Traveling Bones
I love to see new things and go places. I always have. That’s not to say that I don’t like to sit somewhere and read, like home, but I love to go. I’m always thankful that I have, and have had, a job that allows me to go and see. Sometimes those places aren’t exotic or far away but they’re usually different. I’m also not a big fan of GPS and something telling me which way to go but it has its uses. I just don’t trust it anymore because of following directions to somewhere only to find out there’s nothing there. I enjoy seeing a destination on the map and trying to find a route to get there no matter where it takes me. Exploring the things you can’t find when you take the interstates.
On Tena’s list of things to see was Route 66, the highway of TV fame. After losing the argument about it being “just the old highway” we pulled off the interstate a few times to pass through some of the old part of towns we crossed. It was interesting to see all the old travel courts and lodges, some of which have been restored to their original design, washed, painted and taking customers of whom there were plenty. I guess there is a lot of nostalgia about sleeping in a smallish room on a full/twin bed but I don’t have any desire to play along. Give me a king size bed, garden tub, or walk in shower and I’m good. A few of the town southwest, like Winslow, AZ, have gone all in with the restoration including stores and gas stations and it’s such a fine sight to see. It’s not a remembrance of mine though. A lot of the traveling I remember was looking up out the back window of the station wagon or playing games like ‘the most gas stations” to pass the times.
Some of the most distinctive memories for me and so many other Americans is travel. I can remember pulling off I – 59 at Cuba where it ended, getting on 11, and passing under the rail bridge at York where is said very plainly “Welcome to York.” Distinct noises like the Rooster Bridge decking that whined when you drover over it. The ka – thump when driving over the thermal breaks in concrete roads like our own rail bridge south of town. I remember many nights trying to sleep, the windows open, and hearing the da-dump, da – dump, da – dump of vehicles passing in the night and wondering where they were going. I still like sleeping in the quiet sometimes and hearing the same thing. People going to work. People going to meet. People with destinations whether chosen or given.
I am grateful to live in a country where freedom of travel is allowed. The laws might change a little here and there but you can go where you want to. Kick the tires, check the fluids, and fill up the car and go. Anywhere. You can have a destination in mind or just go that way. Some of the best trips and memories have started like that. Let’s just go that way. I understand how hard it is and will be to give up that freedom, but I will travel while able. I can recommend a few routes out west to take. Until next week. Ags.
