Computer Maps and Cross-Country Routes

We attended a wedding today.
Our daughter's best friend from college.
It was several hours away from home,
so we headed out yesterday –
map and computer mapping route in hand.

There's only one problem with computer mapping.
It can't determine that the roads on the recommended route
are not necessarily the best way to go.

And unless you're a topographic expert, there's
no way to know that the 'most direct route'
is actually up and down over a couple of mountains,
with 10 mph hairpin turns and a dozen switchbacks!

An extra twenty miles or so would have kept us
on high-speed interstates and made the driving easier.

Regardless, the trip was worth it. The views from the
mountainsides were exceptional – a once-in-a-lifetime
look at a route not to be taken again.
And the wedding was wonderful!

As often happens in life, we learn from our 'mistakes'.
There's always something good to be found in every situation.
There are several hotels we'll not stay in again.
We've found several roads that we probably won't drive again.
We've seen movies … eaten at restaurants …
visited' tourist traps' that we'll not do again.

We've also found some delightful places to revisit – like
Virginia Beach and Corning NY, Chicago, Atlanta and St Maarten
(all of which we'll probably tell you about later …)

The point is – you'll never know if you don't go.
The world is out there - waiting.
Pick a place and GO. Experience Everything you can.
Your life is a journey. Travel first class!