Tribal Travels, Musings, and Jawbone Canyon Chapter 5 by R. Cane

Wanderlust was inculcated in me on these family forays, but it didn't hurt that I was nearing the age of driving, and all things about driving - shifting gears ... when to pass ... how to pass .. how to 'double clutch' , were of keen interest to me .. and Gramps was a good teacher... needless to say, I was always looking for any chance to drive .. it was a big deal for me to be allowed to re-park the truck or move it for any reason ... and on really remote roads Gramps would let me drive for 10 miles or so .. ecstasy to a 14 year old!

On some of the longer and more tedious desert treks ... we would see side roads meandering off into nowhere... and it was fun to guess where they went and who lived there - what was there, and even why it was there at all? What ever would entice folks to live in that place ?

Often, If there was a road sign announcing an interesting attraction or landmark, we would all take note, but rarely would we ever take an unscheduled side trip. This happened only when Grams would insist - since Gramps' main idea of travel was 'making time' – with one eye on the clock, and ever intent on matching or beating his previous times from point A to B. No slippage in the family travel-time standards was to be allowed without good reason! No matter however, since Grams was the 'decider', and if she could be interested or inveigled to join sis and me in an interesting side jaunt, then grandad would - albeit grudgingly - take the side excursion.

Often, when we were lobbying to stop, or take a break, or even actually visit a roadside attraction, we would read aloud the contents of adverting or road signs. By giving voice to these 'lures' - we were certain to get Grams' up or down vote - "That does sound interesting, Dad lets turn here and see ....", but usually Grams would be tactful, and ever mindful of the need to 'make time'... would reply ... "well ... we can keep that in mind for the next trip" to a resounding sighs of feigned disappointment by me 'n sis.

[Editor's note: This story was written by R. Cane and is part of a 10 story series]