Brooks – Creeks – Streams – Rivers
Road trip update
You can step across a babbling brook, jump over a creek, wade across a stream, and go rafting in a river. Of course, these terms are somewhat interchangeable and go by different names in different geographic areas.
During my first nine days of solo travel, I have done my best to avoid the Trans Canada Highway and instead travel on the “old roads,” as I am wont to say. In Nova Scotia, they still refer to these roads as Trunk Roads, which means the roads that existed before the 100 series of arterial freeways.
I am warming up to belabour this a little more as I have been asking locals where the word Trunk came from. And not surprisingly, it comes from a tree analogy. A trunk road, at that time, was the primary central route for long-distance driving, and all the smaller local roads (branches) were supported by that main trunk road.
Furthermore, the name originated in the British Empire – most famously the Grand Trunk Road in India. The term Trunk was also used by railways (the main line between major cities) and telecommunications (trunk calls were long distance phone calls and calls connecting different networks).
All of this to say that I love these old roads, especially because of the variety and abundance of flowing water and bridges along with the babbling brooks and streams that often run alongside. Not to mention the rolling hills, grassy knolls, and wide swaths of meadows. A storybook road trip.
Surprises
Something I did not expect was the absence of traffic. Not only was I driving solo, but I was also often solo on these old highways. Miles at a time and not another car in sight – even on the Cabot Trail, a prime tourist attraction. The reason is that not just Ottawa schools but most districts started school this week because Labour Day was so late.
This was lucky for me, as I do not really like driving. And yes, the irony of my taking an estimated 4000 KM (2500 mile) trip makes no sense. However, it made sense to me because I wanted to visit the land of my childhood, visit friends and family along the way and reflect on my life with my 80-year-old eyes and heart.
In short, it has been a joy filled experience with the natural ups and downs along the way both figuratively and literally. Many of the old roads are like a small-scale rollercoaster, with what we called as children “thrill hills.” We would beg our father to rev the car up those hills and fly down the other side. Of course, those antics were in the days before safety, and we lived to talk about it.
I have arrived safely back in Hampton, NB and will enjoy this weekend before leaving on Monday for the last leg, over two days, back to Ottawa.
My experience verifies, once again, what Dr. Itami would remind his patients – stretch yourselves physically and mentally. Challenges offer us opportunities to learn, expand our minds and hearts, and take us out of our comfort zones where we benefit with newfound confidence, new ideas, new people, and a renewed sense of joy and aliveness.
Notes
1) When I arrived back in Hampton today a friend of my cousin Sonya (who isn’t here) made a delicious tomato soup for me with tomatoes and basil from Sonya’s garden. It was delicious and especially so with all that thoughtfulness and kindness. Sonya’s friends are gold, and I am the lucky recipient of their generosity.
2) A big thank you to all my family and friends on this trip who hosted and fed me and made me laugh and cry as we embellished stories and family lore and grieved for the loss of loved ones. A special shout-out to my Aunt Ruth, who just celebrated her 102nd birthday and is bursting with vitality and love of life for everyone who crosses her path. She is truly an inspiration.
3) Another surprise for me, surprising because it wasn’t planned, is that I had totally silent drives other than the occasional directional messages from Siri. No radio, music, podcasts, or audiobook. Nothing. Just the sound of the road and paying attention to what I was driving through. It was a beautiful break from a world of constant sounds. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
3) I send you all my best wishes that you have what you need and that you don’t lose heart when the going gets tough. May you create small moments of beauty and joy for yourself every day, without fail. Warmly, Trudy
Dear Trudy. Thank you for your wonderful travel log. Once again I was taken on a drive in your back seat enjoying the sight and peaceful sounds of road travel reminiscing with you. Enjoy your visits. Thank you 😊 Tamara
Thank you dear Tamara. I loved your note and greetings to Jim as well. Warmly, Trudy
I just closed my eyes and pictured the trips that I had in the beautiful maritimes on many trunk roads, trudy, as my husband loved to drive these and get us lost. Of course,we did not have GPS. Safe travels.
I am glad this prompted good memories dear Jean. Your good wishes were fulfilled as I am back safe and sound. Warmly, Trudy
Loving your choice of trunk roads Trudy and all the benefits they accrued. Look forward to hearing more about your trip when you return. And happy birthday to Aunt Ruth who is clearly a special human being. xoxo
Thanks dear Janice. I love your poem and posted it on my blog today. As always I appreciate your kindness and friendship. See you soon, Trudy
Thank you, dear Trudy for this wonderful post. I can feel you sitting lilently in your car with just the sound of the motor and the wheels on the street, maybe from time to time humming a melody that just comes into your mind, driving alone mile after mile – that’s the way, I also love driving;-)
Big hug and stay healthy and positive:-)
Thank you Sabine. One day I would love to visit the Bavarian forest with you. Who knows? Anything can happen. Warmly, Trudy
I love this grand adventure … and you, Trudy. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. You always leave me inspired. xo
Thank you dear Patti. You are always such a cheerleader. Warmly, Trudy
Thank you Trudy for bringing me back to my childhood. Traveling on Trunk and Branch roads reminds me of the farms we passed and the sweet smells of nature. Your journey was a reminder of quiet times when conversations and watching nature was paramount. Hugs!
Hi Darby: For some reason I was sure I had answered last week’s comments but I can’t find them so obviously I didn’t. I am sorry to take so long as it was great to hear from you. I am happy to hear that it stimulated happy memories for you. Warmly, Trudy
What a beautiful post, and how brave you are! Thank you, Trudy. I have been tempted to visit my birth place especially these days. Come back safe and sound and share us your wonderful journey.
Thank you dear Yoshie for this kind note. Back home again after a special journey. Warmly, Trudy