Yesterday was fantastic.

I began at around 9:00, waking up at Uncle Phelps's to the sound of Nola Jane and some others in the round room talking about the festivities the night before. I took a shower and after saying bye to everyone I asked Phelps for a ride to GJs place to pick up Rita. We got there, and did a final check of stuff before I was headed north towards Vaughn. I looked down at my gas gauge before leaving, and I had a little less than a quarter tank, but the "how many miles left" reading was at around 120 - more than enough to get me the 98 or so mile to Vaughn. About 25 miles out of town, I realize that the number had quickly jumped down to 59 miles to empty. I then saw a sign for Vaughn - 58 miles. Hmm.... I think I heard a joke one time about a swimmer getting halfway from an island to a rescue boat, then being too tired and turning back. I consulted Uncle Phelps, who said that it should be OK because the gague gives you about 10 extra miles.

About 20 miles outside of my destination, the engine stopped, and I helplessly put the pedal to the metal - no result. I quietly pulled over and hid all my valuables, and then I got out and put my thumb in the air. First car - nope, second car - nope, third car - BINGO. They passed but pulled over about 50 yards ahead, and I knew that was my cue. I got into the all-black towncar to find myself riding with a 50 something couple and an old lady headed to Albequerque. They offered me water, which I politely declined, and told me that I was lucky to find them. It was a quiet ride for about 20 minutes, and they let me off at the first gas station we saw (and probably the only one for miles). I ran in, picked up two 2-gallon cans, and proceeded to check out. An older lady with a long blonde braid down her back asked me if I had run out of gas, and I replied appropriately. She said that she would drive me back. I accepted, and hopped in a massive ranching pickup truck. The lady rode in the back seat with me while her husband, who was an old ranch hand with a handlebar mustache, drove. In the passenger seat was a woman who must have been at least 95, and it appeared that she had become one with the vehicle - her frail and flabby body just kind of oozed into the folds of the seat, and for awhile I thought she was made of silly putty. She did not move, and only realized that I was in the car about 15 minutes into the drive.

They let me off and gave me some crazy directions before wishing me luck and heading down the road. I put the gas in slowly, and voila! the car started. I drove to Vaughn and, not before the low fuel light came on again, filled up and was on my way. The rest of the drive was uneventful but absolutely gorgeous. I love the transition between the New Mexico fields to the hills near the border to the Colorado mountains. There were sunshowers, but until I got into Colorado Springs, it was mostly sunny.

I called Carol's friend, Kate, and she was as nice as could be giving me directions to their dorm which is named Mathias. I met Kate at the door, and once introduced, headed up to meet the guys - Danny and Paul. All of them are lovely people. We sat and talked music for a little, and then decided to go meet another guy named Charles. There we talked about mega-churches and Texas (seperately). I met one guy from Houston, so that was nice, but before long we were on our way. From there we attempted to go into a music room to jam, but it was locked and the vital keyholder was not around. Instead we went to meet a really great guy named Kyle. He had some great posters up, and we listened to moe. for a bit. Those guys are great. Kyle had to study, so we left and came back to Mathias. We watched Children of Men and then a live Phish concert before slowly drifting off to sleep.

I think that the people here at CC basically share my viewpoint on everything. I did not meet one person who I doubt I would be good friends with - it was quite something. Danny is great to talk with about music, and Paul is generally a fantastic person. Kate is really something too - very generous and warm hearted. Everyone seemed very relaxed and not too concerned with things that people shouldn't be concerned with anyway. Room decor was comparable, and the general atmosphere was lively. I really love this place, and hope to visit sometime when Carol is around.

Today I am headed to Garden of the Gods, and then Rocky Mountain National Park - both of which should be sublime. It will be interesting to see how Rita fairs her first night of inhabitance. More updates when I get internet next (maybe not for two or thee days).