After a cursory questioning by the border guard, I drove into the gathering darkness of Idaho. I had several bits of paper to support my candidancy to be allowed into the States, but they were unneeded. (I had a paper declaring my intent to return to a job in Alberta, a paper proving my ownership of a house, and my vehicle insurance, of course. Also useful is a bank statement showing at least $50 for every day you intend to be in the States. You’re welcome. Pass it on.)
The clouds stuck on the mountains continued into Idaho, undeterred by the demarkations of territory. Once I was in Idaho, the clouds thickened, darkened, even as the last light dimmed from the sky. Soon enough, rain began to come down in earnest. My wipers were hard put to keep the windshield clear, even at moderate speeds. The road twisted and curved through what was probably delightful country. I kept my eyes on the lights in front of me, and journeyed onwards.
Once more, the gas gauge edged towards empty, even as the miles slipped by my tires. I pulled into a gas station advertising 24 hour service. Keeping to the truck routes not only gives me tail lights to follow, but these lovely pools of commerce. I hopped out and refilled my tank, and my teacup. The rain came down a little more gently here. All along the roads, I had seen the rivers dashing along their courses, powerful and muddy with this downpour.
I stepped out of the store, my teacup warm in my hands. The rain came down a little harder now, so I stood under the overhang and watched it a bit. With this many kilometers to go, I find a few minutes here and there hardly matter to the arrival time, and matter a great deal to the sanity. The rain started to increase in tempo, beating out the time on the hood of my car parked scant feet away. Fearing to wait too much longer, I stepped out into the downpour.
Just then, the sky was lit with blinding white light. I had the impression of a flash spearing down from the heavens, straight and direct as a god’s anger. No sooner had I widened my eyes in instinctive terror, than the very air about me shook and the rain itself danced. Small wonder I leaped in place, every muscle tensed for futile flight.
When the anger above passed me by unharmed, I scurried to the car, and collapsed inside. The rain drummed down above me, loud on the metal skin of the car. I took a deep breath, and started the car, getting the defrost going. I might as well drive as sit here like a rabbit. Besides, someone once told me that a moving car was safe, due to a negative ion shield… ( I do not actually purport this to be truthful, by the way.)
The fog slowly cleared from the windshield, and I followed tail lights into the rainy darkness.
Miles to go before I sleep…
Wherever you are, Be There 