Sunset over the Utah desert

A road trip doesn’t quite become an adventure until things start going wrong. From Colorado to California and almost all the way back again, our trio of ski bums has managed to avoid the pitfalls of any potential mishaps. We’ve traversed the ‘Loneliest Highway’ in the States, avoiding car trouble like lost gas caps and overheating in the middle of the desert. Our timing was perfect in meeting our good friend, and consummate ski bum, Sonja Lercher at the Reno Airport; she didn’t have to wait longer than ten minutes after her flight from Seattle had arrived until we rallyed up to the curbside waiting area. Even the gas bill has been much lower than the mileage the TatsVan could ever compete with; Jacqui’s Subaru wagon negotiates those nasty desert sidewinds with nary a shudder. But even a happy ski bum’s luck can run out.

After a much celebrated crossing of the state border into Colorado, a quick stop for gas had Jacqui looking for her wallet in order to fill up one last time.

I love road trips!

A frenzied search of the car turned up nothing but some loose change and more questions. Where did we stop last? Who was driving when? Did I use it at the grocery store this afternoon? The barrage of self-doubt weighed heavy, as she tried racking her brain for the last time she saw the reddish brown leather fold. Ashley and I were helpless beyond some itinerant searches of our own, which again turned up nothing but a misplaced water bottle.

So, being the road-dogger that she is, Jacqui put on her game face and pulled the last shift into the dark night, her thoughts spinning. I’m sure she’s thinking about having to cancel her credit cards and order a replacement driver’s license, but at least the car is speeding safely home and life will go on.

Jacqui has had that wallet forever; the familiar touch of smooth, worn leather bears the marks of many good stories. This is just another of the countless tales of which only a wallet could ever tell. Although the cash inside may not make the journey, there’s still a glimmering chance that some kind soul will find the wallet and return it.

Jacqui Edgerly, the consummate driver

Alas, the open road has claimed another souvenir of a grizzled drive across its open expanse. At least it was the worst of our troubles.

Ashley, taking a break from a long driving shift

Tags: adventure, ashley magnuson, colorado to california, highway 50, jacqui edgerly, lost wallet, road trip, the loneliest highway, things going wrong