Returning to history adventuring IRL (In Real Life) - June 2021


Although I'm always history adventuring in my imagination, next week I will be getting out on those wonderful Arizona highways. I'll be history adventuring with a good friend (who shall remain anonymous here) who does everything right on this type of adventure.

If you're puzzled about it, I understand. It's not what most people do when they head out on the open road. The questions that I get from well-meaning people says it all: usually asking what restaurant we'll be going to, or what museum? And I understand. For most people what I and my history adventuring friends do makes absolutely no sense. I'll see if I can explain a bit.

First of all, this is a loop. The destination is right back here. There will be things to be seen along the way, but it really doesn't matter to me. There may be an historic site, or the same view that Father Kino had. History, and adventure, is all around us. It starts the moment that I step out of my door in Glendale, Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix).

And yes, there are restaurants out there, and I understand that the vast majority of people go to them, the same way that so many people sit in stadiums, or movie theaters. I have nothing against these places, but they really aren't for me, I'm much too impatient to just sit still. I'll be packing a lunch.

I just love stopping to eat way out in the middle of nowhere. You know, one of those Arizona vistas where you can see forever. But don't get me wrong, I have no interest in trying to survive on a few pieces of beef jerky and some whiskey. I like sandwiches on fresh bread, and all of the fixings. My friend is an old "huntin', campin', fishin'" kind of person, and he knows the importance of being prepared. Lunch is a quick pit stop, and instead of sitting in a building waiting, we're out there, sometimes in places where the loudest sound is the wind in your ears. You don't get that much in the city, and most of the people I know don't even stop between gas stations when they travel on the Arizona Highways. It's  a wonderful sound, and a wonderful feeling.

I'm fortunate to live in Arizona and have all of this in my backyard. I've known a lot of people who have never seen it, and never will, and live in a world that's right nearby, but miles away.

Thank you for history adventuring with me!
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