![]() 11/24/2015 at 16:24 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
Let me preface this by saying that I don’t like nature. It’s dirty. There’s no climate control. And tree stumps aren’t overstuffed and leather upholstered with extendable foot rests like my favorite chair. I don’t hunt and I don’t fish. The mere thought of hiking sets me raving.
No literary school is a better argument for a good old fashioned book burning than trancendentalism. Woe to the world that Thoreau wasn’t eaten by a bear while living in that god forsaken cabin of his. No writer deserves a case of terminal carpal tunnel then Emmerson. And I can tell you exactly where Whitman can shove a few Leaves of Grass.
But as we all know, there are few things better than a drive along a winding back road through the country. Of this fact, I am a firm believer. I always say to people I am more than willing to commune with nature, on the condition it’s through double paned laminated glass. I love the smells of fall as much as the next guy, provided they go through an activated charcoal cabin air filter first. Driving through nature is all pro and no con. No bugs, no temperature changes, no dirt, no walking, no tree stumps. Just pretty colors viewed from inside your cozy little pod.
There is a stretch of road along my route between Winston-Salem and home that is absolutely beautiful this time of year. A winding two lane country highway, Saint Marys Road by name, between Hillsborough and northernmost part of Durham, North Carolina. It has long sweeping curves, hills and valleys. Perfect if you’re looking for a casual corner to chuck your car into. The foliage is lovely, especially where the trees completely canopy the road. There are quaint old farm houses and barns. I’m not one for rustic charm, but it is calming to look at. I recommend taking it in with either the Siriusly Sinatra or Symphony Hall station on XM.
It’s always been my favorite part of my drive. Even with the old Continental, I would put the air ride into the “firm” setting and have some fun on the particularly twisty bits. The S600 manages to keep it flat no matter what, even in comfort mode. It really brings out the European “touring” ride of the car. And you gotta love passing out in the country. Pulling up behind some hick ‘95 Silverado with no piston rings left to speak of, belching blue smoke, doing 35 in a 45; then just catapulting by the second the yellow line goes from solid to dashed.
Happy Start of Thanksgiving Break everyone.
![]() 11/24/2015 at 16:34 |
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Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will drive down quietly, may alight across your windshield.
-Nathaniel Hawthorne
![]() 11/24/2015 at 17:14 |
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What a beautiful country lane. Meanwhile here in Illinois, my lawn is covered with snow and the highways have already been brined/salted.
Old man winter can go crack a dick.
![]() 11/25/2015 at 10:28 |
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My family moved down here from Wisconsin summer before last. Can’t say I miss the weather.