We now are an hour out of Graceland, not in Kansas anymore, and I’m saving room for some Memphis BBQ. Hopefully the next time you read a post my belly will be full of slow roasted beef brisket and baby back ribs. I can’t wait!