Need help from someone who lives in NM, CO, TX, AZ, or UT... - Writers Forum

Gafgarian · 03-06-2005, 01:03 AM

In the beginning of a story I am working on I have my character driving on a deserted highway. I would like it to be in the southwestern part of the US. I need to know how crowded Interstate 25 between CO and NM usually is, I doubt anyone can help me but it would be really great. If noone can help me with that then, does anyone have an idea for a highway that is usually deserted. Thanks alot.

mammamaia · 03-06-2005, 09:15 AM

i've driven the entire length of 25 and virtually every other major and minor hwy in the southwest [plus all the rest of the us and most of canada!]... i spent 2 1/2 years on the road in an rv back in the late 90s, travelling coast to coast above and below the northern border... 25 was far from 'deserted'... after all, it's the major n/s artery...

your best bet is to just get a good road map [online it takes seconds] and pick out a series of state hwys that go from where you start to where you end this journey... for a continuous one, 285 will work best... i've used that as a quieter alternative to 25 and it runs the length of colo/nm, albeit w/ lots of jigs and jogs...

when i wanted seriously 'deserted' i took to tribal res and forest service roads... many/most of which were unpaved...

if you want any 'color' info on the route, people, etc., just email me and i'll see if my memory is up to the task...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

Gafgarian · 03-06-2005, 11:35 AM

Thanks alot for your help, I actually was researching that using online maps for about an hour and a half before I posted the question, sometimes it is really tough to find things on the web.

I was originally going to go with route 380 but I decided that I want him to be driving south during the story. So I went to 285 next, finding even less info on that then 380 I went to I-25. Thanks for the info though 285 it is.

mammamaia · 03-06-2005, 11:53 AM

as far as info goes, if i had no personal knowledge of the area, the way i'd tackle this would be to go to websites of towns along the way... you'll find store/restaurant/motel names and info, etc there.... and photos...

and just google for info and 'images' on those w/o sites... that 'images' option on google is an amazing resource... i use it a lot for a 'real life' connection to all kinds of things...

have fun!

hugs, m

Gafgarian · 03-07-2005, 05:49 PM

Thanks for tips but I actually decided that most of this story is going to take place either on the highway or in the middle of the desert. I should have a rough intro done within the next day or so I expect you to read it and let me know what you think. j/k, don't feel pressured. Thanks alot.

mammamaia · 03-08-2005, 10:05 AM

well, i've spent even more time out in the middle of the desert than i have on the highways, so let me know if you need any help with details, ok?

wyyrm · 12-01-2005, 04:52 PM

NV state route 50 is often called the Loneliest Road. Reports I hear from people who should know is that there are only occasional small towns surrounded by nothingness (except for the desert, of course). I know this reply is eight months late, but who knows... it might still be useful.