Today goes down in my top 5 hardest rides I've ever had. The entire day I was whipped by brutal winds from all sides.
There was a small truck that overturned on I25 that held up traffic. About a dozen people were trying to pry the doors off to get the passengers out. I really hate it when people stop to gawk for a possible glimpse of gore & told myself I wouldn't look. Still, looked anyway. Really didn't want the imagery but couldn't stop myself from looking. Why do we do that?
Fortunately, there wasn't much blood but I'm sure there were serious injuries based on the trucks condition. The passengers were all conscious but looked to be in shock. I'm certain those relentless winds were to blame. Almost lost control several times myself.
For hours there was pretty much nothing but open plain for as far as you could see. The endless horizon tends to hypnotize me to think that all the day to day chaos isn't real and this is all there is. Or, am I just waking up once again and the chaos is the actual illusion?
Again, there appeared to be a massive fire in the direction I was headed, Santa Fe. Sure enough, the fires are right over the ridge from where I set up camp. One woman said we'd likely be evacuated but I should be ok for the night. The whole city of Santa Fe is now enshrouded in smoke. After I get my replacement sleeping bag tomorrow, I may keep pushing West.
Just stocked up on supplies from Trader Joes and found the place surreal. At least here in Santa Fe. All of the people are just so cool and friendly. I mean everyone from the stockers to the customers. This place has a vibe I could definitely get used to.
Heading back to my campsite where I don't have any mobile signal at all. Will update tomorrow on whether the sleeping bag showed up and whether I have to evacuate or able to stay another night checking out the galleries.
Hopefully I'll find a way to stay warm tonight even with a busted sleeping bag zipper. Or, maybe those fires over the ridge will amp up the nighttime lows a degree or two. ;)
