That'd be a serious fun trip. Many of the same folks I'd like to visit with (except me, of course. I'm old hat :) )

If I got to Witty's (and I will one day) I'd probably have to head on up to Carolina Norte to see the @thekittygirl too. I have some off line peeps in Bristol (TN or Virginia) that I could even stay with. A buddy and I had long planned a "Mooch Across America" tour. Rules were you had to find somebody to stay with at least every other night. I think we could have made it :) Alas we both got old before we ever got going on the tour.

You are right. There's always some sort of life in the desert. You might have to dig a little to find it, but it's there. Fun fact: Sidewinders can go their entire life without taking a drink, getting enough moisture from their prey.

And of course, if I'm there Sam is also. I can prove it:

Merry Christmas!