Mountain Highway Driving

 with Jasmine, my greatniece, who will be eighteen soon. 

Though new to driving, Jasmine is a very good driver. I feel completely comfortable with her driving me, while I enjoy myself taking pictures and thinking about my blog. 

Here we are in the Central Valley, as the San Joaquin Valley is now most often called. We're heading toward the mountains in the east.

When spring comes, something will be growing in these fields.

For now, it was lovely to see some green grass, weeds or whatever this is. Nothing green grows in the canyon right now.

Mist enhances a landscape, doesn't it?

 While trucks do the opposite. This is what you encounter, driving up the mountain. 

In 2016, there was an article in our local paper which noted that 40,000 trucks, like these, pass through the facility that checks them each month. And counting, it said. True, I see so many that just don't stop to be counted. Just want to keep on going and who can really blame them. 

Even though I don't live close to the highway, you can't help but wonder what this does to your air. 

Jasmine is handling the drive so well. I don't think I could have done that at almost 18. 

 A view of a mountain wilderness.

And the first sign that we're approaching town.

And the next, indicating that the first exit into our town is coming up. 

And soon we will be home. 

I'm so thankful for Jasmine's help.