A few days ago while watching a movie I heard a snippet of “Never
Been to Spain” by Three Dog Night. It was written by the late, great, Hoyt
Axton and was a big hit back around 1971.
The song, as they sometimes will, got stuck in my head. And it set
me to thinking about all the places I’d like to go but have yet to see.
As the song says, I’ve never been to Spain. And although I would
not object to seeing Barcelona play at Camp Nou, a trip there isn’t really on
my list. The fact is, most of the places I long to visit are much closer to
home.
For example, there’s Death Valley.
I have visited places north, south, east, and west of there, but
have never seen Death Valley. I fully intend to go there one day. Judging from
photographs and reading, it’s a stark, harsh, barren place. Some people don’t
appreciate such beauty, but I have come to. One can never imagine that dirt and
rocks come in so many colors until you see the deserts of the American West.
And, to imagine the suffering and hardships—and the
joy—experienced by the Indians, the explorers, and the travelers who visited
there in days gone by is inspiring. Especially when you realize they looked
upon the same scenery you see today, and it is relatively unchanged.
Death Valley, here I come.
One of these days.
Get some borax.
ReplyDeleteI'll try--but I don't have a 20-mule team to haul it with.
DeleteI grew up in southern CA, had never been there either; it was never the right time nor right companion, etc. etc. Finally, after I had moved away from CA, I thought about how many years I might have left, and just went! Half the roads were still not passable because of earlier flooding, but I am so glad I went! I got to meet the original owner of the Amargosa Opera House and see a special performance there, plus wildflower bloom, and many famous sights, met some delightful desert dwellers and interesting visitors! That was the year I broke my leg, so I am very glad I went when I could, because I was unable I to handle long drives until recently. NowI am taking advantage of the time I have!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good trip. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did. Thanks.
DeleteI have been wearing a red ball cap that says "Make America Spain Again".
ReplyDeleteI wonder if those other guys in red hats get it...
DeleteI've been close but never quite there myself. But the wildflowers were lovely in the nearby valleys this spring.
ReplyDeleteYes. I read somewhere that the poppy blooms in the Mojave were bigger and brighter than usual.
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