Winter Driving while Traveling

I rented a car at the airport in Maine and I was surprised to hear the man behind the counter. Asked me if I wanted a four-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive upgrade because of the weather. It was winter at the time so I understood why he would ask me that question, but I don’t ever recall being asked before.

I thought about telling him the stories that was in my head about growing up in the state. How I recall front wheel drive being a rather new things that you only saw mostly on the Subaru in the state , I grew up like most people did, driving a rear wheel drive vehicle. Today, that seems unheard of to drive in the winter time but when I grew up, it was standard.

I wanted to tell him how you could use such things as wheel drive vehicles. Even though the wheels would spin, you learn to use the cars, momentum and motions, and all the devices that you can use to get a car traction again after it begins to spin.

I wanted to tell him the stories of the times when I actually went sideways in my car skidding on the ice, but was able to bring it under control. I especially wanted to tell him the time that I couldn’t stop my vehicle on the snowy road and somebody pulled out in front of me, but I was able in around them just barely missing them, but never brakes. Brakes are big no-no on the snow and ice.

So many other stories, I could recall that I could tell this person as well. But I didn’t. What was the point? The reminisce in front of this young young man and watch his bored but courteous eyes stare at me? no I could see no point in that. I just kindly declined his invitation and accepted my front wheel drive vehicle and knew I would be just fine.

I didn’t want to be one of these people who told these exaggerated stories about how life was when they were young. About how they were lucky if they had a horse and carriage to take them to school, but mostly they had to walk 5 miles through the snow and back. I know there was a thread of truth ain all of those stories, but they were always greatly exaggerated. I would’ve greatly exaggerated some of my stories if I begin to tell them as well. So best I just keep quiet and accept the keys and walk away.

Cars are much more capable to operate in the winter time than when I grew up. Now with sing, such as Simonizing cars stone tend to rust out like they used to. The salt that they use on the winter roads can be quite corrosive to metal but the cars today I will protect it again unlike when I was young. I can truthfully recall, seeing holes in my floorboards as I drove down the road. The car didn’t pass the next inspection, but for a while, I would like that. That’s just how life was back then.

OK, I’ll stop talking like an old time now. I actually don’t feel like an old timer, but I guess I’m beginning to become one now. But I will share with you some pictures and videos of what it’s like to drive in Maine for those of you who might be interested.

Nowadays, when I drive through Maine during winter, I don’t concern myself much of the road conditions. I focus more on the beauty of the state in the winter time.