Stick Shifted

Emily let me drive her car today. The first trip out was, frustrating. I knew what I needed it to, but getting the hands and feet to all work together at the same time was a different story.

But Emily suggested I drive the car on my own. I was a bit dubious, being very conscious of my own limitations. This afternoon she and assorted family members went out to the barn, and I needed to drive out to their house for dinner with everyone. I had planned on driving the slowly dying explorer, but, what the hell, she said I should give it a try on my own.

Attempting to get onto highway 7 (a controlled access 4 lane state road) I was in too high a gear for my low speed. Downshift to 4th, still no power. Downshift to third.

Yeah, I don't think I could by and automatic anymore. The pure fun of revving that little 4cyl and racing up the onramp, riding it's urgent push of torque was too much fun. For anyone who's driven to E's parent's house, the road is fairly twisty. 4th gear is fun, third, leaving turns, is better. I haven't had that much fun in a car since I first learned to drive.

Sure, I may still roll back when I try to start on hills. I suspect the occasional unplanned stop when attempting to start is still in the cards. But I feel like more of a driver now than I ever have.