The lure of the open road: An early retiree’s love for traveling the beautiful American roads

 

Beautiful scenery on I-80 Pennsylvania 

My dad was the one who was instrumental in instilling in me the love of the open road.  One of my favorite childhood memories was going on road trips with my dad, my brother, sometimes my mom, and  my dad’s friends to places like Washington D.C., Luray Caverns, Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens and Atlantic City.

As a child, I loved looking out the car to the ever changing scenery around me.  I loved how the landscape would change from the concrete jungles of New York City, then to open areas right outside the city.

I would marvel at how many trees would start to appear once we cross over one of the many bridges and tunnels to leave the city behind.

All the wide expanse of farmlands, the hills which would eventually become mountains the farther west we go, and the sparkling bodies of water, would fill me with awe and wonder.

I loved when I would lie down on the back seat then look up at the top of the window to see highway light posts moving into the view, only to quickly fade from the view.  The upside down world through that view point was something I always cherished as a child…

I especially loved when it would rain and I could hear the rain falling on the roof of the car to make a rhythmic drumming sound.  The sound of the windshield wipers moving in synchronized motion left and right would put me in a contemplative mood.

Of course, what child can resist taking naps when a parent drives?  It was always joyful to wake up from these naps to find new sceneries opening up before my eyes.  I found these naps refreshing and renewing in more ways than one…

I always knew then that I would travel across the same beautiful American roads when I grew up…

Driving after snowfall 
Driving through a mountainous area near Claysburg, PA

I got my driver’s license as early as I possibly could at age 16 in the state of New York.  I simply couldn’t wait to be driving!

As a child, I always observed my dad whenever he drove.  I would watch how he would apply the accelerator or the brake, and how he would make adjustments to the steering wheel when turning or parking.

Over time, these observations proved incredibly helpful when it came time for me to apply for a driver’s license.  My dad took me to the Shea Stadium (home of the New York Mets baseball team before it became the CitiField) parking lot to teach me on weekends.  Our favorite times were early mornings when no one was in those parking lots!

After practicing diligently for few months, I took my driver’s license test and passed with flying colors.  I was now ready to drive!

My dad’s car back then was a Mercury Cougar station wagon.  It had a terrible steering feel, terrible brakes, and worse handling.

Even so, I still have fond memories of driving that car with my buddies in tow.  I would drive to places like Manhattan, Atlantic City, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Jones Beach.

One time we got pulled over by a state trooper in New Jersey while going to Six Flags.  At the time, I just had my driver’s permit!  I explained (nicely) that I had just passed my driver’s license recently and was waiting for the actual license to arrive.  

The officer was so cool!  He let me off with a ticket for speeding, but didn’t bust me for driving with a permit and not a license!

That trip would mark the beginning of my driving the open roads in another state, outside the familiar confines of New York City…

Enjoying the clouds and the trees somewhere near Buffalo, NY
On an open road somewhere in upstate New York

I was completely hooked once I got a taste of driving on open roads in unfamiliar places!  I realized I was made for the open road:  of ever changing scenery/roads, of rest areas that sold snacks to be enjoyed while driving, of watching the beauty of nature unfold, and of excitement building within myself upon arriving at a new and unfamiliar environment…

These feelings are all still with me today.  Ever since my early retirement, they are even more so!

I still love preparing to live month at a time (or longer) at new destinations.  I still love driving on new and unfamiliar roads to get to these new destinations.  And most importantly, I still love the excitement, the giddy feeling, of arriving at a new place, wondering what new experiences await…

One of many overlooks we passed!
On a road to Buffalo, NY
On a mountainous terrain outside of Claysburg, PA

Thanks to my early retirement, I can now enjoy all these great things about driving the great American roads!  

Every trip I take is done with understanding that I have only a finite amount of trips left in my lifetime.  I want to savor and enjoy all of these drives through the great American roads as much as I can.

I’m only 49, but I certainly don’t have infinite number of years left before my time is up.  I want to make the most of my time while I’m still young…

I’m hoping the next several years bring similar feelings of excitement and giddiness that I feel today.  Long live driving on the open road and enjoying life while we can!

Thank you all for reading!


Jake

Wandering Money Pig 


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