Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Probably.

I have set off for epic birdwatching trip and am now near the New Mexico/ Mexico border. The plan is spend time here, then drive down through Mexico to San Blas in Nayarit, subsequently drive back across Mexico to shoot out into Texas. I then birdwatch in Corpus Christi before heading off to Charlotte NC to scrounge off Ben. Then drive back to San Francisco.

Seems like a good idea but whether the truck and I have the resilience remains to be seen.

I set off but after a few blocks I realize that I cannot make this trip and turn back home. I have forgotten my passport.

I surge down to Southern California to pick up remnants of Route 66.

I love driving down U.S. back roads. The space is incredible, nothing but desert, scrub an d huge blue skies for hours.

Anyway, you get the idea and after 5 days of semi roughing it I check in to a Motel in Socorro. I need a shower and an internet connection.

So I am now clean and ready for the next stage which is obsessive birdwatching.