Overnight at a Highway Rest Stop

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/320 sec, ISO320
“New Mexico Rest” Deming, 2021

Today I am in the middle of a road trip from our home in Texas to my parents’ house in California. The trip will take two days of driving, but instead of staying at a hotel, I decided to save money and either find a free campsite or stay at a Walmart parking lot (yes, this is a thing!). The rest stop just east of Deming, New Mexico popped up in the map and the reviews were pretty good. I figured I’d check it out and, sure enough, it was pretty nice! I parked by one of the picnic tables and made it my home for the evening.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/850 sec, ISO320
“New Mexico Sunset” Deming, 2021

I think there were about 4 other groups doing the same thing, either in their RVs or passenger cars, and I felt very safe. I’m used to camping so this was pretty similar, although I just laid out my sleeping pad and sleeping bag in the back of my car instead of pitching my tent.

I’d say that this is not for everyone, but I’m simply on a long drive to get from point A to point B and not sightseeing. I honestly just wanted to get some sleep before continuing the drive. That being said, I did get to catch a wonderful sunset, and I was able to have dinner (a sandwich I made at home) while video chatting with family. So, it was a pretty good night. 😄

One thought on “Overnight at a Highway Rest Stop

  1. I think road trips are a great way to travel during the pandemic, especially if you’ll be camping in your car, i.e. away from people. The views of the southwest US are stunning, and your photos remind me of my brief time in that part of the country. Hope the rest of the drive goes smoothly!

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