It appears the Oliver is back in service. We are tentative about everything yet it is all working. And well.

Travel is and always has been a bit of an adventure. Our modern era seems far removed from those challenges because our automobiles are more reliable (if not so affordable!) as are planes and trains and highways and places to eat and stay so we tend to forget that there are still challenges. And we often magnify those that occur. Our experience with the trailer is so minor in the world of issues that dominate the news. And that our trip did not go according to our plans is more to be expected than that everything would unfold just like we designed it.

Today’s photo is in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. The monument is to a John Cooper who was traveling in a buckboard from Bakersfield to Salt Lake City in 1905. The monument is along the Arrow Highway that was the first road though this area. He died while trying to find water. That was 117 years ago and now we arrive in airconditioned comfort on nicely paved and well marked highways, exit where we want to take a two mile hike with amazing clothes that even protect from the sun and carry all we need until back in the car and crank up the AC and the music after checking our messages on the phone.

Travel is way better, not perfect. Thankfully - cause that adds to the adventure.