Had a couple day trips the last couple days. Yesterday we went down to the beach at Galveston, then drove down the island, and booked a bit of a zig-zag pattern to Brazos State Park (we were going to go to the observatory, but apparently they sell out pretty quick). Today we had a brief trip to Austin to meet up with a friend. But what I found myself reflecting on was the space in which I found myself these last few days. Yes, it's hot and it's annoying, but at the same time we get to drive on well-marked and well-taken-care-of roads. The driving's pretty easy, and quite frankly it has to be if you want to travel across the vast expanse of the country-turned-state in a reasonable amount of time. A few years ago we drove from Houston all the way to Carlsbad. Now, you might think, wait a minute, that's only one state over. But it's also about a thousand miles each way. Driving down Galveston Island was also quite relaxing. It was one of those getting-away things. Basically you have a flat, straight stretch of road, with water (and beach houses) on one side, and nothing on the other. I don't know about you, but that's pretty peaceful to me.
I need this break. I'm not sure why, but I remember last month just wanting to get out of the part of Minnesota that I was familiar with (basically Twin Cities south to Owatonna, and I-35 east to US 52). Northfield, especially. But usually with breaks I treat them as battery-rechargers, equally ready to return to from whence I came. This time, though, I don't really have any interest in going back to Northfield (or Minnesota, even). I'm not sure why. I don't think it has anything to do with the place itself, but more with the fact that I've gotten away. And right now I'm happy being (and staying) away. I have several friends that have called or contacted me in some way that I need to get back to. And I will at some point (I promise guys!). But not now. Later.
I'm sure I will go to sleep tonight with visions of driving (or riding) on the road. I've been doing a lot of that this month.