VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.
Did anyone see the Sun being devoured by Satan over the New Mexico desert last Saturday? That is what happened. We were there. Sacrifices were made.
After a night at home, following Overland Expo East 2023, Dave drove from Mars Hill, NC, to a deserted desert area in New Mexico in three days. We camped there three nights and saw the eclipse. He drove back in two days.
{For those reading the Reader’s Digest condensed version, that was it.}
Our Monday morning plan was to drive across Tennessee from Western NC. On Monday night we stopped at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky, dispersed camping area, which we will now call George. We had last visited George in May. As rare as quiet spots beside the lake with an eastern view are to find, we spent the evening in a quiet spot beside the lake, with an eastern view, where we were no bother to anyone. Good night, George. We’ll see you tomorrow, by George.
Before there was enough light to drive, we made our own light and let it lead us toward Lake Thunderbird, Oklahoma. Bye, George. Lake Thunderbird is another place that Dave and I have been. It is quiet and we easily selected a secluded spot for the night. Then, a shower for Dave. I did service dog stuff.
Oh, what a delightful dinner. Water boiled as Purina Pro Plan® kibble and canned food were selected as my evening entrée, mixed, then served. Dave had stir-fry, something. The Sun set as we sat for dinner.
We were up and rolling before sunrise. I slept. It was a straight road, and I was sure Dave could handle it. He did, only stopping for provisions, gas, and sidewalk angels. Okay, no sidewalk angels, but there was an iPad that needed minor attention at a shop in Amarillo, TX.
On to N33.58931, W104.33494, New Mexico. We started farther southeast in our search for a place to stay for a few days and see the eclipse. Some roads ended before the map said they did. Some just weren’t there. We passed over some private land that was gorgeous and looked so inviting, but we traveled on.
Our fourth choice worked out. We had one other eclipse enthusiast stop by and talk for a while. He was looking for a viewing spot he could drive to from his motel room Saturday morning. Dave offered suggestions for several viewing places and wished the visitor well. I helped Dave set up camp for three nights' stay.
On top of Vardo, there were jugs of water. That was enough and not too much. The BourgeRV fridge was still mostly full of Dave’s Pre-packaged “What’s in here” meals. From the Canine American menu, I selected Purina Pro Plan® kibble and canned food. Dave boiled water. We fared well.
How did we spend three days in the desert? Dave wrote, explored, and read. I wrote and napped. We played Jolly Ball®, tug and fetch. Days, we watched the world around us and gazed skyward at night. The night sky is more crowded in New Mexico than we’ve seen anywhere else. The lunar cycle was nearing the new moon phase and light pollution was minimal.
Ursa Major sat low on the northern horizon. Ursa Minor, higher in the sky, was clearly visible. Dave aimed his chair in several directions. He would sit for a while and gaze, then he would point his chair in another direction. I napped in his lap. That is my spot.
Saturday morning, October 14th, 2023, Dave secured most of our gear. Kibble and coffee time came around and we were both happy to be starting a day filled with wonder. Celestial bodies were passing by, or Satan was devouring the Sun, whatever an annular solar eclipse is to you. We offered sacrifices so the Sun would not be devoured, but to no avail. Dave drank more coffee.
My first eclipse was spectacular. For a moment, as daylight dimmed, we were physically aligned with Sol, Luna, and Mother Gaia, within a few miles. Doggy-breath taking.
Wilson® joined us for the show.
After the eclipse, Dave secured the rest of our gear and let Vardo take us homeward. There were no plans for anywhere other than a warm shower. At one of our pit-stops, we picked out Amarillo State Park, Texas. It was full, tho’ one camper offered to share a spot.
Dave kept driving. Our favorite traveler-friendly Wal~Mart in Hope, Arkansas wasn’t full, but it was three hundred and eighty-eight miles away. Dave drove through the night. From Hope, Arkansas, home and my big fluffy bed and play toys were only a day away.
Through most of Arkansas and all of Tennessee, we made it all the way home by Sunday’s evening. I’m already making plans for the April 2024 total eclipse.
There was rain on I-40, east of Memphis. Dave filled Vardo’s tank, then parked at a Love’s Truck Stop, pulled his toque over his eyes, and napped in the front seat. I napped in the captain’s seat. It rained. Between all that and the rain, we’d had a visitor.
Dave woke as the Sun, having so recently been regurgitated by Satan, was drying the pavement. While driving to an Arby’s drive-through window, Dave looked to his left and saw we had been ducked on the door handle while napping in the rain.
It was from a Jeep Girl in Sugar Tree, Tennessee. Hand-written, on the back of the card was, “Thank you for your service.” “This one is special,” Dave says.
We drove the rest of the way, ahead of bands of rain. Thank you for riding with us.
VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.