Reporter's Notebook: Driving For What?

Lately, I’ve been driving around for no reason. 

It’s not a bad thing. Rather, it fits with dealing with decades of emotional and mental health, as well as an antidote for absolute boredom. 

It shouldn’t have to be this way. However, the act of driving around is a cathartic form of mind clearing, idea gathering, and pure escapism. 

Driving gives me the space to think about a lot of things. When I drive a vehicle that will be published on this site, I’m taking in driving impressions. I recognize that my brain is a repository of a ton of information and memories – some of which could be useful when the moment calls for it. 

There are days when I simply want a lonely highway to drive on. 

Why am I writing about this subject again?

The days of wanting to simply take a drive for no reason has increased lately. I’ve been quite busy with my current endeavors. Yet, it seemed that things have been off-balance across the board and taking care of myself should be a priority.

However, there were moments when I just need a break. A drive somewhere. To get away from home. Maybe to fulfill my curiosity?

Behind the wheel, I trade mental cleansing with thoughtful ideas. Of places I have yet to go to. Or, to return back. Nashville, Detroit, and Cincinnati are destinations that have been at the forefront of my mind and desire. I did miss Chicago this year and hope for a return soon. 

There have been thoughts of all of the things I am missing out on. Ballgames, car meets, checking out new places to eat, get coffee, and other interesting places to explore. 

Has all of this a continuation of something that got me through the COVID-19 Pandemic? That might be. That time was challenging for all of us. It was an escape from the pall of a healthcare quagmire. Of restrictions and the resulting bad decisions by those who openly defy them. 

Yet, things have changed for me. Physically, I am not as sprightly as once was. A balance of the results of surgery and underlying conditions have limit my ability to do everything I want to do. I can still do plenty of things, but perhaps some assistance reasonable accommodation would be helpful. 

That means searching for accessible seating, parking, and easement at events and when I’m out and about. Sometimes I am successful. Yet, there were moments when I get frustrated at the lack of accommodation sometimes. 

Should that ever stop me from driving anywhere? No. Or, at least I hope not. 

Let me throw something out there for you. The one thing that I always take under consideration is to be safe when I’m on the road. If one thing the pandemic did was to change our driving behavior. Perhaps we’ve always been this way. Especially, in our glorious Minnesota winters. 

We need to get back to competency, awareness, and understanding the rules of the road. Please don’t just do it for me – do it for all of us. 

The summer is almost over, folks.

In the meantime, I better get back to driving…

All photos by Randy Stern