Home Again, But...

Above, wildflowers and a backed-up eastbound Interstate 40 from Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny that one can take a 2,700 mile driving vacation on interstates, U.S. highways, national parks and other roads, some with road work going on, and end up stuck in traffic within 5 miles of home due to road work at one's own exit.

Above, another view of eastbound I-40 from Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is what happened to me. The bridge reconstruction and access roads to Interstate 40 at Exit 39 in Jamestown has to be the most poorly planned project by the highway department in New Mexico. Traffic was backed up practically to Gallup. It must have taken me an extra hour to reach home after going through Gallup.

I saw what was happening just before the McGaffey exit and I exited there and went to old Route 66. Many others had the same idea. It was stop & go on Route 66, but unlike eastbound Interstate 40, at least the traffic was moving.

So, instead of reaching home at 3:00, I got home around 4:00. Sierra, for one, is glad to be back.

Above, a relaxed Sierra after getting home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At least we got a little bit of a show with lightning and rain on occasion while sitting in traffic.

Although it was a good fun tip, it is nice to be home.