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Perspective: My Virtual Travel Companions

Paula Garrett

As it turns out, this is a sequel to my previous perspective. Before Bluella, my VW Golf, delivered me back home, I was already contemplating Road Trip part two to spend more time with my family before the holidays and the onset of winter road conditions.

My soundtrack this time was a collection of essays by a favorite writer, Tim Winton. In one he describes how we begin a journey -- setting our GPS and expecting to arrive intact and on time, and when we don’t, it’s like a blow to the head. Well, that was my experience, literally.

Walking out of a truck stop, I tripped on some loose stones and began that tumble where you think you can right yourself until the side of your face slams into the concrete. Somehow between my mask and the ice and arnica cream I applied, I ended up with no cuts or bruises, at least on my face. And I consoled myself with the prospect of the saltwater and sunshine I was heading toward on the Florida panhandle.

As for the GPS, I lost it somewhere in the hills of southern Alabama, but with the navigational help of a friend in Illinois, I was rerouted onto scenic roads alongside the Gulf of Mexico. And second only to spending time with my family, that’s exactly where I wanted to be -- captivated by and immersed in the waves and tides, and watching the forecast for rip currents.

I’m Paula Garrettand that’s my latest view from the road.

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