Safety first (or bring your map book and let's avoid this mess)

Recently, we've been working hard to get back into the groove of hitting the open road with a couple of overnight trips. We like to warm up, test the vehicles, test our patience, etc. before we hit the road this summer for more epic vacations. Also, what a great excuse to run away from home.

Our intention is speed on these weekend trips but lately we have been spending too much time on the interstate, sitting in traffic. We really like avoiding traffic.

Sometimes at such a standstill, you can get out and get to know your traveling neighbors. And then what do we find when traffic gets moving again? Some horrific accident, someone's terrible day. Or maybe an emu?

Last weekend we found ourselves sitting still when the trusty paper map book came out. We found the closest off-ramp, and you know what happened?

• Our moods improved.

• There was no traffic. Seriously. None.

• The scenery improved exponentially.

Route 127 in Illinois

We drove through some of the smaller towns and the first signs of summer were definitely upon us with street corner carnival food, car shows, yard sales, auctions and town squares blocked off with actual people walking around talking and laughing. Definitely not the horrors we witnessed with angry, impatient travelers and certainly not the tragedy of high-speed collisions.

So, it is Spring and that often means the tractors were out on the country roads. Yes they move slow but if you adjust your frame of mind and recognize the good work getting done here, it’s not the worst place to be. And if nothing else, like even today, a friendly wave lets you know it's safe to pass.

When you hit the roads this summer, make sure you have a paper map handy. GPS is great to get you someplace fast and well-traveled routes. But, ya know, road tripping isn’t always about speed, even in a feisty sportscar, it’s about the memories, the sights and taking time to see the world around you.

Our Papermaps & Coffee Recommendation: The Country Road

Allow some time to stop at a surprise car show and spend a few bucks on some cotton candy. Stop in an ice cream store and enjoy some heavy cream ice cream or the local donut shop (we recommend Hoeckele's in Perryville, MO). Sugar-up those kiddos in the backseat, blow some bubbles out the window, wave to farmers, but most of all, be safe out there.

Love each other. Love the ride.