Eme Ashe Trip Tips

At a young age I began "driving." The backseat of my Grandparent's cadillac was my driver's seat; the round brown pillow they took while traveling my steering wheel. I sat behind my Grandfather as he drove, turning my pillow with the curve of the road, making sure the car stayed the course. My driving "cockpit" grew more elaborate over the years as I crafted my steering wheel out of paper plates, my pedals out of wooden blocks. I accelerated, braked, and steered on every road trip, monitoring my fake gauges and mirrors.  I am proud to say I came out of those underage driving years accident free.

I'm a good driver.  It's one of the things I can say I am really good at.  Some kids study ballet from age 8 - 14.  I studied driving.  I'm not perfect; my car has the scratches to prove that.  I'm sure a few other cars have scratches I inflicted over the years.  I have yet to really drive a manual transmission.  I can't change my own oil.  I don't know a what's-it from a doo-dad, but I can drive.

This trip has given me a lot of time to think.  I'm a good driver not because I am the master of my own car.  I am a good driver because I understand the spoken and unspoken rules of the road.  More importantly, I can anticipate what other drivers are going to do, with impressive accuracy.  I can tell when a dumbass behind the wheel is going to be indecisive about an exit and almost kill us all.  I know when an aggressive driver is approaching and how I should handle him.  I can tell when a car slows minutely that the driver is going to change lanes, cut me off, swerve to the left, go for the exit, or stay put.  I know when to let a trucker in front me and I know when he is going to screw me over by failing in a passing attempt of another truck, leaving us all going 40 in a 70, with flashers going and curses flying.  It's intuitive for me.  It's part of me. 

I want to share some of  my wisdom on this page.  Not just my tips for driving, but also my road trip tips. 

1. Get Mental.  Assuming the appropriate roadtrip mentality is essential.  On a short roadtrip, you focus on the destination, who you will see there, what you will do there.  Maybe the lunch stop location is a focus.  Wendy's or Waffle House?  Big decision.  On a short roadtrip you pick your favorite music, take your favorite snack, and you set off with the knowledge you will reach your destination later that day.  There is comfort, determination, and excitement included in the short roadtrip mental state.

A long roadtrip, spanning multiple days and/or nights is a different story.  A long roadtrip is really the epitome of, "the journey is the destination."  Take for example the cross-country trip delineated on this blog.  Each day I had a goal destination in mind.  I had ideas along the way of places to stop for food and gas.  Occasionally spontaneity would overtake me and I would swerve into one locale or another for a photo-op or a sandwich.  Driving for several days allows you to fall into a more relaxed roadtripping mental state.  You begin with the full knowledge that your destination is nowhere in sight.  Since you can't see it, you become more able to see what is right in front of you.  The road, the mountains, the sky, the water, whatever it may be.  It's important to keep this in mind.  Your stress level will drop, you'll realize you don't have to stop to see that ball of yarn because what you are seeing in front of you is amazing enough.  Bring some music, pick up a book on CD, and have your camera handy...it's going to be quite the adventure!

2. Be a Boyscout.  Always be prepared.  On any kind of roadtrip, short or long, you have to be prepared.  Do some research before your trip to determine your route and keep a paper map or atlas handy.  Don't depend solely on technology, such as GPS or iPhone.  They can and will fail.  (Sorry, iPhone, I love you!)  Depending on the weather or time of year you are traveling, you will need several other items.  For example, in the winter time, you want to pack warm clothes, blankets, maybe matches.  It is possible you could end up stranded somewhere and have to wait for help.  Take it from someone who drove across the midwest in 4 degree temperatures - you don't want to spend the night in the middle of Iowa unprepared and the distance between exits/civilization in these great United States can be significant. 

Essential items at all times include, common sense, flashlights, water, food, walking shoes, and a cell phone.  Research worst-case scenarios, such as what to do in a tornado.  Most importantly, know where you are going and know where you are.

3. Respect the locals.  When you bunk for the night, the person behind the desk or in the campsite next to you is your best friend.  Don't make seemingly harmless comments about the way people dress or drive.  Talk about the weather, where to eat, etc.  Don't look horrified when they recommend the Crackerbarrel.  Never comment on accents, this can get you in trouble.  When time permits, take in the local flavor - food and local beers are a great place to start.

4. Appreciate Wal-Mart.  After my recent cross-country trip I have a new appreciation for Wal-Mart.  No, I won't shop there; yes it still makes me sad.  BUT, when I drive into a town that has nothing, and I have seen nothing for miles, the contribution of Wal-Mart becomes clear.  People can work.  People can get the same household items the rest of the country enjoys without driving 6 hours.  People get to live where they want to live and still shop, eat, and work.  Entire towns can survive a recession.  All because of Wal-Mart.  That, plus if you are desperate for food, water, or any of the other essential items, a Wal-Mart oasis will be a sight for sore eyes or a rumbling tummy.

5.  Keep up with traffic.  Do I or don't I?  The answer is, "it depends."  Hooked right?  Stay tuned!