Today, I got to take that on-ramp...I'm headed out to recruit new teachers. I pressed on the gas and the engine of our 2015 Acura leapt to respond. I think the speed and change of scenery is good for it as well. The Mount Vernon Parkway was a dream, and the sights of Washington DC flashed by, brief flickers in my peripheral vision. Endorphins rushed through my system. I was FREE!
Onto 395 N - and the traffic slowed down...in fact it pretty much crawled. I did enjoy watching the flights pass overhead on their way to National Airport, and I could have sketched the Waterfront I sat on that curve for so long. Over the Anacostia Bridge onto 295 - things remained stop and go - but I can always find something interesting to look at!
When I finally hit 83 N in Pennsylvania, I relaxed into the drive. The traffic moved fast, but the speed was consistent and the driving felt very civilized - you know, people used their blinkers! The highlight though? I regularly began to see cows on either side of the road. Big ones, little ones, brown ones, cream ones...shaggy furry ones...and they were all standing up (IYKYK).
I ended up the afternoon in beautiful Lancaster, PA, and I'm looking forward to hiring new teachers tomorrow for our school system. In the afternoon - I think I'll take a different scenic route home; perhaps I'll try to find more cows.
It sounds like a beautiful drive! If you take 222 out of Lancaster and head south, you'll see all kinds of farms and maybe even some Amish farms.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary!
DeleteWait...people used their BLINKERS!? Will wonders never cease?
ReplyDeleteI also remember the DC area traffic. That was...not my favorite, to be sure. I taught out in Loudoun County at the time, so I was usually going against traffic. Still? NO FUN.
Here's hoping that you were able to meet and hire some amazing candidates to work in your school system!
YOu captured all the sights on your drive so well. I like how you matched it with your feelings of escape. Perhaps, you will find someone to lead of ELA department?!! Happy Recruiting in PA!!
ReplyDeleteThe cows were right-- you had traveling weather!
ReplyDeleteI love how you described the traveling in so many ways--the feeling of wanting to travel, the sight of the airplanes, the sensory details at the different stages of the journey, .... I also loved your line imagining your car enjoying the change of scenery as well. Your slice does such a great job of conveying the joy of taking the road less traveled. :-)
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