Leaving Longboat Key on this last day of the Thanksgiving weekend, we found that the northbound Interstate was clogged with vehicles. After crawling along for an hour or so, we cut away from that ribbon of concrete to take a series of "blue highways," enjoying a more intimate look at the interior of the Florida Peninsula.
Blue Highways is a book by William Least Heat-Moon, who took less-traveled roads to explore the fabric of American life; at the time, those routes were colored blue in road atlases. By doing so, Mr. Moon experienced landscapes, customs and interesting persons that would otherwise have gone unnoticed and unappreciated. I very much enjoyed reading his accounts and believe that, in a broader context, they offered valuable lessons for life.
Zooming along on our path to success or mired on the safe, congested road of efficiency, we often miss unique and exciting experiences. Now and then, whether forced to do so by circumstance or invited to do so by opportunity, we are wise to take detours that enrich our lives.
Blue Highways is a book by William Least Heat-Moon, who took less-traveled roads to explore the fabric of American life; at the time, those routes were colored blue in road atlases. By doing so, Mr. Moon experienced landscapes, customs and interesting persons that would otherwise have gone unnoticed and unappreciated. I very much enjoyed reading his accounts and believe that, in a broader context, they offered valuable lessons for life.
Zooming along on our path to success or mired on the safe, congested road of efficiency, we often miss unique and exciting experiences. Now and then, whether forced to do so by circumstance or invited to do so by opportunity, we are wise to take detours that enrich our lives.
