If the airlines cooperate today, we will be winging our way west and south, out to the desert southwest. Bisbee, Arizona, is our destination. A family celebration is the excuse. Not that I need an excuse to travel. I was packed three days ago.

We’ve been to Bisbee before and found it highly likable. We’ve walked its streets and climbed its stairs, toured its museum and its mine. That was in April, this is November. I’ve never visited the desert at this time of year. I’m wondering how it will look and feel.

I expect no blooms. But I do look forward to the big sky, the limitlessness, the pure majesty of the Basin and Ridge.