The impossible enormity of the task of attempting to record everything disheartens me. Seemingly indelible images unfold before my eye in a constant stream – vivid and fresh – but by the end of the day they are faded and dull, lost in the vast ocean of impressions.
The flash of a bright yellow-orange [...]
Riding the freeway across a flat desolate industrial area of Vera Cruz, I wrestle with the fundamental existential dilemma: Is enjoying yourself essentially the same as not enjoying yourself? Somewhat reluctantly I reach the conclusion that it is probably so.
So I wonder why I only wish to record the pleasing and the beautiful here – [...]
The sun has already dissolved into the hazy humid air and vanished in a red haze below the horizon. The air is still, hot and damp. Three men standing by a sleek black car with darkly tinted windows don’t initially inspire confidence in me or predispose me to stop but one [...]
Also tagged mexico, peopleAs soon as we reach the highway, after twelve miles of dirt road, we are forced to contemplate the frightening prospect of sharing a narrow highway, with no shoulder, with giant trucks. The constant stream of huge rigs thundering by is terrifying.
We spy a roadside cafe in the distance and retreat indoors to gather courage.
Fortified [...]
I start to develop the urge to arrive in San Francisco when there is still 400 miles, or so, to go. I ride along the glorious coastline, in and out of giant redwood forest, but I am driven forward by an urge I can’t quite put my finger on.
However, my relentless advance doesn’t stop me [...]
I am riding along a rural back-road, a scene of green fields and barbed wire fences, blackberry brambles and grazing cows. Golden sun warms the afternoon air.
I hear persistent barking ahead. I look up and see a black and white dog running apace with a car travelling towards me, lunging and snapping at the wheels. [...]
I ride along with no plan other than to travel south.
Washington disappears under my wheels quickly, leaving me with only a series of flickering hazy images of impoverished hamlets – small groups of houses in various states of dilapidation, surrounded by pick up trucks and rusting car bodies. After 80 miles, late in the afternoon [...]
Another inexplicable roadside attraction.
Also tagged canada, retro-blogging