In every season I spend time exploring the prairies, seeking both new and familiar places as I log kilometre after kilometre on the highways.
It offers my curious mind a glimpse at how people live and the world around me.
When I was younger I cranked up the stereo to learn the lyrics to the newest songs while these days I try to learn more about science, history and art with the dial tuned to CBC. The car is my classroom and the lessons come from both inside and out and even the surface under my wheels offers something to think about.
A number of years ago a friend who had never been to our province took the bus from Alberta and was awakened by such a violent vibration she thought the tires were falling off. Someone explained to her they had just crossed the border and "welcome to Saskatchewan."
I don't think the difference is quite as noticeable these days but I do know there are a lot of bumpy spots on the journey. I've waited for construction delays several times already this summer taking the time to gaze out the window at the blooming canola and the standing water.
This week I followed the advice of signs along a quiet stretch telling me to slow down for loose stones. Even though I was on a paved road only driving about 70 kph and there wasn't a semi in sight, my windshield sustained two major hits in about five minutes. Driving is an expensive habit and the first chips in a virgin window are always painful as I hope they can be fixed or I wonder how long I will have to drive with the cracks.
I often have to travel on a busy two-lane highway without a shoulder when going to visit relatives. It means I can't pull over for a power nap. It is an exercise in patience as I take my place in a line of cars, amazed anyone would try to pass on the constant hills and curves witnessing near miss after near miss.
The roads around here are long and varied and I'm so glad we live on the divided highway. It hasn't been very long since the road was twinned, but it makes the province even more accessible as I plan my routes to visit the people I love and head out for adventures seeking historical and natural treasures.
Luckily it isn't the highway but where it leads that is important and I am grateful for an open road, a reliable car, my maps, cell phone, GPS and a tank full of gas.
