A few weeks of laying low, relaxing, and visiting friends and family has been fun. Other than moving about a bit to make sure I see everyone while I am here, my life has been without obligations and timetables. And while I have undoubtedly enjoyed all this quiet, dormant time recently, the fire that is my nomadic spirit is not so easily extinguished. My bones are aching for travel, for movement and a change in scenery. I still look forward to settling down for a bit on my own in Nashville, but some wanderlust must be quenched first.

So tomorrow I will begin a little excursion out of town, out of civilization. Currently I am staying with my aunt Colette in San Marcos, California, just north of San Diego. In the morning I will load my bike down with all my bags again and head east. My destination is the Salton Sea, a surreal and soothing spot out in the middle of the desert, about one hundred miles away. I camped out there last year with my ex-girlfriend and fell in love with the place. Being out in the desert, the area is quite isolated and quiet but still feels very much alive. It is a great place to think and just be. In addition to the sea, which happens to be saltier than the Pacific Ocean, around the sea are breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, a few small cities, Slab City and Salvation Mountain. Salvation Mountain is a national treasure, a man-made mountain dedicated to the idea of God = Love and the salvation brought by Jesus Christ. The entire thing was built by one man, Leonard Knight, who is in his seventies now, has worked on the place for about twenty years, and continues to maintain and build new components today. Meeting him in person earlier this year left me filled with inspiration and admiration. I suggest reading his story and visiting if opportunity permits. It’s worth it.

Other than a few destinations in mind, my plan is fairly vague. Getting out there will take me two days, traveling through what should be some beautiful scenery. Once there, I’ll probably take at least a week to ride around and explore and rest and relax and write and think. I will be without my computer, so unfortunately I will not be able to make any updates until I return to civilization, unless I come across somewhere with computer access, but I’m not planning on it. I’m looking forward to taking some time without this machine, much as I love it so. My phone should work out there, and I’m always happy to have phone calls. I should have some visitors in the flesh, as well, during my stay.

Hopefully this little excursion will help to satisfy some of the wanderlust that still occupies my blood and mind and spirit. I don’t think it will ever be completely calmed or satisfied, but I do still want to take some time in one place, to have my own space to work creatively. This time of solace and solitude should provide ample resources to help get my mind focused, my heart mended, and my spirit calmed.