Traveling The Highways And Byways And Back Roads.

When is the last time you traveled by automobile to a region you were unfamiliar with? If you were on an interstate highway, or even back country roads, you probably tried to follow the directional signs, right? Have any problems? Uh huh. Here's the thing. Highway signs are designed by two separate groups of people. One group is represented by people who live in the area and are completely familiar with how to get where you want to go and really don't need the signs, but will explain with arrows how to do it. The other group which also designs signs, is represented by the folks who designed the roads in the first place. They too know how to get where they want to go. After all, they designed the highway. So they don't really need the signs either, but they too will explain how to do it with arrows. Where the problem comes in for you, is that all these good and well meaning folks already know how to get "there" and which way to turn. For instance, just because you want to go south, doesn't necessarily mean you will need to turn south. Some times you'll need to turn south, but then sometimes you'll need to turn north, or east or west or stay straight. In other words, it's best if you don't use that compass you bought especially for the trip. Now comes the best part. You are advised to follow the signs directions. So if the sign tells you to get into the left lane as soon as safely possible you need to do so, because, this sign would normally either instruct you to do so as you pass the turn or just far enough ahead for you to get into the left lane just as the next sign instructs you to turn right immediately. That's why the front seat passenger is required to search farther down the road for contradicting signage I don't mean to find fault with the folks who make and place these signs. I don't mean to, but I will. It's not their fault that they already knew how to get "there". It is their fault, though, that they unconsciously assume that you do too. See, if you don't know how to get "there", you will need better instructions as to how to get "there" than you will if you already know how. This is what the sign designer/maker/placer doesn't know. On the other hand, it does afford you the opportunity to see places and parts of Americana you never expected to see. Like the city dump or Charlies Auto Junkyard or the dead end at the local swamp.