Most of our trips over the past 12 years consisted of flying/driving to a destination point, unpacking and staying in a central place as a hub. This was going to be different. This time the unemployment issue caused us to be creative. This trip we would drive from place to place and stay with as many relatives that would take us in. It was a total of 9 nights lodging and 2,430 miles driven.  Amazingly we got 48 mpg in Sweet Pea (the Prius).  We drove to visit Peg’s relatives and friends in Michigan including a special drive to upper lower Michigan.  Visualizing Michigan as a big mitten – we went to the tip of the little finger, and back home again.

Many things can occupy one’s mind on a road trip including the tidbits of info written on passing vehicles and intermittent “warning signs” posted roadside.  A few come to mind:

“…Crossing” – There were several signs indicating things that would soon cross our paths that might give us pause to slow down and be vigilant such as “truck crossing”, “deer crossing”, “bear crossing”, “children crossing”, “ped crossing”,  and “tractor crossing”. Honestly not a thing crossed our roadway path except one big turtle. It would have been much more exciting to have seen a bear cross the road – or better yet a bear riding a tractor… that would be a Kodak moment.

“Caution Falling Rock” –  I have seen many signs indicating concern for falling rocks over the years, but never just A Rock!  So, if the rock falls do they 1) remove the sign since the deed is done? Or 2) put THE rock back for the next group of drivers?

“Emergency parking 1 mile ahead – limit 2 hours” – Does the state DOT not understand the word emergency?? Am I supposed to plan the blown engine or flat tire to coincide with the neatly arranged area of roadside established for my panic induced episode.  Maybe they include counselors or insurance adjusters at these precious points of curbside zen.  And please, someone explain how you put a time limitation on an emergency.  Does the EMS staff come prepared with stop watches?  I’m sorry doctor could you please hurry up with that CPR – we only have 3 minutes left on our emergency time.

“Caution – patrol dog” – How fun it was to see that car pass by us with those words painted on all sides. I’m sure McGruff was driving and probably had nephew Scruff riding shot gun.  I felt much safer on the road.  There must have been a fast cat up the highway because McGruff  passed us like we were standing still.

The trip was wonderful for many reasons but as this was a “nostalgia trip” for Peg, the greatest moment for me was to see the absolute joy on Peg’s face when she stood on a sandy beach on Lake Michigan and remembered her times racing  then toddler Shannon in the sand.  Peg simply glowed with happy memories – and made one for me.