Aqaba!

As if struck by lightning after listening to the silent wisdom of the desert, T.E. Lawrence proclaims with conviction and force, “Aqaba!” After a few beers and juvenile dares, I proclaimed, “San Francisco!”

Lawrence of Arabia didn’t quite understand the challenges that lay ahead on his journey through the Nefud Desert, a journey considered impassible by the Bedouins. Yet, Lawrence had faith, in his companions and his camels. I too had faith, in my companions and my 1974 Super Beetle. How could a simple journey compare to that of Lawrence and the Arabs you say? Seattle to San Francisco is but a mere 900 miles away via fresh asphalt surrounded by every modern convenience imaginable such as rest stops with indoor plumbing and scenic green space, cafes where single talls and double talls flow like the Nile, and fueling stations with endless wells of 91 Octane. So how does a simple excursion between four college friends to visit a fifth turn into our own impassible Nefud Desert?