WAYS FROM EL PASO THAN YOU THINK
Whether traveling with a friend or packing up for a family adventure, road trips are one of the best ways to vacation. Time spent on the road allows for conversation and unexpected experiences you don’t often get when hopping on a plane and jetting to your destination. But long drives can come with a few risks. Knowing what to watch for will help you stay safe and have a trip that’s memorable for all of the right reasons. ROAD TRIP HAZARDS In recent years, distracted driving has become one of the biggest dangers on the road. Tens of thousands of people are injured or killed each year in accidents involving distracted drivers. Even a few seconds of inattention can cause an accident, especially when traveling at highway speeds. Fatigue is another issue. Long hours spent behind the wheel make it challenging to stay alert. Studies have shown that fatigue causes impairments in reaction time and hand-eye coordination, similar to those caused by alcohol. Speeding is also a problem. It’s easy to see an open stretch of highway and be tempted to hit the accelerator, but speeding makes driving more dangerous and accidents more serious. The road itself can pose a danger as well. Sharp turns, road damage, and unexpected construction zones can easily catch drivers off guard. Finally, weather conditions can add to the unpredictability. Summer road trips typically have fewer weather surprises, but rain, strong winds, and extreme heat can all impact visibility and driving conditions. TRAVEL TIPS FOR A SAFER JOURNEY Preparation can make all the difference in avoiding and handling unexpected situations. Have your car inspected before your trip to reduce the chances of a STEERING CLEAR OF ROAD TRIP TROUBLE What to Know Before You Hit the Highway
as the backdrop of a John Wayne movie. Alpine is also
the perfect home base for exploring the surrounding region’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.
FORT DAVIS AND MCDONALD OBSERVATORY — STARGAZING AT ITS FINEST
Northeast of Alpine, Fort Davis is a former frontier military post and one of Texas’s best-preserved 19th- century military installations. It sits at around 5,000 feet, making it a
great place to cool off from the Texas heat. The area’s elevation and lack of light pollution also provide perfect conditions for stargazing. If you want an even better look at the night sky while visiting, take the short 20-minute trip north to McDonald Observatory. The observatory hosts star parties, special viewing nights, and workshops year-round to help visitors learn more about astronomy.
Weekend trips shouldn’t be stressful. Sometimes, all you need is a destination and a full gas tank. So, get out and enjoy the weather and all the great spots near El Paso.
Creamy Chicken Carbonara With tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a velvety egg-based sauce, this is a rich, satisfying take on classic carbonara — and it comes together in about 30 minutes.
INGREDIENTS •
breakdown. Packing emergency supplies, such as water, tools, and a spare tire, will ensure you’re ready for trouble.
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• • • • •
3 oz Parmesan cheese
•
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup pasta water
• • •
Salt and pepper 1 tbsp olive oil
Once you hit the road, stay aware. Keep your eyes looking ahead and your hands on the wheel, and watch for distracted and aggressive drivers around you. If your trip has you
1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
4 large eggs
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and
spending hours in the driver’s seat, take frequent breaks and switch drivers regularly if possible.
cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
A road trip should be about the experience, not the stress. With the right preparation and a little caution, the road ahead will be as safe as it is enjoyable.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
915.584.8777 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator