I think I left Chama around 0500. Not really sure. I was pretty tired. I do remember having to yank hard on the doors of my truck to open them because they were frozen shut. This isn't something that happens often where I live.

On the way out of town I made my customary cruise through the yard for one last look. It doesn't matter how many times I see the yard, it still amazes me that it exists. What a miracle...

A few miles south of T.A. a car came flying up behind doing well over 100 MPH. I figured it was a Trooper, so I eased off the gas and dropped below 70 without tapping the brakes. Well, he blew around me as I slowed and sure enough it was a  NM State Trooper. He took off again and I quickly lost sight of him. Not a minute later I rounded a bend a saw his lights flashing and he had turned around to face me. "Oh CRAP!" crossed my mind. Then I saw what he was looking at; a truck was sitting on top of the guard rail and leaning against a rock cliff. There were skid marks across both lanes leading to the site of the wreck. I have absolutely no idea how the guy managed to get the truck perched on top of the guard rail. I wish I'd taken a picture of it. I pulled over, got out, and asked the Trooper if he needed help. He said no, the driver was gone. I figured he was drunk, lost control, and somehow flew his truck up there. Really neat trick.

Anyway, I left the scene and headed on towards home. The rest of the trip was routine. I was a bit depressed to be leaving NG Country behind me, but also excited to see my wife again. This was our longest separation since getting married.