Henderson, NV
I slept late this morning – the “guest suite” is quiet and dark. The king size bed is very comfortable. John left early to lead a Sunday School class. Nanette and I had breakfast and shared grandchildren, career, and travel stories.
Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) is just a few minutes from their house, and the interior is very cool. Several parishioners bring a bottle of water. The windows have a Mondrian feel to me (one of my favorite artists since working at Mitchell Elementary, where the art teacher had students complete a Mondrian project every year).
The Gospel today is John 14:1-14. Rev. John Kent began his sermon with a quote from C.S. Lewis: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” I tried taking notes and jotted down John’s message about how we can’t understand everything in this world, but that’s OK because we can trust Jesus.
The closing hymn (one of LouAnne’s favorites) was “Go, My Children.” Visitors were asked to stand up, but I stayed in my seat, so John introduced me to the congregation, who applauded. And I was gifted with a Trinity Lutheran Church mug. Two nice men shared with me their connections to SC – one lived briefly in Sumter and the other has relatives in Beaufort (“those mosquitoes!”).
We had a delicious lunch at Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill. Then I set my GPS for the Hampton Garden Inn in Henderson, NV (4 1/2 hours). As I drove out of Indio, I marveled again at the beautiful landscaping along the busy road and in the median. The entrances to the gated communities are also in bloom and most have fountains. The neighborhoods have names like Rancho Santana, Villa Montego, and Desert Song.
The drive to Henderson is mostly two-lane with long stretches that dip and rise. Tumbleweeds bounce across the highway. Several miles of the road are next to a railroad – the raised bank of the track has letters forming names and phrases – words made out of cardboard, pieces of wood, and rocks. It’s hard to read most of these words, but I picked out Cody, Clyde, Jesse, and Rock Now. I know deserts are biodiverse living ecosystems, but I didn’t see any animals along the way (except a crow or two). The plants are scrawny and windswept – no trees at all.
I stopped for a break somewhere near the NV border – so glad I didn’t need gas; it was nearly $7 a gallon.
Along the way, I got two very nice text messages. Next door neighbor Silvia said 3yo John all of a sudden said, “I hope Miss Kelly is having a nice trip.” And it’s always a treat to hear from Mary in Marietta.
Once the road became two-lane, I was hoping to get around some big rigs that (I think) must stay at 65mph. No such luck. The trucks stay side-by-side in both lanes – isn’t it a law in SC that the left lane is for passing only?
The restaurant at this Hilton Garden Inn is mostly empty and I stayed in once I arrived. The dinner was good, and I asked the waitress what time zone we’re in here. She’s not sure, maybe Mountain time? I’ll go with that.
Planning to venture out early for Hoover Dam, then on to Bryce Canyon, another 4-5 hours. Today the roads were in the Eastern direction – I’m on my way home.
Book recommendation: Tumbleweed Baby by Anna Myers (picture book).
John Kent’s book recommendation: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
Kelly's SC to CA Road Trip 