THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley


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Road Trip

Think back on your most memorable road trip. So ask the daily prompt today.

When I think of the term “Road Trip”, my mind flashes back to my youth. For those words were said with emphasis. Sometimes to a far away destination, sometimes to a local club. Driving was a huge part of our youth.

The best road trip was in my 74 Camaro from our home midway between DC and Baltimore to Daytona Beach Florida with one of my best friends, I think the year was 1978. With stops to see friends in South Carolina and his Grandparents in Georgia on the way down to the shores of Florida.

My 74 before modifications. Photo by Mike Hartley

I can’t remember the total days, but we had slow cruise on the way down, stayed several days in Daytona so about a 8-9 days debauchery had gone by. We called back home to rage from the beach and learned there was a big party that night at a friends house. Soon as we hung up we knew it was a road trip home to make it to the party. We were leaving the next day anyway.

Given the distance, 830 miles and time they would never expect us. But we drove the tires off this thing that day and made it. Switching drivers each time we got gas, barely missing getting locked up a few times. Two of us barely over 20 years old and playing Cannonball Run up the east coast. One of many, of not the smartest things I’ve ever done. But we survived. And it was a thrill and a half and a great trip overall.

My mid life therapist above. Photo by Mike Hartley

A close runner up though are days on the bike riding for 8-10 hours down to the ocean and just cruising that were great. Going up and down the Atlantic coast from Ocean City Maryland up to Bethany or Rehoboth Delaware and stopping at favorite dining and beverage spots and the occasional rest/nap on the beach. Then back home in the late evening crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and looking at the freighters lined up down the bay waiting there turn to unload.

I love to drive and sometimes spend days cruising now in my Miata convertible now with my better half. Days of speed and wheelies are long over. But road trips will always be part of me.