I adore road trips, and yesterday’s 635 mile drive from west-central Florida, to western North Carolina was no exception. I love playing music when I drive, but since my car has no CD player and is not set up for playing pre-recorded music right now, I have to listen to the radio if I want music. I always think it’s cool hearing the various stations fade in and out. I even love that crackle that means a station is coming in or disappearing. It gives you that wonderful feeling of traveling for very long distances.
Here’s a list of all the things I love and hate about long road trips.
7 Things I Love.
1. The zen-like feeling of just driving along the highway–no one but you, the car, your deep thoughts, and the road, especially very early in the morning just before or just as the sun rises.
2. The scenery. Even if it’s ugly, every location has its own unique “look” and it’s always interesting to see that. Better still if the scenery is beautiful (but keep your eyes on the road!)
3. Checking out the regional fare at the gas stations and rest stops along the way.
4. Hearing the radio stations of other states and cities. Sometimes you get a sampling of the local accent or culture that way. I love hearing a song I really like, and then I start jamming! Driving and music go together like peanut butter and jelly!
5. Seeing the first signs that you’re getting to your destination (a recognizable radio station, actual signs for your destination, the landscape changing to one you’re familiar with). In my case yesterday, it was all these things, but mostly seeing the distant mountains when I was still in South Carolina.
6. That feeling of relaxed sleepiness that follows a long day driving.
7. Counting the miles and/or calculating how many there are left to go. It appeals to my inner geek.
*****
8 Things I Hate.
- Photo of San Francisco jam by David Paul Morris/Getty Images
1. Having to pee and the next exit is still miles away.
2. Getting lost or taking the wrong exit; I also can’t stand confusing road signs.
3. Traffic.
4. Rude or incompetent drivers who don’t signal, weave in and out, cut you off, or tailgate (my worst pet peeve).
5. Merges and busy interchanges. They can be scary!
6. The way your back starts to hurt and your legs and butt feel numb after you’ve been driving for a very long time. I always have to periodically stop, get out, and walk around to get rid of that feeling. I usually have to pee or get gas too, so it works out.
7. Dropping food you’re eating while you’re driving where it can’t be easily reached until you stop.
8. Having to pass an 18 wheeler, especially if there’s a concrete wall on your left.
*****
Further reading:
This is excellent. I so relate to your loves and hates about long distance driving. I agree with all of them.
I’m glad you made it there and back safely. A few months ago my husband and I took a trip of over 700 miles to his nephew’s wedding. While I was driving, through miles of empty hot desert, with no exits or buildings in sight, doing the speed limit of 75 mph, I started passing a long line of 18 wheelers and… our car died! There was no shoulder next to the left lane I was passing in, just desert sand.
Scared? OMG, I thought we were dead!!
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I would have died right then and there! I think the major panic attack would have killed me.
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Almost did. And after the repair shop told us what was wrong — the onboard computer had gone out — and told us what it would cost to replace, I nearly needed CPR!!
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I’m glad you survived that! 😮
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Those darn car computers! Used to be, if your car broke down, it had mechanical problems. I once got stuck in an intersection on the way home from a repair because the mechanic forgot to “reboot” the car. 😛
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I feel exactly the same way. Now you have to take it to the shop and spend a fortune because no way can Joe your nephew or Tim your neighbor fix it for you.
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Good grief! I have been considering getting an old classic car, one without a computer.
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Old classic cars are cool. Do it.
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