The call of the open road

I can remember, growing up, that around this time of year, My Kid and I would either be getting ready to go on vacation, or already on one. While we'd take trips by airplane to visit her sister in California, most of the trips were in the car.

When I was young, it was the beach (although, these days, I'm not much of a beach person). As I got older, it was cities and towns that fascinated me. Niagara Falls was a staple every year, and it never got boring. Toronto, which to this day I still call my second home, became a destination of choice.

Twice we drove cross-country (even though The Kid did all the driving...I was too young at the time). It was one of the greatest adventures I'd been on, that cross-country trek. Once down-and-across, another, more along the center of the country. I've some photos from those adventures, even though I did run out of film (remember those days?) partway into the Rockies. The memories I have can't do those justice.

It's around this time of year, I hear the call of the open road. I start to get nervous, edgy, anxious to get in my car and drive. Mind you, I worry about my poor car making the trip these days, but I think once she (yes, my car is female) got on the highway, we'd make it with no problems. She always did work better on open highway anyway.

Maybe it's those childhood memories that cause this urge, this feeling in my soul, to get on the road and drive. Maybe it's the monotony of everyday life here that makes me want to go to someplace different, see something new. Although, honestly, I swear, I could make the Pittsburgh to Niagara Falls drive blind-folded, I've taken it so many times.

There'll be no vacation for me this Summer, however. I won't say "times are tight", but I do have to watch certain expenses. I'm living on a budget, or trying to at least, these days.

But the road still beckons. It's a soft voice, in the back of my mind, pulling at my soul. I know I'll be on the road again at some point, just not today.