The Windmill Posts

In Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, Dulcinea del Toboso is the idealized muse and romantic obsession of the titular character. Inspired by the chivalric romances he reads, Quixote renames a local, earthy peasant girl named Aldonza Lorenzo to serve as his “lady”.

Gemini’s explanation:

Naming a road trip Dulcinea is a beautiful choice because a great road trip is all about how you choose to see the world. It is a perfect fit for three main reasons:

• Finding Magic in the Ordinary: Just like Don Quixote used his imagination to turn a regular windmill into a giant or an ordinary road into a grand adventure, your road trip is about looking at the open highway and seeing romance, wonder, and endless possibilities.
• The Spirit of Exploration: In the story, Dulcinea is the inspiring force that drives a traveler to pack up, leave home, and head out into the unknown. Naming your trip after her means the journey itself is fueled by a sense of high ideals, passion, and a search for beauty.
• Connecting with True Nature: Your trip will blend the two sides of Dulcinea. You will get to experience the grand, poetic beauty of the landscapes (Don Quixote’s dream), while also experiencing the real, earthy, and raw power of the great outdoors (Aldonza’s reality).

Ultimately, the name fits because a road trip isn’t just about the miles you drive—it is about the beautiful way you choose to look at the world around you.

My Why

Gorecki’s 3rd Symphony – The Symphony of Sorrowful Song, is being performed in San Francisco on June 21st. I have a ticket. Well, a free RSVP. This is the symphony I’ve listened to through Ketamine Therapy for years, and the perfect music for a rainy day.

I thought about flying out, but that’s really stressful, takes forever, and rental cars are a hassle. So rather than take 5 hours to get there, I’m driving. Seven days to get there and, well, more than that to get home.

Goals, besides the performance: Nature. On the last trip it was the nature that moved me most, and this trip is focusing on those things. Planning for being able to take short hikes at locations. I took a mile or two hike around Devils Tower and it made my day. I spent a part of a day at Yosemite, and this time I’m going to have two whole days. And on it goes. There will be hotel stays here and there for a shower and real bed.

I will be working to post daily but with less technical detail than last time. No google ETA vs car ETA and temperature, etc. Posts sharing what the day brought me. And

Thanks for reading.. we’ll see you there!