In 1978 I was a guest for a performance long forgotten in my memory. It was at the Kennedy Center.
Preceding that, I had topped my 1968 Mercury Cougar with a U-Haul device and slapped two college mates’s luggage atop. We were heading to Annapolis to deposit the sisters at their home. Neither drove a car, thus I toted an extra friend who did know how to drive as my back-up.
It’s an epic tale for sure, one that came to mind with this hullaballoo surrounding the demolition of the Center. The part most prevalent in my foggy bank is that I was 19, driving in D.C. with no sense of direction. (An issue still unresolved at this point in life.) While we made it to the performance in my little boat, we couldn’t figure out how to get out of the city. I pulled off Pennsylvania Avenue to read a map, and yes, flashing lights immediately flagged us. Even then you couldn’t just pull over to an empty spot for a respite.
The officer obviously noticed our youthfulness, Nebraska license plate, unfolded map of the area, and politely offered to escort us to our route. I was never scared, just too naive to even be worried about my fate other than finding the right road. We did escape, and eventually my other driver and I made it back to the Midwest. Of course, I had to drive in NYC before heading home. Another wacky adventure.
The biggest marvel? My parents thought I was quite capable of navigating that entire two week mission in the era sans credit card or cell phone. And apparently I was.
I am so happy to receive your post prompts again!!
A generation that went off to war at 18 knew that you would do well driving in a big city. What a fun memory.
You were and are still fearless! Nice job my friend.
I always admire your fearless personality. I remember you asking me once to head to NYC with you around that age…I, of course, declined! Instead got married and had kids at a young age. I think going to NYC would have been smarter. HAHA
Agreed! What a joy to be receiving you again !
You always appeared SO capable, I can totally understand your parents believing in you. Isn’t that a precious memory boost to your heart? 🙂 Thanks for your writing ~
So glad to see your writing. Proud to know such an adventurous spirit.