It's Spring Drive time (no, this not a car commercial)

It's time for my annual Spring Drive, a personal tradition I started in 1991, and which actually takes place in the winter most of the time. The Spring Drive is a time when the sun has started making its first appearances of the year, and I take advantage of it by spending a Saturday or Sunday just driving way out into the countryside with no destination in mind. It's a good feeling to have the sun warm me through the windows of the car, not too hot for comfort. I like to get out there, explore some rural lanes I've never been on before, stop at a country store for a snack, drive a little slower than usual, and occasionally wave at the locals.

Two years ago I waited until May to take the drive, and when I did, for the first time, I wasn't alone on the drive. She was my date for the day, and we had a nice drive to Silver Falls. Almost one year ago today, that same person and I drove to Cape Meares, and had a great time. I once thought that there was a chance I might be with her for a long time to come, so I opened up that little private part of my world for her to share. That was not meant to be.

So this year, I am alone again. I'm not saddened by this fact, although I do know that it would make for a nicer drive if she were with me. I'm happy that the weather will probably be sunny on Saturday, and I look forward to being out on the road again, watching nature as it anticipates the springtime.

I think I'm heading southeast this year. Maybe I'll go to the desert...I've never been there in February.