I often take the long way home from my local grocery. A ten minute drive versus two…not counting any dawdling for wildflowers, deer, birds, or similar roadside distractions. Dawdling frequently turns the ten minutes into thirty—sometimes more if I've stuck a camera kit behind the seat.
According to Google maps, the sensible short way is 1.1 miles in length; the longer scenic route, 4.0 miles.
The short route leads a few blocks along a main traffic artery past a fast-food joint, hospital, various business…then left at the second traffic light, a few hundred yards downhill beyond an apartment complex and a couple of nice homes, across the bridge to the stop sign, left at the restaurant, a hundred yards up the road, left again, another hundred yards, into my driveway and home. Takes almost longer to tell than do.
While the long way starts with more like a mile's worth of businesses, lights, and traffic, the next right turn comes with a great view of my home-stream's valley. Another right takes me past several fields and prairies. The road then parallels the river through a shady green tunnel practically to my doorstep.
I rest my case.
4 comments:
Ah, the longer way sounds much nicer! (I do that, too, sometimes, but for me the trip is 7 miles vs. 11)
Seems I am married to the wrong man Grizz! The farmer would always take the shortest route whateve the scenery - saves petrol!!!
Carolyn H…
A mere four-mile differential? Piddle! I'm a master at rationalization. Look it it this way: That's a measly four minutes at 60 mph; 8 at 30. I bet either of us can spend that long gawking at a scarlet tanager. My roundabout way is nearly four time farther; yours just over a 50% increase. Besides, what's a smidgen extra time and miles when you're having fun? :-)
Weaver…
Oh, yes, the economic "save the gas/petrol" excuse—pinch a few pennies at the expense of bankrupting the eye and soul.
Sounds like a negative balance sheet to me! :-)
Post a Comment