The motorway, it’s fast and efficient. Often seen an easy route, with only occasional junctions to consider. Your eyes are firmly set on your destination, as there’s not much else of interest to look at anyway. If you’re lucky, you may come across a mountain in the distance, or a small stretch of farmland. However, those things quickly pass you by, offering just a glimpse of the surrounding landscape. You had a destination set and you reached it. You’re content with that outcome. After all, why wouldn’t you be?
Now let’s consider an example of another driver planning his journey. The motorway is the best route as far as he’s concerned. He’ll reach his destination in good time and have energy to spare.
He sets off. Along the way, his passenger points out an old mill house in the distance. His passenger seems to have a fascination with mills, so they take the exit to check it out. It’s only a small diversion, and they aim to hop back on the motorway as soon as they’ve enjoyed a short drive by. Upon seeing the mill more closely, they notice it’s operational! One of only a handful to remain running since becoming mostly obsolete at the end of the 19th century. They both find it fascinating, but the driver is eager to get back on to the road. Time is slipping by, and they’re now running behind schedule. The passenger wants to stop and speak to the owner of the mill house. They’re fascinated as to why it’s still running in the same way it has been for centuries past, particularly when alternative methods of crushing grain into flour are far more cost effective today. The driver reluctantly gives in to the passengers request, and they knock on the door to find out more. When the owner answers, the passenger introduces themselves and expresses a heartfelt admiration of the mill house. The owner is flattered, and asks if they’d like to take a look inside. The driver is hesitant, as they’re already behind schedule. But once again, the passenger is heads-over-heals about this. The passenger in their excitement pleades with the driver to go inside; it won’t take long after all. The driver gives in for a second time, and begrudgingly accepts the invitation, much to the passengers joy.
As they look around, they come across the gears and pulleys behind the mill wheel. They look original, and the passenger is fascinated with the design. Although having one eye firmly on the clock, even the driver is impressed. As they explore further, they come across an old map of the town. The map dates back to the 18th century, and although its signs of age are clear, it’s been carefully preserved behind a glass frame. The driver takes a particular interest in this map. He notices that the motorway they’ve just driven on doesn’t exist. It’s an obvious observation, but it’s something that intrigues the driver. The driver expresses to the owner of the mill house how much has changed since this map was drawn, and they’re both wrapped up in conversation about the towns exquisite history. Soon after, the driver looks at his watch and suddenly realises… an hour has passed!
Time; what was an element of great concern to the driver, has suddenly become something foresaken in this moment. The driver turns to the passenger and suggests that they drive through the town instead of routing back onto the motorway. The passenger is confused as the motorway is determined to be the faster route. However, following the longer than expected conversation with the mill house owner, the driver can assure the passenger that the route through the town will return a similar arrival time. Besides, the driver accepts that the schedule has been thrown out the window, as the mill house excursion took far longer than anticipated.
Navigating through the town, the driver notices some of the streets as spotted on the 18th century map, some which are still made up of cobblestone. As they’re crawling further towards the centre, they notice a fountain. The driver tells the passenger that this is the “Great Fountain”. At only 5 metres high, it doesn’t come across as anything significant by today’s standards. However, unbeknownst to the passenger, the owner of the mill house previously explained to the driver that in the 16th century, the stream passing through the mill house also passed through the centre of the town. As a way to accentuate the locations natural beauty, a fountain was built which utilised the fast flowing stream.
The driver and the passenger took a moment to appreciate the collective beauty of the town before them. Nature and considerate architecture working in harmony to create a sight that’s truly magnificent.
After driving through the rest of the town, they hopped back onto the motorway and arrived at their intended destination, although later than originally planned.
Had the original route been taken, the driver and the passenger would have arrived at their intended destination sooner. However, taking the back roads offered an unforgettable experience.
You could say that in this scenario they were fortunate. A blind route down the back roads could just as easily end in becoming lost, or by stumbling across unforeseen road blocks. However, one thing is for certain. The motorway, although quick and easy, will never open up the opportunity to see something new. You’ll arrive at your intended destination, and you’ll be content, as it’s what you were expecting. But experiencing the journey along unfamiliar back roads, might just open your eyes to something truly worth seeing.
By taking the back roads, you may be behind schedule, and the plans you made for your original destination may need to be changed, or scrapped altogether. Perhaps you made important commitments before starting your journey; commitments that are important to you. If that’s the case you may decide the motorway worth sticking to, and any diversions should be brief so as to stick with your plan.
However, if you find yourself longingly intrigued by what can be found along the back roads, perhaps it’s something worth taking a risk for.
JW Blog 