TRIPTIKING TO TUCSON – a journey, not a goal.

I am still driving; however, I am more and more uncomfortable driving on freeways, especially through unfamiliar cities. And, at my age, the journey is more important than the destination; I am aware of the ultimate destination, and am not quite ready to arrive.  I am curious and have exhausted my interest in freeways. I don’t need  70 miles an hour, irritable drivers and large trucks.

I drive frequently to Tucson; grandchildren, you know. I am a member of AAA.  Last Saturday I  asked for a “TripTik” from Albuquerque to Tucson without driving  on  freeways. AAA and their skilled staff provided a “TripTik” route with  only  14 miles of I-25 or I-10. It tracks the Mexican-US border and takes  me to new places. My journey will take 10.3 hours instead of 7.5 and will be 126.9 miles longer. It may require an overnight stay; however, AAA provides a list of motels and restaurants. I also got an electronic version of the “TripTik” which is on my i-Phone.

I can afford the extra time. I can use the stimulation. I need a topic of conversation other than aging.

It’s the journey, not the ultimate goal, even though, I am statistically 20 years away from my “ultimate goal.” I will let you know how the trip turns out.

Another simple way to plan your trip is to go to Google Maps, click on “show options,” check “avoid highways,” and print out a map that avoids freeways.