The Back Roads of Home.

I think one of the things I miss from my years of growing up in Hyde Park is the character of the back roads that connect the people of the township.  Each road had its own unique character, different from the others and each a challenge to confront and learn from.  Of course, the 16-year old me would say they were fun to drive with some speed as I imagined myself behind the wheel of a sports car.

For example, take the road course that began in East Park, at the intersection of Violet Avenue (9G) and Crum Elbow Road, proceed along Crum Elbow until you make a hard right on Cream Street, climbing up the hill past the farms, then a right onto Dutchess Hill Road headed to East Dorsey Lane, where you would make a hard right onto Creek Road heading back to Violet Avenue and East Park.

The scenery was ever-changing, the roads more often than not vacant, and the terrain challenging.  Oh, if I only had a British sports car like a Triumph or Austin Healy, and a tweed newsboy hat instead of this plain old Chevy Bel-Air and baseball cap!

9(ish) Gary Drive

I was reflecting this morning on my time in Hyde Park, and things I did as a young boy.  It got me to thinking about a massive tree we used to hang out under near my yard. I went to Google Map® and looked up my old home on Madison Avenue and then moved down the street until I could look in the direction of where the tree was.

It’s not there, but the spot remains, with young trees now filling in for what had once been a wonderful alcove to gather and plan the day's great adventures for a couple of 8-year old boys.

I wonder where today’s neighborhood kids hang out as they plan their days, or are those plans now made for them as parents fill their time with sports, dancing, and other organized group events?