The most striking feature of New mexico is the red rock and red soil. We didn't venture outside of the campground because of exhaustion so we didn't really get to see what New Mexico had to offer. If Georgia O'Keefe spent a lifetime experiencing inspiration and creating artwork based on this landscape and culture fostered in New Mexico, then I know I have missed it. What I can say is that we had the scariest experience on this trip so far.
We were cruising at 60 mph through a range in New Mexico. I was snapping photos out of the car window (sometimes out of the sunroof) or calculating and forcasting mileage between stops using our Western US map. We had just turned a corner and started over a bridge covering a deep ditch. A gust of wind hit us broadside and we lost control of the trailer. The trailer turned sideways and blew into the other lane (luckily there were no oncoming cars!) and then swung back and over to the shoulder of our lane. It just missed swinging into the guard rail on both sides of the two lane bridge. It was swaying back and forth and our truck was swerving back and forth. While he was straightning out the trailer, our truck was heading straight into the guard rail. Once the trailer straightened out he had to steer the truck away from the guard rail... and just in the nick of time. Brian was able to steer, hand pump the trailer brakes and pump the truck brakes and finally gain control of both vehicles. We were both really shaken up and felt like our heart stopped. Sienna was just sitting there relaxed, as though nothing had happened. We are lucky to escape from that unexpected event unscathed. Brian has impressive driving skills. I think most people would have lost it all.
I would like to note that on our trip to Amarillo, TX, we nearly lost control of trailer 2 more times due to unexpected wind gusts. Although they were scary, none of them compared to the event on the bridge in the open range in New Mexico.
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Janie, Brian, and Sienna,
We praise the Lord that He has kept you safe through the unexpected wind gusts, especially giving Brian supernatural driving abilities. We continue to pray for your protection and safety for the remainder of your trip. We will be glad when you arrive home SAFE and SOUND.
Janie, your writing is vivid and descriptive-- you are ready to write that book. Brian, all I can say is you're some guy! Sienna--you stay cool, girl.
Women and children hollerin' "Willie-Willie"!
Love, Mom and Dad
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