Jefferson City, Missouri
4150 Miles Traveled
Well, I am not a good liar, so I am not going to try to embellish the last two days of travel. Since departing from Albuquerque it has been a grueling drive. People within my car have turned to the dark side (including me) and the only thing keeping us sane is the amazing food in Texas and Oklahoma; the side effect is that I think I am gaining weight! The underlining theme in these parts is the horrific drought that seems to have its knarled knuckles around the region along HWY 40. You can see it in the dried up river and stream beds and also the deprived looking livestock. Ironic because in states like Iowa and Nebraska they are literally under water. In the interest of not being completely boring, I am going to pick my favorite memories or inspirations from every city/state I visited so far on this amazing voyage as I “meditate across America”.
Chicago, IL: Wrigleyville and catching a Cubby game. What a great experience: The food, the people and the scene in and around Wrigleyville was a fun and exciting day.
Nebraska: I have never seen so much corn in my life! The thunderstorms we drove through were harrowing to say the least. The spacious qualities are unending.
Colorado: Stunning, stunning and stunning: Maroon Bells is a must if you travel to the Rocky Mountains – great energy!
Utah: I love the desolation and I am glad we did not run out of gas on the 120 mile stretch that looked like a scene out of Mad Max, Road Warrior.
Nevada: Vegas Baby! Need I say more?
Dana Point, CA: Visiting friends and family was a blessing; going surfing for a couple days – priceless….
Arizona: I love this state too! Sedona is an amazing place and its healing energy vortexes are unmistakable; especially if you are mindful and aware. My hike up to Bell Rock was a great experience I will never forget.
New Mexico: Great Indian culture and the sunsets are amazing! I loved the painted desert to the east.
Texas: I only drove through the panhandle, but I had some great pulled pork BBQ that was to die for. They need rain!
Oklahoma City: I ate at the best Mexican food restaurant ever!. Have you ever been asked if there was only one type of food you could have on a desert island, what would it be? For me, it would be Mexican Food. Ted’s Cafe Escondido is a must. The service and food blew me away. They go way beyond the normal to exceed their guest’s expectations.
Missouri: We were lost in the Ozarks looking for the road to Jefferson City when a Bald Eagle zoomed across my windshield – I just about crashed in awe. Also, you can’t help but feel compassion for the folks of Joplin who got pummeled by a tornado just months ago. The damage is real and they still need our prayers.
Tomorrow, St. Louis and the long drive north back to Wauconda, IL. In a couple days, I will finish with one final journal post under the “Manifest Destiny” title, thus completing my journey, meditating across America. It has been a great trip!
John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com
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