Day One

The plane touches down on the tarmac, we taxi to the terminal. I walk the plank to the gate. It is Ontario, California. I breathe deep.

With a precision rarely found in my family, I grab my bag from baggage claim and step outside as Karla pulls up to the curb. On her first time around. Miracle. This is going to be one amazing road trip.

Highlights:

Joshua Tree National Park: Odd trees, amazing rock and blazing sun that will boil your bodily fluids. 116°.


Lake Havasu City: Just a hint. If it is 116° outside and you think you’re going to be impressed by the London Bridge, you’re wrong. And that liquor store on the right hand side as you enter town from the south; don’t let it freak you out. You may never see another liquor store in Arizona. But they sell booze at the grocery store. So, as Karla said, “Calm down, brother. It is going to be okay. We’ll find you some spirits, somewhere.”



Kingman (or as I call it, the town in northwest Arizona where the freeway takes a right hand turn.): Don’t bother cruising the main drag looking for a liquor store. The Safeway has everything you need. And it is just off the freeway.

Williams: Dark and late. We retire.