Flyin' Shoes

Pecos has turned out to be one of the highlights of this trip and certainly the best thing, since the first day in Arizona. Just to be surrounded by the remnants of long-gone civilisations and get a glimpse of how these people had lived, is just phenomenal for me.

There was access to the Kivas and as soon as I descended into one to get some shots, the sky opened up above ground. With no other shelter to be had before I finish getting around the ruins, I had no choice but to laugh and soak up all the energy the storm was giving me, after climbing back out the Kiva. I was literally soaked to the skin within a minute but man, it felt so good. Thunder and lightning going off everywhere, such a sweet smell in the air and the warm heavy rain, cleansing every part of me. If there are any spirits of the past around this place, this was certainly their gift to me.

After stupidly forgetting to put gas in at my last stop for coffee, I’ve had to take this brief diversion at a dirt-town called Wagon Wheel, which is marked as an historic site. After waiting forever at the pump, behind a cop who was filling up a fairly new Dodge Charger (must be their intercept car), I headed back on to the freeway and right in-between a couple of huge storms. Literally right in the middle, with lightening either side of me and the sound of a torrent, hitting nearby grounds.

It’s an amazing sight here after heading into more storms. Such a beautiful contrast, with the sky to my right, an angry, dark, black shroud across the land and thick branches of light, punching the ground. To the left, there were some clouds with the Sun illuminating them from behind and then patches of the deepest blue sky, nestled around. It’s almost surreal and such a beautiful view.

The storm is sufficiently gusty enough, to need me holding on tight to the wheel. I can feel the physical push, which isn’t so wonderful in an economy car :(

I have finally made it across the Colorado line however, which means I’m nearer my rest for the night. the storms are still powering on all over the place, but I think enough diary for tonight; time to get to that bed safe and sound, so I can refresh my weary travel eyes, with sleep.

Finally at Belle Fourche. The storm earlier on the road, almost caused a little concern as I started to head into it. Luckily at the last minute the road turned and I headed to the side of the storm, just as the hard rain was starting. The burnt orange is now replaced with the whites and blues of the lightning as it streaks across the sky here. I may be dog-tired but I’m not sure if I can sleep much with this wonderful display right next to the motel. I was enjoying taking some low quality VGA footage outside but then the rains started – and man, did they start.

Actually, I’m not too disturbed by the storm in this room so I think I’ll grab what sleep I can.