So true that last sentiment -- you can't get it on your computer or phone. You actually have to go. And I did many times when in my 20s. Had to get the Hell out. And the open window, wind blowing my hair, the lonely barn by the side of the road that inspired a story. It's all there to get into my head and under my skin. These days, though, at the age of 76 and female, how would the road treat me? What does Tonya say about her long drives across country? I'd love to read one of your back and forth collaborations on The Road. Maybe it would refresh my nerve to get behind the wheel again Thank you for this, Paul. See ya down the road.
Thanks, Sue. It’s not always easy, certainly not ask much as when I was younger and barely carried any gear or a dog. I think Tonya likes the road as much as I do, but in a slightly different way. I am the kind of guy who can sleep in a van in a parking lot. She’s more of a trouper than most people I know. A back and forth, though, is a fantastic idea! Thanks for that.
I'm wondering how safe she felt while driving long distances alone. And do you think things have become more dangerous, the people angrier toward strangers, than in the past?
That's a good question, Sue. I can definitely understand feeling nervous about traveling alone while female. Generally, though, I think the road would treat you well. I haven't had many problems. I am careful if I'm by myself. I don't drive at night. I stop in well-lit, busy places. And I try to keep my wits about me, wherever I am. Paul alluded to this in his comment, but when I was still in my first marriage, I wasn't given the option to drive anywhere alone for years, so it's a freedom I've cherished the past few years.
That said, I don't get out on the road by myself very often these days. Paul has an even stronger wanderlust than I do, so he's usually game to travel wherever I want to go. I still think it's a good idea to travel solo sometimes, though, just to remember how it feels.
As for whether it feels more dangerous... I don't really think so. It's possible that I've just been lucky, but I haven't run across any unpleasant people in a while. On the other hand, the drivers are all deranged these days. But you already know that.
Also, I love your idea of a back-and-forth piece on the road. I'm going to put that on our to-do list. Thanks, Sue!
Ah. She definitely has her own opinions on that one, but I think they're colored by the some parts of past circumstance. Let me leave it at that. She's fairly fearless, but also has good situational awareness. I'll let her answer that one, though. I think things may be a little weirder out there than they used to be. When I drove that van, it was so strange-looking that people were a bit cautious with me. I have one scary experience - was on Highway 50 around 20 miles west of Austin in a rental car - maybe 1999 or 2000. Two guys by the side of the road flagging me down. I slowed down, locked the door, lowered the window an inch, and asked if they were okay. One guy immediately started to yank my door handle. I took off like a bat out of hell, went to Austin - they got in their car and followed me. When I got there, I kept going and they turned off, but it scared the hell out of me.
Exactly! And I dare say that women have a weirder time on the road than men most of the time. I'd like to know the truth about that, though. Also, how did other women threat Tonya? Waitresses HATE single women coming in the door, but love to see a man, any man, sitting down in their section. And is American more dangerous to travel on roads than in Europe, for example? I don't know. Am I just getting wiggier about leaving my house these days? I think so. Even Mayberry, NV is changing for the worse.
Again and yet never the same piece of writing. So good. I'm a walker, hiker. (not so much uphill anymore or mountains to climb, but there is no limit to where my mind goes when I walk. And always tremendously grateful for that ability to put one foot in front of the other and go. Sight-see. Thanks for this one again, Tonya. I imagine me in the passenger seat of another car, glancing into yours. Interesting...I think, those two. I wonder if they're married? Yeah. they are. Look happy. serious, sharing, smiling, separate and together. The best. C.
Thanks so much, Connie. Your comments always mean the world to me. And you’re right, it always does seem to be the same thing. But that’s what I know. It’s also like Apocalypse Now, where he goes, “When I’m here, I want to be in the jungle. When I’m in the jungle, I want to be here.” Greetins from Winnie, Texas. Back to Lafayette tomorrow. xox
Such a beautiful, vibe-y piece...I just read it through twice to get more of the nuances. It's specific & universal, both - essay writing at its finest.
