Hitchhiking is not dead in the west. Several hitchers were seen on the wide open highways of New Mexico and Arizona, the familiar thumbs up as they walked along, headed to Califonia we figured. We sped by all of them, primarily in the left lane of the interstate, where the pedal is put to the metal. Surprisingly, two thumbs up to the vast majority of truckers out there in America. The known ethic of letting speeders through the left lane is alive and well among them. And we were speeders for sure.
Turned up the tunes for the long drive to the Grand Canyon. Cosmic Chimp, Bob Schneider, Miguel, and Supersuckers, among others. Some Dude Named Amos' version of Jive Talkin' was a highlight, the wails at the end shook the car. New Mexican town after New Mexican town, til Arizona. Along the way passing exits for The Meteor Crater, The Petrified Forest, and Winslow, Arizona. Such fine sites to see, but we were headed to Flagstaff, no time for stopping, no time for standing on corners. The late afternoon sun blazed our eyes as the entire western horizon faded on the left and right. The Navajo Nation, where gas was $3.29 a gallon.
Rolled into Flagstaff around 5 pm, then headed north to get close to the Grand Canyon for the morning view. Surprised by the mountain feel of the town, everything just changes quickly. The late afternoon dusky drive to the Grand Canyon area was 75 miles on a curvy one lane road. It was truly beautiful, the clear sky fading to night, a crescent moon hovering. Darkness fell midway and we worried a bit about finding a motel. We kept on to Tusayan, 7 miles from the Canyon, an unending stream of cars passing us, coming from the Canyon, probably after taking in the sunset view. Like an evacuation of some sort, the line of headlights went on and on, all going south as we went north. When we arrived, several motels seemed available and we decided on the 7 Mile Motel, advertised as friendly, clean, and cozy. And so it was. The front desk lady was inquisitive and helpful, offering Grand Canyon advice freely and unsolicited. Room 10 was very clean, and our chills were cured by the coziness. Outside, the air was 30 degrees and the wind was brisk. We settled in.
A Pizza Hut Supreme Pan Pizza hit the spot, and we shared a few sips of wine. Then a few more. Lil' Wayne was on Saturday Night Live, featuring Halsey on backup vocals. Kinda spare, honestly. My daughter agreed. Our calmness turned to sleep quickly and we dozed off, anticipating the next day's grand appointment.