 This beautiful desert holds a special place in my heart. Even when she continuously slaps me across the face. The bot of eyed is hard, but she sure is a stunner. I came here in 2017 with the goal of finishing the entire 1700 mile route, but it kicked my butt and I quit halfway through. In 2020, I returned and got very close to finishing, but on my birthday of all days, my bike broke and I was forced to end the journey. I was bummed out, but I knew this magical place would someday call me back. This past January, I returned with the patience and wisdom that I needed on my first attempt. I enjoyed every mile, even the sandy bits, and finally finished what I started seven years ago.