It’s a tough time to travel.
Once upon a time, humans actually traveled to meet people and see things for themselves. Now tourists want to get back in circulation, but the covid virus had the idea first. We’re ready to bust of the house, but wherever we go the residents aren’t quite ready to bust out of the house to greet them. That leaves Michigan, with its scenic roadside attractions and high vaccination rates.
Michigan farm country has not only acres of corn and soybeans but also grape vines, and wineries have moved their tastings onto the terrace. These are not brewery tours, where you stop and smell the yeast. A winery tasting involves taking the tine to get familiar with one or two flights of wine, and then more time to forget about them and sober up. The first rule of tastings: Always leave something on the table.
I’m direction challenged even when fully caffeinated. Fortunately, we now have Siri to give directions. But she can be a bit chatty. She’ll start out saying, “Stay on I-94 for the next 80 miles,” but can’t leave it at that. “In two miles, stay on I-94.” ”In a quarter mile, use the left three lanes to stay on I-94.” Yes, Siri, I get it. Don’t stop for gas or Siri starts tapping the Apple Watch on your wrist. “Make a U-turn! Return to the route!” She’s entirely too anxious. Can’t she just enjoy the scenery?
Siri is always certain. Several times she instructed something like, “Take Rockland Road south,” followed immediately by “Take Rockland Road north.” She'd be more helpful to state, "The destination is around here somewhere." Can’t she read the signs? Still, it’s better to second-guess Siri than to get mad at the driver. "Shut up!" I'd say, which I realize is not helpful. I should be saying, "Siri, shut up!"
