A Most Civilized Way to Travel

Well, I survived the trip. Actually, it was much better than that bare statement would suggest, in most respects.

The best element of the adventure was undoubtedly the warm hospitality extended by friends who put me up for a night or two. Our time together was invariably too short, but so stimulating, helpful, fun, and all-around pleasant that I cannot complain. There was also wonderful food and great music shared. How can I not be a happy Snake with all that? Heartfelt thanks to each of you, and thanks also to the Family members (that includes canines) who visited with me while I recharged in MT.

Another pleasant element was the dearth of sharks (that’s what the snolfs call cops) on the roads after I’d gotten sufficiently west. I saw no cops at all in Wyoming, and just two across all of Montana (unfortunately, one of those two had stopped someone, probably for the horrible crime of being in a hurry). It was an interesting experience, cruising along at speeds hovering around 85–90 mph and being passed as if I were poking along at 60 in a 70 mph zone.

The downsides were only two. First, MAL didn’t make the move with me, so missing him was a large element of the trip. Second, once I was underway, I was so eager to get to each destination that I failed to stop at any points of interest along the way—and there were numerous opportunities for such explorations. With the cost of fuel continuing to climb, that may have been my last chance to wander a good-sized portion of the country and enjoy the quirky charms of small museums and singular creators. Still, though, I have no regrets for choosing the course I did.

And now to set to settling in and finding my own living quarters ... the adventure doesn’t stop.