Before leaving, my wife and I looked at the van we had fitted out ourselves and shared our excitement about the journey ahead.
A motorcycle would join us this time, carried on a trailer for a trip of 12 nights and 13 days. This was not simply a journey toward destinations, but one of meeting nature and people and discovering other ways of living along the road.
The West’s Endless Roads
We left August 1, heading north from San Bernardino on I-15. Beyond Las Vegas, the city’s noise receded into the vast western landscape. Endless sky and land opened ahead. Watching the scenery through the windows, I thought: this is the appeal of a long American road trip.
Beyond Salt Lake City, Utah, into Idaho and Wyoming, the landscape changed again. The road drew us deeper into nature, where mountains, lakes and grasslands welcomed us.
Jackson, Grand Teton, and Our Place in Nature
In Jackson, Wyoming, the energy of the crowds made the heat seem unimportant.
At last, we entered Grand Teton National Park.
Before immense peaks, clear lakes and seemingly endless nature, the heart naturally grows humble. The countless concerns of daily life felt small and insignificant beside this grandeur.
Walking slowly, looking and photographing with my wife, I kept thinking how fortunate we were to be here.
Another World at Yellowstone
Next came Yellowstone National Park, one of the country’s great natural treasures.
Yellowstone was more than a beautiful park. Hot springs, geysers, wildlife, vast forests and valleys made it feel like a world a little different from our own.
Standing before nature’s immense creations, I felt the impermanence of my existence and the need for humility. Driving onward with my wife, stopping and looking again, each moment became a cherished memory.
And Then, Sturgis
We had especially looked forward to Sturgis, South Dakota.
This year marked the motorcycle rally’s 86th anniversary.
With riders gathered from around the world, Sturgis had an extraordinary atmosphere. Engines sounding through the streets, motorcycles of every kind, and the riders’ freedom and energy brought an excitement unlike everyday life.
Santa Fe, a City of Art
If Yellowstone offered works created by nature, Santa Fe offered works made by people.
Our Final Destination: Phoenix
Our last destination was Phoenix, Arizona.
Our son lives there.
Seeing him at the end of the journey was a special gift. We were a little tired from the long drive, but being together seemed to dissolve our fatigue.
We had seen attractions and magnificent nature, ridden the motorcycle and gathered countless experiences. In the end, what stayed closest to the heart was time with the family we love.
Brief as it was, we laughed, talked and enjoyed being with our son. Then we climbed into our self-fitted van and headed home.
On the Way Home
Twelve nights and thirteen days were no small span, yet looking back, they passed so quickly.
We tasted many kinds of happiness on this journey.
The wonder of nature, the freedom of the motorcycle, the inspiration of art and the happiness of family. Above all, I am grateful that my wife traveled every one of these roads with me.
In the van we fitted out ourselves, we slept, ate, talked through long drives and looked at new landscapes together. We enjoyed the motorcycle together, too.
Perhaps travel is not reaching a destination but the experience of sharing the road.
Now, looking at the van and trailer at home brings back the many roads of those thirteen days. I think, “There are still so many roads ahead of us.” What will we find next? With my wife, our van and our motorcycle, I feel we could set off anywhere again.
This journey of twelve nights and thirteen days has ended, but our new stories on the road have not.
Love Art Studio (909-576-5773)
15551 Cajon Blvd. San Bernardino, CA 92407