atlernative transportation
Pleasure Driving
On my way home from church (a beautiful Palm Sunday service, BTW, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral) my trip counter turned over 90 miles for the year. This would put me on track to hit about 360 miles for the year, which is in line with last year’s mileage. Actually, I think I will go over that since the bridge on the main road coming out of my neighborhood recently closed for repairs and I now have to detour in a large loop east or west to get anywhere. That adds about 1.5 miles to each trip.
I’ve taken some of the financial pain out of maintaining the car by insuring it as a vehicle for “pleasure” driving as opposed to a commuter vehicle. This cut the insurance premiums by almost a third.
I don’t drive for pleasure, more out of the occasional necessity. Then again, it is a pleasure to go to church and the library, so perhaps that is an apt description.
The wind in my face
Riding a bike head on into a brisk Oklahoma wind is a challenge. Yesterday I turned a corner and found myself heading straight into a south wind. I changed gears to make the peddling easier only to discover that it made keeping my balance harder. I changed back to a stiffer gear just to propel myself forward. I took the very next left to get out of the wind and pedal around a small American Legion park not far from my house. It’s quite shady. I picnic there on occasion. Yesterday only one camper was set up in one of the camping spots (I know, weird to camp in the city, but there always seem to be a few folks down there!). Of course, once I headed home, I had the wind at my back giving me a little earth-induced boost.
One my way home, a guy yelled out, “How many miles per gallon do you get?” I had to chuckle. In summers past, no one did more than wave as I went by. Now they see a bicycle as another means of transportation. Although these high gas prices are unpleasant, perhaps both individuals and government officials will start to rethink our national addiction to fossil fuels.
Amy Jo Garner
writer, educator, pastor
Amy Jo Garner is a spiritual mentor who specializes in helping people grow closer to the Divine in their daily lives. She writes on matters of faith, is the Director of Education at a local college, and mentors online and in-person.
Amy Jo is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University with a MA in Religion-Pastoral Ministry and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Adult Education at Walden University. Before answering the call ministry and education, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in English and a MA in Journalism. She is a member of Christians for Biblical Equality, Spiritual Directors International, and Phi Beta Kappa.
