A Bittersweet Moment (Mile 9,181, Trail Mile 201.85)

And just like that, the end came into clear view. After two more uneventful workdays in Carlsbad, we left New Mexico and drove west, away from the last "marquee" stop on our trip. That's not to say it was the last fun we'll have. We'll be seeing some old friends, the Dolloffs and the Michelyras, in Phoenix and Mammoth Lakes, but Carlsbad was the last location selected for its novelty - and for its National Parks. Our last two stops are opportunities to see friendly faces, pick up the cats, and take care of few odds and ends of unfinished business before heading north to Portland. This is not the beginning of the end, because the big trip will be followed by some big adventures of a different type: a new home and a new life. But, as Winston Churchill said, this is the end of the beginning.

Adding insult to injury, it was a LONG drive day ... a full 9 hours, nearly 10 with restroom stops and such. We caught some gnarly wind and dust storms in the desert!

As we drove into Phoenix, it was almost like being home again. We saw a sign of our old life:

Followed by some rush hour traffic that felt very much like a relic of our old life.

But, at the end, we were greeted by a cheerful little home in a pleasant neighborhood ...

... with a pool in the backyard ...

... and a lovely park across the street. 

Here's how the map looks, as the circle begins to close.