So true that last sentiment -- you can't get it on your computer or phone. You actually have to go. And I did many times when in my 20s. Had to get the Hell out. And the open window, wind blowing my hair, the lonely barn by the side of the road that inspired a story. It's all there to get into my head and under my skin. These days, though, at the age of 76 and female, how would the road treat me? What does Tonya say about her long drives across country? I'd love to read one of your back and forth collaborations on The Road. Maybe it would refresh my nerve to get behind the wheel again Thank you for this, Paul. See ya down the road.
Thanks, Sue. It’s not always easy, certainly not ask much as when I was younger and barely carried any gear or a dog. I think Tonya likes the road as much as I do, but in a slightly different way. I am the kind of guy who can sleep in a van in a parking lot. She’s more of a trouper than most people I know. A back and forth, though, is a fantastic idea! Thanks for that.
I'm wondering how safe she felt while driving long distances alone. And do you think things have become more dangerous, the people angrier toward strangers, than in the past?
That's a good question, Sue. I can definitely understand feeling nervous about traveling alone while female. Generally, though, I think the road would treat you well. I haven't had many problems. I am careful if I'm by myself. I don't drive at night. I stop in well-lit, busy places. And I try to keep my wits about me, wherever I am. Paul alluded to this in his comment, but when I was still in my first marriage, I wasn't given the option to drive anywhere alone for years, so it's a freedom I've cherished the past few years.
That said, I don't get out on the road by myself very often these days. Paul has an even stronger wanderlust than I do, so he's usually game to travel wherever I want to go. I still think it's a good idea to travel solo sometimes, though, just to remember how it feels.
As for whether it feels more dangerous... I don't really think so. It's possible that I've just been lucky, but I haven't run across any unpleasant people in a while. On the other hand, the drivers are all deranged these days. But you already know that.
Also, I love your idea of a back-and-forth piece on the road. I'm going to put that on our to-do list. Thanks, Sue!
Vaya con Dios!
Ah. She definitely has her own opinions on that one, but I think they're colored by the some parts of past circumstance. Let me leave it at that. She's fairly fearless, but also has good situational awareness. I'll let her answer that one, though. I think things may be a little weirder out there than they used to be. When I drove that van, it was so strange-looking that people were a bit cautious with me. I have one scary experience - was on Highway 50 around 20 miles west of Austin in a rental car - maybe 1999 or 2000. Two guys by the side of the road flagging me down. I slowed down, locked the door, lowered the window an inch, and asked if they were okay. One guy immediately started to yank my door handle. I took off like a bat out of hell, went to Austin - they got in their car and followed me. When I got there, I kept going and they turned off, but it scared the hell out of me.
Exactly! And I dare say that women have a weirder time on the road than men most of the time. I'd like to know the truth about that, though. Also, how did other women threat Tonya? Waitresses HATE single women coming in the door, but love to see a man, any man, sitting down in their section. And is American more dangerous to travel on roads than in Europe, for example? I don't know. Am I just getting wiggier about leaving my house these days? I think so. Even Mayberry, NV is changing for the worse.
Again and yet never the same piece of writing. So good. I'm a walker, hiker. (not so much uphill anymore or mountains to climb, but there is no limit to where my mind goes when I walk. And always tremendously grateful for that ability to put one foot in front of the other and go. Sight-see. Thanks for this one again, Tonya. I imagine me in the passenger seat of another car, glancing into yours. Interesting...I think, those two. I wonder if they're married? Yeah. they are. Look happy. serious, sharing, smiling, separate and together. The best. C.
Thanks so much, Connie. Your comments always mean the world to me. And you’re right, it always does seem to be the same thing. But that’s what I know. It’s also like Apocalypse Now, where he goes, “When I’m here, I want to be in the jungle. When I’m in the jungle, I want to be here.” Greetins from Winnie, Texas. Back to Lafayette tomorrow. xox
Such a beautiful, vibe-y piece...I just read it through twice to get more of the nuances. It's specific & universal, both - essay writing at its finest.
Thanks so much, El. That means so much to me.
Bravo…
thanks, Sebastian