By Catherine Austin Fitts

I am headed out tomorrow for a five day drive to California, much of it along the old U.S. Route 66.

I am curious to see what is stirring hearts and minds west of the Mississippi.

Stay tuned…

Well, so far what is on everyone’s minds is how to stay cool. Arkansas and Oklahoma were hot, hot, hot. However, if you are looking to stay cool and have lunch inside an awesome book store, check out Gardners Used Books in Tulsa, OK.

For a wholly unique and marvelous place to rest, restore and enjoy in Albuquerque, try staying right in the middle of a lavender farm at Los Poblanos.

Traveling on to Flagstaff, Arizona, I stayed in Little Hotel America.

Turns out both Los Poblanos and Little Hotel America were started, owned and operated by families. What a difference it made to my stay and my outlook when I headed back out on the Interstate.

Looks like the time and effort to plan ahead made a big difference. I’m adding family owned hotels and motels to my formula.

I arrived at my destination late last night after driving through Bakersfield. Seeing the drought continue to unfold and what it is doing to the land and finances is painful to watch. I’m saying prayers for rain.

I love traveling across America. There is always something to learn, always old friends and new friends to broaden your perspective and make you feel proud to be “one of us”  – those qualities that have always defined the best part of being an American.  There is always something to see. As I flew past the turn off for the Grand Canyon, it took some discipline to not turn off for another visit. Maybe next time!

See? Always more to take in…