… or should I say, a day spent getting to Montauk … Allison has the whole tale.
Within 10 minutes of picking her up, we were laughing all over again about the two of us driving through Ireland together, and how we would “support” one another, no matter the circumstance. The job of the “navigator” (ie: passenger) was to emotionally support the driver. I would state, “I need to drive this slow right now. I’m sorry.” She would say, “Do whatever you need to do.” She would drive up to one of the endless roundabouts, and sit there for 20 minutes, looking back and forth, reminding herself which way it was necessary to look. She would murmur, “I’m so sorry. I just am afraid to turn right right now.” I would say, “Do what you need to do.” We very quickly discovered that the job of the Navigator was just as important as the job of the Driver. It is essential to have a non-judgmental atmosphere on road trips where neither of you know where you are going.
But what a beautiful day it was!
I provide visual aids to her tale below.
Once again: here is Allison’s amusing version of the tale.
I love the Navigator role. As I recalled, we did the same thing when you drove in Ireland (because I was too scared). And we had some chant for turns that reminded us whether they wide turns or tight turns, accounting for the whole ‘other side of the road’ thing. Do you remember?
Beautiful photos. Going to read Allison’s blog now.
Ann – hahahahahaha I had forgotten about our chants!! yes, it was something like, “Look to the right to see only delight, Look to the left and find uncertain death’ or some such ridiculousness.
I loved our Navigator/Driver adventures as well!!
sheila, your pics are amazing! i especially like the one of the “bathing between green flags only,” a rule which as you’ll remember i was trying–as always–to get around. i said, “what’s the worst that could happen…we’ll get a warning.” and you said, “I don’t like warnings.”
Allison – BWAHAHAHA “I don’t like warnings.” I’m so OCD!! I just loved it because you mentioned the green flags and I had happened to take a picture of one of said green flags!
Such a good day!!
Next time, you should really check out Jones Beach or Robert Moses Beach, both also on the south shore of Long Island, but MUUUCH closer to NYC.
Next time we’re going to Avalon, dammit!! :)
But I’m not sorry. It was a great drive … quite rustic in places, the further you got out. I loved it.
I have a cousin who has a place on montauk, or did, I cannot remember whether she still has it … post divorce… I would have loved to visit but she has always scared the doo-doo out of me. Anyway i was so glad this was a happy ending day. I can’t remember what it’s like to swim in the ocean except for that wonderful extra bouncy feeling. Oh. My. God. a supportive navigator is essential when you do not know where you are going. I want the t-shirt.