The Road Less Traveled (Because you can’t see it!)

By Helen Coronato
The Accidental Cowgirl

Growing up with sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections, it was pretty easy to give someone from out of town directions. There are familiar landmarks, highly visible signs and plenty of turning lanes to help travelers on their way. However, in Wyoming, I am learning that the term “road” tends to be used more poetically.

The picture to the left is an actual, drivable “road.” Do you see it? I certainly didn’t. While following the directions to this road, it was hard not to become frustrated with the lack of landmarks and the constant gnawing feeling that “I must be going the wrong way.” It’s in these moments that I want to attend a town hall meeting and pontificate on the finer points of concrete pavement. But between my checking the mayor’s schedule and actually finding my destination, a few ah-ha moments make themselves known:

   1. I moved here to get away from the sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections.
   2. I moved here to get away from the sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections.
   3. I moved here to get away from the sidewalks, streetlights, railroad crossings and intersections.

It’s funny to catch myself wishing for the things I left behind; especially those things that topped my list as reasons to leave in the first place. But when driving around in circles looking for a road that is clearly not there, it’s hard not to want what you have always known. Until you find your way.

After a few under my breath mutterings and a few more deep breaths, I was finally able to see what I had been missing. The road was right there. Carved out in the land was a clear path to my destination. Soon enough, I was on my way; confident that I was finally moving in the right direction.

Helen is a professional writer living in Hulett, Wyoming. When not trying to remember to ask for a sack instead of a "bag" when buying pop (not "soda!"), she and her family are out exploring the Black Hills and busy making the West, home. For more information, visit www.HelenCoronato.com.

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