Had Forgotten How Great Driving Can Be
 

Just got back from a totally enjoyable roadtrip to see friends in Atlanta (from the Northeast) and I had forgotten how great driving can be. We packed a cooler with water, soft drinks and sandwiches, took a few bags of snacks and we were on our way. You really get a feel for this great country and have the flexibility to stop along the way, meet people and get a totally different perspective on life in different places. I can't recommend it enough. It makes the trip more complete. You'll appreciate how far you're going and by listening to the radio you'll be able to have a better understanding of people and places, learn a few things and maybe even hear an advertisement for a worthwhile restaurant or attaction. In short, it will make you a more well-rounded person.<BR><BR>With the long delays, questions of safety and the total impersonality of flying, I would urge each and every one of you to give driving a chance, and with gasoline prices this low you'll never have a better chance.

Never is a long time, I bet there will be other times when driving might be recommended. Retirement, perhaps, when time constraints don't exist.<BR><BR>Also it's hard to drive to some destinations, yes?

Barb & Len, I agree, driving can be fun! We drove to Montreal from NYC, through the Adirondacks full of color,stopping at little towns along the way for snacks and to take pictures.Not having an arrival time,departure delays..I just can't figure out how to drive to Paris :) ~M

Oh, lets not get carried away there, Dinah Shore. I've driven those roads around Atlanta ... and just a few months ago folks on here were complaining about the qulaity of life with all that traffic. By the way, have you looked at the traffic fatality stats for 1999-2000? It's becoming more dangerous on the roadways. It seems like there are 2-3 of you really getting it on with this car thing. Time to hit the road, I would think. Ciao

Leone, Dinah Shore? I don't get it. Draw me a picture would you please?

Well, surely you recall when Chevy, not Burt, was the main thing in her life ... See The USA. But surely you were jesting ... but perhaps not. Ciao

Oh my gosh! You were trying to make me use my long-term memory. That was disengaged ages ago. Ok thanks for the laugh!

So apparently Leone is no spring chicken. If he remembers Chevy and Dinah Shore he must also wax nostalgic for Norma Zimmer from time to time.

"See the USA in a Chevrolet"<BR><BR>"Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick, a Buick, a brand new Buick"<BR><BR>[come on all you oldsters]

I think I'm a summer chicken. But I also wane more than wax ... but just am drawing a blnk with Ms. Zimmer ... unless you mean the Sunset Blvd. Norma ... but no, that's probably not it. I'll do a search and find the enviable Norma. Ciao

"See the USA in your Chevrolet,<BR> America is asking you to call.<BR><BR>Drive your Chevrolet through the USA,<BR> America's the greatest land of all.<BR><BR>On a highway, or a road, along the levy<BR> Performance is sweeter, nothing can <BR><BR>beat her, life is completer in a Chevy.<BR><BR>So make a date today to see the USA<BR><BR>And see it in your Chevrolet.

Okay, I accept full blame for getting this Shore stuff started ... I'll stop. Just, please, no more lyrics. Ciao

Getting back to the original post.....<BR><BR>I agree with you, Barb and Len. My husband and I have made quite a few long distance drives over the years. Some were for vacations, others were for work-related moves. I'll say that at some points during those coast to coast drives, we *did* think they would never end, and we had our cranky, "I can't wait to get there" moments! But overall, those drives have been a great way to see the country.<BR><BR>One good bi-product of being in a car with someone for long periods of time is that serious discussions can happen. No quick responses to a question while walking out the door, like when at home.<BR><BR>Whenever we come upon a major city, my husband's quest is to find, as soon as possible, the #1 classic rock station! I enjoy focusing on the skyline. We each have our own "thing" we're looking for.<BR><BR>Although it's not a without hassles way of traveling, I do think it can be very enjoyable!

We bought a conversion van with a built-in tv/vcr, sofa bed that folds down in the back and captain's chairs. Even has a cooler in the back and a dust buster! It's like driving while you are seated in your barcolounger. It's great for long distance trips. And, best of all I am about eye level with the trucks, now I can check them out!

Be careful, Driving Mama. My friend and her husband (he's 50) bought one of those and now they have a 3 month old.

Yeah, I like driving. I like driving the speed limit in the left-hand lane just to see one of those yokel-locals come up behind me in their SUV, wanting to pass. HE-HE-HE. I'm the king, baby, I'm the king.