More than ten years ago, I traveled far away by car for the first time, heading west to the grassland I miss. In Chuanzhusi, I experienced the cold wind and snow at night, touched the prayer wheel and felt the mystery and sacredness of Tibetan Buddhism, so I embarked on the old road to Zoige.
Thanks to the blessing of continuous autumn rain and the worrying belly construction, the rugged dirt road has become more and more bumpy and muddy. The rut is high and low, winding and crisscrossing into a high ridge. The rain that has accumulated for many days is everywhere, occupying every low-lying place, blending with the soil and embracing each other affectionately. Mud all over the ground, raised mountains, hidden dangers, so that many proud luxury cars lost the battle, staged a great escape, but we are indomitable and brave. All the way through, I finally found hope in the mud and reached a flat and open place.
Sadly, the engine of a car broke down because of too much horsepower. In the middle of nowhere, we had to let those people go back to Zhuchuan Temple, leaving us waiting in the same place.
Time ticks, wild vegetables have been found, cattle and sheep have been seen, people have not won, and suddenly an off-road vehicle comes in the distance. When approaching us, roll down the window and ask us enthusiastically if we need help or a ride. I don't talk much, but I feel warm in the long-lost wind, which is enough to match the cold of this plateau in October. Although they failed to do so, we, young and old, women and children, looked at their distant figures and waved our thanks frequently. Later, we also got used to picking up passengers in need on the road.
I went to Xi that year and stayed in Hanzhong for one night. Because of the traffic jam on the chessboard, it was already late at night when I arrived in Hanzhong, and I couldn't find a place to live. Fortunately, a hotel took us in. The old people live in the sofa in the lobby, and they also specially sent clean quilts. We crowded into the car with our children and made the car our home for the second time after we started our road trip.
Due to years of travel, we are no longer indifferent and inexperienced. I was about to fall asleep when someone knocked at the window. It turned out that the security guard came to remind me of a thief. Stay alert and sleep till dawn. The next day, we learned that the security master had volunteered to patrol for us all night, on this cold night. Say goodbye to Hanzhong, say goodbye to this warm place, and we will continue to go north.
Ten years ago in Daocheng, we were used to walking alone. Because of the transformation of National Highway 3 18, the road is not so much a road as a big construction site, which is unprecedented. From xinduqiao to Litang, you can hardly see half a meter of fertile land. Along the way, many accidents and car accidents happened. Some accidentally slipped off the curb, and some were crushed. Unfortunately, we became the latter.
After enjoying the magnificent sunrise and boundless autumn colors of Yading Snow Mountain in Daocheng, we decided to return to Yunnan. It was dusk when I came out of Aden that day. Due to the rugged mountain road and muddy road, it was midnight when we arrived in Derong. Just as we lamented that we were going to repeat the mistakes of Hanzhong, our phone rang, and a friend from Chongqing who met and accompanied us in Daocheng had booked us accommodation. At that moment, all the anxiety and all the chill disappeared.
That year, in Ejina, I reluctantly bid farewell to the Millennium Populus euphratica, and we went all the way south to the Badain Jaran Desert. We were amazed at the vast Gobi along the way. Several times, we stopped to sprinkle mineral water and irrigate small plants, although it was a drop in the bucket, although the incomprehensible land was thirsty.
A rush, golden desert across the eyes. The first time we saw the desert, we rushed into the sand sea, completely ignoring the discomfort of sand entering our shoes. We are in the desert, spinning and waving, as excited as babies and as happy as flowers.
Just as we were intoxicated with the splendor of the desert, the roar of cars came not far away. A car is so confident and excited that it is desperate to drive into the desert. It's easier to get in than to get out. The car is surrounded by sand, and it's no use letting the throttle roar. A group of us ran as fast as we could, and the coach and conductor finally drove the embarrassing car out of the desert and onto the roadbed. And I also used the newly bought SLR to freeze the moment and freeze the chic photos of Shaanxi and Sichuan.
The benevolent loves others. People are on a journey, and they are in a hurry. Passing by, floating away, but inadvertently, we left behind the warmth of the world, memories of the years, warm aftertaste. At sunrise and sunset, there is a full moon every month.