Country Roads? Yes, Please.
Given the opportunity, I usually take the back roads. I’m willing to take the extra time necessary to detour off the beaten path and meander the winding, narrow, less traveled route, always in search of hidden gems.
The destination is typically worthwhile, but I don’t want to miss the journey along the way.
I recently attended a writer’s conference in Upland, Indiana, definitely off the beaten path. Renting a car in Indianapolis, I head north towards Taylor University. But as soon as I am able, I exit the interstate and enter the county roads marked by farm signs and an occasional roadside stand. The towering cornfields on either side hem me in and guide me north, reminding me how an ant might feel traversing the grassy hedges along sidewalks, so small but safely guided.
At certain junctures there are other county roads; a few with stop signs, but more so those with unmarked intersections, a gentle beckoning to slow down and take notice, giving way to others who may be enjoying the journey, as well. On this particular journey, however, I drive twelve miles before seeing another soul.
On some journeys, the music blares; occasionally I’ll find some classical jazz, and other times, the windows are rolled down while I eavesdrop on the cows and sheep who are sharing an afternoon conversation. Those are my favorite. I wonder if they are sharing family secrets, commenting on the mood of the farmer, or complaining about the weather. The backroads of home often include horses whose tails sway with the wind as they gracefully saunter through the pastures.
Today I stop at Aunt Cindy’s Goodies, a small handmade roadside stand, and peruse the mouthwatering Triple Berry Crisp and the Blueberry Lemon Scones with Lemon Glaze. The cash box sits atop the cooler, a reminder that there are still honest fellow travelers among us. When a large old barn enters my view, I notice the window boxes containing dancing red geraniums, and a yellow quilt block smiling from up above. Thankfully, I am still the only traveler as I slow to make a u-turn to admire and capture the beauty of the barn.
The green fields continue as the road rises slightly and the trees form a canopy to shade me for a moment. The colorful wildflowers dot the roadside, and I bask in the delight of this back road journey.
Indeed, I am looking forward to the destination, a weekend with fellow writers, but for now, I don’t want to miss the journey.