Entry FeedThere is something about car trips that I've always loved. The idea of escape and freedom. The fun of listening to the songs, non-stop, and signing along. Potato chips and Diet coke. And a map.
I bought a map of Ontario for our trip. Yes, we have GPS, but I like to visualize where we are going. However, I realized on this trip that we rely too much on GPS, and it isn't perfect.
Our first night in the Big Nickel, we tried to find out hotel with GPS. I am not sure if it took us the shortest route, but it was convoluted and through scary side streets (yes, there are scary side streets in cities other than Toronto).
GPS also couldn't find the Big Nickel. After dinner, we tried to see it. No luck. We tried the GPS - it took us to the Big Nickel Hockey Tournament. I don't think that the Big Nickel Tournament is played on Long Lake, but that is where it took us. An hour we drove around the Greater Sudbury Area, and found nothing.
Before kids and GPS, I was the navigator. Husband has his pilot's license, though he hasn't flown in at least 10 years. Because of his training, he takes travel very seriously. The vehicle has an oil change, new wipers, fluids topped off, maps have been review with destinations and via points plotted.
My role, as navigator, as to read the maps, advise on turns, highway changes, pit-stop options, and to keep the music coming. Husband and I were a great team, and I think I only got us lost once somewhere in France.
Since kids, my role has changed. I hand back snacks and kleenex. I collect garbage. I help change movies, supply head sets, listen to complaints, plan bathroom breaks. I try to improve the kids comfort with blankets, pillows and foot rests. In short, I have been demoted from co-pilot to flight attendant.
My other new role is Peace Officer. I break up fights and negotiate movie choices. When the kids start yelling or complaining, it is my job to turn around and yell, "BE QUIET! Daddy can't drive with your yelling!" This usually gets me a dirty look from Husband, who find my yelling in his right ear much more distracting than the kids bickering in the back.
Really, it is a wonder that we drive anywhere. Thank goodness for minivans. I just don't understand why they have come up with a soundproof barrier between the back and the drivers. Then I could go back to being a co-pilot in our adventures.