Went for an explore with my parents last night. We were ostensibly looking for some land that was for sale, but really we were just having fun following mysterious dirt roads out into the mountains. At least, my dad and I were. My mother was in the back seat and seemed a little less enthused about the more adventuresome bits.

We found a great road that had wonderful, surreal views (or would have if it hadn't been nearly dark). I'm going to have to go back in daylight sometime and take pictures. It might have to wait until next August, though. The road wouldn't be fun after recent rain or inclement weather of any kind. Then it would just be an exercise in terror and probably death. There's a friendly warning saying nobody has responsibility for you if you go beyond a certain point where the road is "unmaintained." But my car did just fine - on bone-dry dirt, rocks and weeds.

It's about 40 minutes from my parents' house. Just far enough away that I'm not sure I want to buy anything out there. I'm so picky.

Books: I'm feeling vaguely motivated to write a short story. They don't pay much, but it's something.