'Out 55

Last weekend Mel and I decided to pack up the dog and sexy new camera for a drive to the country, along with a short dayhike. I randomly pick a trail out of a book, and away we went. We do these weekend trips often, and have been in the area before. But this time things seemed a little more bright and crisp, the warbles of the midwest a little more endearing.

As we headed south on highway 55 (which in local vernacular translates to 'out 55'), the fall leaves were starting to explode with color. I'm guessing they will be at their peak (already?) in a week or two.

We passed my favorite billboard, a ginormous sign that reads simply "JESUS" in neon green letters. We passed an amateur monster truck rally...locals with their jacked-up fords and chevys painted bright colors. An infinite number of old churches.

We couldn't have asked for a nicer day to take a walk. Perfect temp, sunny in the low 60s with just enough breeze to make the trees whistle. Even on this perfect fall foliage saturday afternoon extravaganza, we only crossed path with a few other people. Nice trail with beautiful trees and few climbs. For reference, it was the White Oaks trail at Hawn State Park.

Overall it was an entirely enjoyable afternoon. Instead of being our usual disgustingly snobby californian selves, for a few hours that saturday we slowed down and simply treated this place for what it is, as it should be enjoyed. The hike didn't have any Marin-like ocean views, or Sierra Nevada peaks to climb...but it was beautifully deserted and there wasn't a stitch of traffic in getting there.

'Had a great lunch of budweisers and burgers at some crossroads bar on the way home. It was packed with a glorious selection of cowboys in hats, bikers in chaps and farmers in overalls. 'Some professional drinkers at this place, taboot.

'Remember that scene in Barfly when the old drunk can't even raise his shaky hand to drink his shot, so he improvises with a scarve around his neck? Yup, that kinda place. Everybody having a great time, including Melissa and I...with our fancy hiking shoes, german car, german dog and leftie politics.