by A. Jill Gaebel

Created on: April 10, 2011

The Mountain Side of the Road

There we were once again on this trip into Mexico and California, traveling in the mountains on the snaky, narrow, precipice hugging roller coaster roads that struggle first steeply up then down and up again.  For added interest are the hairpin curves that double back on themselves and allow one to see the travelers that may be a mile or so ahead or behind. 

There were breathtakingly beautiful vistas to enjoy and appreciate, but it wasn’t always easy for this flatlander who peered nervously out the RV window.  I kept a fearful eye on the all too close edge of the high road while holding a death grip on the arm rest of the door, applying imaginary brakes, and leaning into the curves as though any of those actions would help keep the car from throwing itself into the gorge below.  I tried to not annoy the driver with too many whimpers and moans as we hurtled at 20 to 30 mph at the steep, sharp curves.

I found the trips on such mountain roads a little less stressful if we were traveling next to the mountain side rather than the valley side.  There was some feeling of security if I could see solid rock next to me and if I had a little distance between me and the dizzying edge.  I could sometimes even relax enough to enjoy the views and take photos.

Such travel has made me wonder how much of life I and others spend clinging to the security of “the mountain side of the road”, so to speak.  How much is missed because we don’t venture to the edge of the precipice and dare to peer over it to see what beauty or adventure or excitement might offer itself? 

We find the mountain side of the road in so many aspects of our lives, whether it be travel, lifestyle changes, business, pursuing dreams, or relationships and commitments.  The mountain side is different for each of us as are our reasons for leaning on it. 

I did get out of the RV and walk to the edge a few times.  I looked at the vistas and inhaled their beauty.  Although the scary roads have been travelled and are behind me now, the memories of the beauty remain.

Such is life when we live it.

The mountain roads scare me immensely, but I’ll do them again sometime.  The pay off is incredible.

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