By Karen Wintress

This past week I drove from Texas to Florida and intentionally made it an adventure by stopping at rest areas and taking photos along the way. Yes, I could have arrived at my destination an hour or two sooner, but I would not have had so many great experiences and impressions along the way. For me, I've embraced the philosophy that enjoying the trip is as meaningful as reaching the final destination.

Bridges Are Imposing: One thing I became aware of as I traveled along US Route 10 was that there were many long bridges spanning waterways. These were not the size and stature of the Golden Gate Bridge or the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, these were just long elevated roadways crossing bays and intracoastal waterways. What I did notice were small access roads either before or after some of the bridges.

Have you ever pulled over and ventured down one of these roads? They usually are not paved and not very long, but they may give you an unexpected perspective. I drove down one and was rewarded with views of the underside of the bridge, boat ramps, and an off-the-beaten path picnic area.

If you have kids, they will love being able to look up at the bridge and listen to the traffic passing over their heads. This stop could lead to a discussion of engineering and building bridges as you look up at the structure. There could be some quick math if you count the vehicles that pass overhead for a minute and then calculate how many use the bridge every hour or every day. If someone is fishing or launching a boat these may be activities that your children have not seen up close. Take some time to enjoy the trip.

Picnic Areas Are Lonely: Further along on my trip I started to pay attention to the rest areas. There is quite a variation in what amenities are offered and how each area is maintained. In Texas I encountered two of the worst areas I'd ever been in. There was not much shade to escape the heat, there were very few parking spaces, and none were pull in spots, just parallel parking. The vending machines had grates over them, making you feel like a criminal putting your money between bars to get your drinks or snacks.

But then the next Texas rest area was remarkable. It was spacious, with well-maintained grounds and picnic tables. Between the mens' and ladies' rooms, there was a tornado storm shelter with a little museum describing the history of tornadoes in that part of the state. Wow, just the kind of place to explore and enjoy for several minutes before heading on one's way.

The rest areas that I stopped in along US Route 10 in Florida were wooded, well-maintained and contained expansive picnic areas. One of them had over 30 very lonely picnic areas; not one was being used, although each was clean, inviting, and waiting for a family to stop by and visit.

Unexpected Walks Are Treasures: My favorite rest area along this stretch of road in Florida is between Jacksonville and Lake City heading west on US Route 10 at the Osceola National Forest. For those of who are adventuresome, head to the far end of the rest area, where there is the beginning of a one mile walk through the forest to a swamp. Follow the well-marked path to the swamp and return via the same route. While you can still faintly hear the trucks traveling on the highway, the sights and sounds of the swamp are like entering a sacred world, so bring your camera with you. Another way to take some time to enjoy the trip.

While you probably will encounter very different experiences in your part of the country, pack a picnic lunch, even if it is peanut butter sandwiches, fruit, and water and make a point to explore as you travel from point A to point B. Make sure to take pictures or write a journal entry about what you saw. These 'off road' experiences can create priceless memories for your family.

And I hope that you can set the stage for your next car ride so that everyone sees it as part of the vacation and not a monotonous time that must be spent to start your vacation. Check us out at http://www.happyfamilyguide.com to see photos of some of these incredible spots I've described and to get other ideas for growing a happy family. Would love to hear your ideas for how to make long car rides less monotonous.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com