The GPS was set. The music was blaring – the Black Crowes’ rendition of “God’s Got It.” There was a driving rain outside the window, but I had a destination in mind.
Finally, the interstate unceremoniously gives way to a state highway. Before long, the relatively flat landscape yields to the mountainous North Georgia terrain, but the rain and the fog obscure any splendid views that these hills promise on a clear day.
Flea markets replace strip malls on the side of the highway.
Winding country highways, rain or shine, always make a journey a little more interesting. Highway 246, north of Dillard, Ga., snakes back and forth as it climbs the mountain. The speed limit drops to 25 m.p.h., and the map on my GPS makes the route look more terrifying than it is.
We stop at a scenic outlook, but there is nothing to see today – just a fog-obscured day. The Black Crowes give way to Bob Dylan.
“City’s just a jungle, more games to play,” the poet sings. That’s why we need country highways like this.
On a leisurely Saturday morning when the only destination is the BBQ joint ahead, I don’t care if the going is a little bit slow. Just let me enjoy this long and winding road and the songs that accompany this drive.
On a side note, given the rain and the fog, this was one of the scariest undertakings of my life. One wrong turn and I was off the side of the mountain.