The Van Life Continues

I departed Ohio under the all too usual clouds and some rain but the worst of it was to my south and soon.....

….I could see blue skies as I emerged from the system.  Going farther west I pass....

….the Arch in St Louis.  How about that.  Throughout the drive, I had to be really careful to check the mirrors when making a lane change as there was a huge blind spot.  That secondary mirror is very helpful.. Driving the van was like driving while sitting on top of a ladder.  I could look across at truck drivers.  

The terrain through IN, IL, MO, OK is all pretty much the same but once in New Mexico, things change.

The billboards for "The Thing" begin appearing going south out of Albuquerque.  

Mountains begin to emerge above the horizon as I depart the interstate at St. Rt. 26 for a shortcut down to I-10.  I drive through Hatch, NM which calls itself.....

….the Chile Capitol of the World.  Could be I guess.

Lot of restaurants and markets involved in the Chile selling business.  Lot of large figurines adorn the buildings.

I head west on I-10 and drive through the areas known for sand storms but the wind is not strong enough to stir the sand and dust.  I have been through here when the Highway Patrol shut sections of the interstate.  I had departed a hotel at 5:30am as I was anxious to arrive in AZ and once there.....

…..unloaded the van, scattering boxes in the guest bedroom and living room, putting book cases together and enjoying the sun, warm temps and blue sky.  Now I'm ready to hike and ride so more to come.  Not sure I want to drive the van on to CA for Rick.  He dangled the option of picking it up on his way to CA with a driver friend.  I need to get back to Ohio to kick ass in the B group:)