BACK ROAD WARRIOR

It was noon and my son Alex was just coming out of his bedroom.

“Want to go down to the beach and grab a hot dog for lunch?” I asked him as he came into the room rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

Alex looked out the window. “It looks like a perfect beach day.” He began to stretch. “So, I'm going to say no.” He stifled a yawn.

“What?” I was confused. “But you just said it's a perfect beach day?”

“I know.” He wandered into the kitchen and I could hear him rummaging though the refrigerator. “Do you know what the traffic's going to be like getting down there?” he called out to me. He finally came back into the living room. “Do you know there's nothing here to eat?”

“I know. I didn't feel like going grocery shopping this morning.” I explained. “That's why I'm suggesting the hot dog.” I smiled at him.

Alex stood there for a moment thinking about it.

“What if I told you I could get you to the beach without hitting any traffic?” I added.

Alex didn't seem convinced. “How?”

“Your Grandmother was the original back road warrior and she taught me all her tricks.” I got up and grabbed the car keys. “It's time I passed this knowledge down to you.”

We were in the car backing out of the driveway. “Knowing all the local shortcuts is the best thing about living near the ocean.” We were stopped at a traffic light of a major highway that led to the beach. “Now, off season we'd just go straight to the beach.” I pointed to the highway that now looked like a parking lot as cars jockeyed for the better lane. “If you go that way now, you're talking about getting to the beach in about an hour.”

“I know, that's why I don't go down there in the summer.” Alex grumbled.

“Well, that's just sad.” I said. “We live by the beach we should be able to enjoy it too!” By now the light had turned green and I crossed over the highway. “We're going to weave our way though a few towns, take the roads less traveled and be eating a hot dog in less then fifteen minutes!” I looked at Alex and smiled. “I promise!”

Cutting through two developments, and taking roads parallel to the direct beach route we were pulling into the parking lot of Windmill Hot Dogs in less then fifteen minutes.
“Wow!” Alex said as he got out of the car. “I didn't think we'd be able to find a parking space.”

I smiled as I pointed to the sign on the light pole. “That's because this lot is only for customers, and they really do tow you if you park here and go to the beach.”

“Did you know that before we got here?”

“Of course, or I never would have suggested coming down.” I pointed to the line of cars driving up and down Ocean Avenue looking for parking spaces. “You think I want to be one of them, waiting to see if someone's pulling out soon?” I shook my head no as we headed into the restaurant.

Once we ordered our hot dogs we sat outside to eat and listen to waves crash against the beach.

“Isn't this nice.” I said looking over at Alex and taking in a deep breath of ocean air. “This is how locals enjoy it here.” I sighed.

Alex laughed. “So after the hot dogs do you want to go get some ice cream?”

“Sure.” I smiled at him. “I'm pretty sure I know a short cut.”