'I did it': From contributing to a Route 66 book to a hike at White Sands, 2025 was a special year

The clouds were beautiful during the Dec. 27 New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque
Gregory "Highway" Hasman photo

There have been lots of ups and downs in 2025, but instead of focusing on what could have went right or been better, I want to share what I am thankful for.

While there are a slew of things I can include in this post such as winning a New Mexico Press Association award for a story on the Dust Bowl, I want to look at three things: being a contributor to a new Route 66 book, going on my first hike at White Sands and attending my first college football bowl game.

Getting my kicks inside a book

Next year is the 100th birthday of the U.S. highway numbered system. The most famous of those roads is Route 66 and while I look forward to attending some of the fun festivities, I don't know if anything will top being published in a book about the Mother Road.

I contributed two chapters - on Texas and New Mexico - in the recently released Route 66: 100 Years of America's Mother Road. 

Pictured is start of the New Mexico chapter in "Route 66: 100 Years of America's Mother Road."
Gregory "Highway" Hasman photo

I enjoyed writing about places like McLean, Texas, home to the Devil's Rope Museum and McLean-Alanreed Area Museum, the eastern New Mexico community of Endee and Fourth Street and Central Avenue in Albuquerque, where two different Route 66 alignments meet.

While the chapters were general overviews of the road's history in those states, it was an honor to be asked to contribute to a project that included contributions from talented writers and Route 66 historians like Jim Hinckley, Rhys Martin and Cheryl Eichar Jett.

Seeing my name in a book boosted my confidence, a feeling I would later have after taking a hike at one of my favorite places.

'I can do it'

In late September, I began training for a 15-mile hiking marathon in southern New Mexico. What better way to start than trying out the five-mile Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands National Park.

Gregory "Highway" Hasman was focused on the journey ahead at White Sands National Park.

When I got out of the car, I was nervous as heck, but I needed to relax and take it one step at a time. The climb up the dunes was tough, but the reward was getting a chance to be by myself and enjoy one of my favorite places on Earth.

Nothing beats looking at beautiful clouds at White Sands National Park.
Gregory "Highway" Hasman photo

As I neared the end, I told myself to keep trucking and not take many water breaks, just keep going. Not great advice, as water is crucial to any hike, but I made back in 1:56:04.

When I got to my car, I looked around and said to myself, "I did it. I completed a tough hike." The sense of accomplishment and pride was surpassed by one other thing this year.

Mean Green pride

On Dec. 27, I attended the New Mexico Bowl between my alma mater, the University of North Texas, and San Diego State University. 

To that point, I had never attended a UNT or bowl game. With the Mean Green coming to Albuquerque, it was a great time to check both items off my list.

After arriving at University Stadium (home of the University of New Mexico Lobos), I picked up a program then was treated to delicious chicken fajitas and a turkey wrap by generous tailgaters.

The clouds that afternoon were puffy, colorful and awe-inspiring just like the Mean Green's performance. While their defense surrendered many points (they won 49-47), it marked their first bowl win since 2013 when I was a graduate student at the Mayborn School of Journalism.

While some of the players have since hit the transfer portal (sigh), Saturday's game was one of the most fun experiences I ever had. The thrill of victory was only surpassed by watching the trophy presentation and listening to the Green Brigade perform the school fight song.

Goosebumps.

I hope to carry this sense of pride and enthusiasm about the school and life into 2026.

P.S. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy new year and I look forward to posting more about my discoveries on the road open.