The Drive

Driving down back country roads between small towns is always an enjoyable experience. The wind, the air and the feel of the sun on your face as you travel without worry and effortlessly though unfamiliar hills and valleys of epic green space that seems to fill all of the senses at the same time. The farms, the fields, the trees, the livestock, the old 60’s and 70’s cars left for dead behind barns and garages. 

Now imagine that experience enhanced by the power of ten. This would mean you are on a touring motorcycle and gliding, no, floating though the curves and hills and feeling at one with the road. Those who know, well, know, and wish this upon you. I personally wish that everyone has the chance to experience this at least once in their lives. But that is an entry unto itself

One thing I always take pleasure in is receiving a friendly wave from a stranger along these journeys. It’s usually a plaid jacketed elder gent who has just happened to stroll to the end of his lane-way to collect his daily mail from a mailbox that resembles something like a tractor or some other item that he has personally crafted in his own workshop. It may not be a tractor but it is something very cool that reflects him or his family in some way.

This is truly a testament to the friendly, welcoming nature of the people from rural areas and it always brightens my mood for the rest of the drive. It also makes me look forward to the next one of these impromptu romps through the countryside. 

There are two important things to remember about drives like this. The first is, always wave back no matter what your mood is at the time. Trust me on this. Just do it. That mood will change for the positive no matter what mood you were in.

Secondly, do not be afraid to be the first to wave. Go ahead and initiate it. See how it feels to be on that end of it. Welcome them into your world and do it happily with a smile. You never know, they may feel as good as you about it. This means that you have just brightened someone else’s day. That always makes me feel pretty good.