Leaving the humid northeast and midwest, I entered the southwest and seemingly forgot to keep drinking. Hydration in the arid desert is vital, and normally, I know this but exhausted from driving 7,230 miles (11.712 km), I forgot this to my own detriment, and the pain reliever only went so far to alleviate the pounding in my head brought on by lack of water. Lots of water and sleep finally revitalized me, for the most part.