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Road Trip
Photo by Kiarang Alaei
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Just back from vacation visiting a friend and I am looking forward to driving and not being passenger!
What do you prefer about being the driver and not the passenger?
It was more the driving style of the driver lol. Some rough 5 speed driving. I’ve owned several manuals and always thought I could drive them pretty smoothly. Maybe I’m just used to always driving myself around that I’m not used to feeling every maneuver.
Driving in L.A. is such a nightmare, I totally enjoy getting to be a passenger.
Oh, Wendy, I love this image! And taking to the road by myself. I imagine myself in a movie, where the heroine finds herself and her freedom. Some good, interesting instrumental music to serve as the soundtrack to this imaginary film (especially Friends of Dean Martinez, a band that never achieved the recognition I believe they deserved, although they are probably too “odd” for mainstream acceptance). I sometimes take short drives to get a little of that flavor, but there is truly something special about the solitary drive that takes hours.
How long was your longest road trip alone?
1800 miles.
OMG. How long a period of time?
8 days. Through the upper Midwest in search of local foods, cheese, and quirky Americana.
Did you find good food?
Ah, yes. Cheese, of course, but also the most wonderful farmer’s market–the Dane County Farmers Market in Madison, WI. It’s the largest producer-only market in the United States (they vet their vendors VERY thoroughly). Make sure you go on an empty stomach, as the samples will fill you up before you’ve made the rounds of the 130-some vendors. The market surrounds Capitol Square.
Gorgeous produce, especially Door County cherries, all with a nice backdrop of delightful doses of political activism (such as the Raging Grannies of Madison choir).
I went back this summer and I miss it already!
I have such a coastal snobbery about food. It’s really good to hear you boost the culinary wares of the midwest.
Well, it depends on the mood. But usually i like to go with friend or family if the distance is too long but i have no problem with going alone.
I used to make the drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles (about 6 hours) and I found it to be boring by myself.
I did that once back in 2013 when i was in US. I was with my family and the whole trip wasnt that good. We went from LA to Yosemite first and then to SF. I hate to drive for more than 4 anyways wether alone or with someone.
I’ve given up on the SF-LA drive, preferring to fly instead. Although there are times that door-to-door, flying takes longer.
I love driving alone. The occasional road trip with a friend is fun too, but I find there is something empowering about getting behind the wheel and exploring new places by myself.
Where was your last solo road trip?
The last solo road trip was out to western VA wine country for a long weekend, but I lived in Europe for a couple of years and did quite a few international road trips by myself.
Did you drive on the autobahn?
I drove from Boston to Los Angeles by myself. It was terrifying, inspirational, joyful, thrilling and occasionally lonely. In short a seminal experience that I highly recommend,
In the city I prefer being driven especially at night due to poor night vision. In generally my vision isn’t great, another reason I like being the passenger. But I do still love a solo drive if the navigation isn’t difficult.
How many overnight stays were there from Boston to L.A.?
I don’t remember exactly. It was 1982! Probably about 7. I took my time and visited and saw some sites.
That’s an epic journey. And unforgettable, too.