1/14/99

As difficult as it was, we reluctantly left our top-notch digs at the
Comfort Inn and ventured out towards White Sands, stopping at IHOP one last
time, so Steve could get  his last fix of big ol' American breakfasts. 

We got to the White Sands Missile Range and had to sign away our lives
simply to drive through the gate and go to the missile park and museum. 
The security guard joked with us a little and answered Steve's question
about what it felt like to get shot.  He wasn't quite as chatty as Frank
Pierce from the Pima Air & Space Museum, but he was a character with some
stories.

The missile park was, to use the favorite phrase of Colossal Cave's tour
guide, neat.  Never have I seen so many missiles in the same place.  Never
have I seen so many missiles, period.

We then continued to White Sands National Monument, which was nice to visit
again, even though I'd been there recently.  Last time, I was there at
sunset, so I enjoyed walking around the dunes in daylight.  We had a good
time frolicking in the dunes, and Steve left his mark...but don't worry,
it'll disappear with the next strong wind.

It was a short trip from there to the International Space Hall of Fame in
Alamagordo.  They, too, boasted a little missile and rocket park.  The
museum wasn't very good, but the admission was only $2.50.  Still, we liked
it better than "A Civil Action."  If you find yourself in Alamagordo trying
to decide if you should go, don't bother unless you want to catch an IMAX
flick or two.

Our day's events were completed, and it was time to start heading back. 
Studying the map, it appeared that the best bet was simply to backtrack on
I-10 to Phoenix.  The trip was much longer than we realized.  Not breaking
it up into segments made it seem a little overwhelming.  Phoenix was still
327 miles away after we'd already made tracks.

Fortunately, the giant smoothies from Baskin Robbins helped.  And Steve had
his first Twinkie.  I was happy to be there to share the experience.

At 75 mph, and with proper oldies radio, the miles did eventually
disappear, and we arrived at the EconoLodge at 11:39, one minute after our
designated goal time.  This is a very poor value for $59, especially after
last night's Comfort Inn.  But we're close to the airport, and maybe my
flight will leave tomorrow.

That's it for now, unless I get snowed out again.
 

To Next Day               Steve`s Version of Today                Index