Apparently NM Officers Like Sunsets

Last spring I traveled between Albuquerque and Alamogordo, NM, and the sunset took my breath away.  I stopped along the side of the road to take pictures.  When I continued my journey, I remained far more aware of the sunset than my speed.  Enter a state trooper on the opposite side of the road.

I watched in terror as the “Serve, Protect, and Defend” guy slowly pulled out, made a U-turn, and started following me.  States generally love foreigners (Texans) who break the law.  (Don’t ask me how I know this!)  He followed me for what seemed like an eternity until we emerged from the construction zone (even worse!).  Then he turned his lights on.  It was dusk.

 I sat with my window rolled down, interior light on, and my hands visible on the top of the steering wheel (something all officers appreciate, but again, don’t ask me how I know this).  After a slow exit from his vehicle and an even slower death march to my window, the following conversation occurred.

Me:  I sure was hoping you’d ignore me.

Officer:  Oh, why’s that?

Me:  Because I was speeding.  (I know, this is an unusual approach!)

Officer:  May I see your license? (I handed it over.)  Mr. Riggs, is there a reason why you were speeding?

Me:  No, Sir.  I even pulled over on the side of the road to take pictures of the sunset.  I’m really not in a hurry at all.  Did you see it?

Officer:  Oh yes.  We had some really pretty sunsets here a week ago.

Me:  Yeah, well, I was actually texting pictures of this sunset to my family.  That’s why I wasn’t paying attention to my speed.  (What was I thinking???)

Officer:  Mr. Riggs, did you know that traffic fines have increased around here?

Me:  Are you trying to cheer me up?

Officer:  I tell you what we’re going to do.  Are you going to speed all the way back to Texas?

Me:  No sir.  I’m only going to Alamogordo tonight.

Officer:  (I wish I could describe the look on his face!)

Me:  (In response to "the look")  But I’m not going to speed there either!

Officer:  That’s what I was looking for!  (We both busted out with laughter as he handed my license back without a ticket!) 

The sunset now remains my second favorite memory of that lonely stretch of road!