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Patty Craig: A Slice of Time

My family enjoys a good road trip. For us, a road trip is any journey that’s taken in an automobile covering long distances. These trips usually have some plan and include food.
Modern road tripping is a growing hobby. According to Wikipedia, groups dedicated to the art of the road trip are becoming prevalent online. Road enthusiasts enjoy debating proper gear, attire, and electronics. Other debates include the type of road trip (a whatever-happens kind of road trip vs. a scheduled road trip), the use of electronic devices to pacify young passengers, and destinations. Professional road tripping now includes other activities, such as dashboarding (connecting to the Internet), caravanning, and photography.
Several family road trips have become unforgettable. One teenage road trip involved a drive to Nashville with my dad. He had business downtown; but, most of the day, he showed me some of the Nashville sights. It was unusual for him to have time for sightseeing with his oldest daughter, and it was a good day. Later, as young parents, my late husband and I took our first-born, very young daughter on a road trip to Disney World in Orlando. The trip to and from was an adventure; we probably had a better time than she did. Then, my late husband and I took our youngest daughter and niece to Myrtle Beach. It was the last time my husband felt like playing in the ocean. That trip was a good one.
In retrospect, some road trips are just funny. My daughters and their families all drove to Myrtle Beach one summer. They were caravanning and using two-way radios to communicate and entertain themselves. My youngest daughter had just found out that she and her husband were expecting a baby. Although thrilled about the pregnancy, her temperment was emotional. They all agreed that she cried all the way from Morgantown to Myrtle Beach. Because of the rocky start, this trip has become an often recalled family story.
Road tripping is not all fun and games. Following some recent road trips with friends, I’ve reached three conclusions.
1.    Since trips require sacrifices, we should want to go or we should just stay home.
2.    The automobile should be serviced and well-maintained. This sounds just like my Dad; but, having trouble on the road can be expensive and hazardous.
3.    Finally, coming home feels good.
Whether it’s to the mountains or to visit relatives, most people like the occasional road trip: the anticipation, the recreation and then recuperation. All of my daughters like a good road trip, and actually, I do, too.

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