Day Nine: From Las Cruces to Phoenix
We woke up in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in a KOA we had pulled into after dark. As the morning light broke, it revealed a breathtaking sunrise over the jagged Organ Mountains—one of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever seen.
Today was special because we were heading to Phoenix to pick up Kelly. After over a week on the road, AC and I were excited to reunite with her and continue our journey together.
Before leaving town, we stopped at a local coffee shop celebrating its 15th anniversary. The staff, thrilled to hear about our trip, shared stories of their roastery’s journey, reminding me how much a single cup of coffee can mean to a community. It was another moment of connection, another reminder of why I love this business.
The drive from Las Cruces to Phoenix was long but stunning. The desert stretched endlessly, mountains flanking us on both sides, their presence a steady companion on the open road. It was another contemplative stretch—staring out at the vastness of this country, feeling both small and incredibly alive.
We made a few stops—REI for provisions, In-N-Out for a burger, and Dutch Bros Coffee for the full West Coast coffee chain experience. Then, as we neared Phoenix, the traffic thickened. Kelly’s plane landed just before we arrived, and after navigating the airport chaos, we finally saw her.
What a reunion.
After days on the road, reconnecting felt like a deep breath of home. Now, with Kelly along for the ride, we turned our sights toward our next destination—Joshua Tree.
