This year I am going to be packing up a road kit, cramming it into my 2000 Toyota Tundra, and driving from gig to gig as much as I can. It may seem a little unorthodox, driving all over creation rather than flying, but as I am not really setting down roots anywhere, having my truck with me gives me a sense of freedom and autonomy that I just can’t achieve when I am tied to public transit, airplanes, and taxis. There will be quite a few long hauls built into my calendar. Whereas many look at those as an obstacle to be overcome, I relish them. When there is ample time to really enjoy the road, I love to take my time, and meander across the country, stopping in and absorbing as much local color as I can. I love to jump off the Interstate, get on a state highway, and stop into the small hamlets that are tucked in and around them. Once thriving river or railroad based settlements, now sleepy bucolic pockets of Americana. You can stop in, grab some watery coffee, a slice of coconut cream pie, and enjoy the loose congeniality warm empathy accorded to the mystery and anonymity of wayward travelers. You just can’t get that kind of experience standing in line at the Cinnabon at LaGuardia.
View near the entrance to Mom and Dad's place
So right now is the calm before the storm. I am staying with Mom and Dad (Virg and Glo) here in Creede, CO… one of those hamlets I was talking about earlier. Mom and Dad have the same penchant for meandering, and one of theirs landed them here, and they just decided to stay forever. At right about 9,000 ft above sea level, Creede in the winter time is a magical place. Just an hour from Wolf Creek Ski area, smack dab in the middle of 1000′s of miles of cross country skiing and snow mobile trails, constantly filled with herds of snow laden elk, big horn sheep, and mysterious old west mining ruins, its a place where I can lay down the heavy burdens of a life on the road, and a year of almost insurmountable turmoil, slow down…decompress…reflect…and refresh the dry places in my soul.
Recharging after a long run
Mike – I just drove from Philadelphia to Dallas for the first of two long stints at Dallas Opera, and while it was one LONG drive, I got to visit with so many friends along the way, and never knew how beautiful it is to cross Tennessee. Safe travels and hope our paths cross this year!
That’d be great if they do Laurie… I think the closest I come to Philly is Baltimore.. but who knows!?