Road trips, like any long stretch of time with someone, strain relationships, test friendships, and generally reveal all manner of things about a person you are sure to find annoying. I knew going into this trip Sparky wasn't the sort of person I really wanted to be around for long stretches of time, but fortunately our combined enthusiasm for the trip made it fairly easy to get along. Now that we're sick of being on the road, we're starting to get on each other's nerves. A little. I prefer no music or quiet music to Sparky's uncomfortably loud music, he has a list of grievances against me.
But the trip itself was fun. Our enthusiasm waned around the time we started hitting desert, so we missed anything along Route 66 which might have been interesting in Arizona and California, but perhaps another time with another friend--Sparky is not terribly fond of the mountains, and it'll likely be a while before we really want to spend all that much time together again. Certainly there are plenty of things not on Route 66 we won't be seeing which I eventually would like to see: the various Canyons, snow-capped Rocky Mountains, Catalina, and so forth, but you gotta save something for the next trip.
With that said, traveling along a road such as Route 66 you begin to understand just why the modern interstate system was created. Those old roads were so much driving, you get sick of it after a while. And then, when you finally hit LA, you get stuck in traffic. Good times, if you like watching Sparky doing a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde impersonation.
The trip is over, we're winding down, and heading home; if we've gained anything, it's a newfound appreciation for our own state. Corn, soybeans, and absurdly polluted water that it is.
The thing I miss most about home, and the thing I most look forward to once I get back, is cooking my own food. I was quite sick of cooking when I left, but now I think it might just be the most wonderful thing in the world. Blueberry muffins, spaghetti, pancakes that don't suck--mmmmmm.
1 comment:
Spending a long period of time in close quarters with someone is kinda like being married... you learn all their habits and quirks.
Just gotta forget all the annoying stuff and enjoy the trip for what it is. There is still a lot to see on your way home, so enjoy the view... and the friendship.
You will both remember this trip fondly for the rest of your lives.
Have a great one!
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