SQUEEZING JUICE FROM THE ROAD

"Each man and each woman of you, I lead upon a knoll.
 My left hand hooks you round the waist
my right hand points to landscapes of continents
and a plain public road.
Not I or anyone else can travel that road for you,
You must travel it for yourself.
It is not far---it is within reach.
Perhaps you have been on it since you were born and did not know.
Perhaps it is everywhere on water and on land.
Shoulder your duds, and I will mine and let us hasten forth.
Wonderful cities and free nations we shall fetch as we go."  (Walt Whitman) 

It's time to leave this beautiful Lake---I've been here 3 weeks----feel the urge for some solitary travel---make arrangements to meet my companions in Eagle Nest, NM.

Life is lived in moments---and before I go-- reflect on some of them here.  A fearless little girl picks up a snake in danger of being run over---takes him to the safety of the bushes.

 

A proud fisherman shows off his catch.

A kind and gentle vet puts a friend's suffering dog to "sleep".  I witnessed the whole proceedure and wished that my passing would be as humane.

 

Another touching moment in Chama, NM:  Man collapsed---medical personnel attend him---my companion immediately stops to pray for him.

 

My oldest friend---Bushrod---brings his boat to the lake and takes us sailing.

 

That's Wayne Wirs up front---an expert at enjoying moments.

 

A visit to the famous 3 Ravens Coffeehouse in Tierra Amarillo.  Paul--the owner--on Bass.

And then---as easily as I came---I left---choosing scenic route 64 across the high country.

In 15 miles I will climb 3000 feet.

Up where everything is cool and beautiful.

 

And then---and then---I saw this.

 

And a mile ahead----this.

 

And a mile ahead---this.  Of course I got the story--I think---- (they kept jogging as they explained)

This is an Indian initiated relay run to Guadalupe?

 

Then down from the pass to this (famous?) intersection.  My mind flashes on the many times I have been here---a different person each time. Across that road---I know---begins a landed counterculture that has influenced the nation.  I will show you when I pick up the story (tomorrow?)

 

RANDY REFLECTS:   Moments like the rivers will

brush us by---then down the hill.

I let them go--- without delay-----

MILLIONS MORE

ARE ON THE WAY!