Wednesday morning we started out on our journey to Utah to see the sites and be there for my brother Robert's wedding. The trip started out uneventful-- the roads were clear, the skies were overcast, and the kids were thrilled to be able to watch a movie during the trip. I started out driving because I would rather drive through the abyss called Wyoming than to drive through a foreign city.
After we got on I-80, there were signs saying, "Heavy Fog Ahead." Jack and I joked that the sign was probably left over from yesterday. A few miles later, I could see the line of fog ahead. I don't know if I have ever driven through heavy fog like this before. If I have, it certainly didn't leave this kind of impression. As I drove, I reduced my speed since I could literally only see about 10 feet in front of me. I knew if I came upon an accident or a slower vehicle, there was going to be no warning. I would just be on top of it. It was quite disconcerting to drive through this fog, focusing on the white lines I could see, having the occasional vehicle speed by me, and coming upon a rare vehicle going slower than me. I had no idea when the fog would dissipate. I was focused on the road. There was one break in the fog, and it was a huge relief. But it didn't last long. Then an RV passed me, going only a little faster than I was. I followed it, keeping the back of the RV in my sight. I was able to go a little faster because this vehicle was being the trail blazer for me. I found myself relaxing, feeling less tense, now that I had another vehicle in my line of sight. I was no longer alone in the fog.
After what seemed like forever, the fog lifted as quickly as it had settled over us. As it did, I saw that we were on the summit of a small mountain. There were trees, rocks and hills all around us. I noticed all the shades of green-- bushes so dark green they looked black against the mountainside, grass so bright it looked neon against the meadows. I noticed shallow ponds of water that looked pink because of the red dirt. After leaving the fog, I was able to notice the beauty of a place that has always seemed to only hold a barren wilderness.
The rest of the drive went fine. We made it into Salt Lake City in time to get settled into the hotel, get dinner, and take the kids for a swim in the hotel pool (always the most exciting part of any trip).
1 comment:
Isn't this experience a good example of the tree of life? So much fog, you stuck to the white lines, and then were grateful for the car that could lead the way. Then at the end, so much beauty and happiness! Ahh, yes, more likening of the scriptures!
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