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The Dengler Domain: Two lane highways

Driving down the blacktop with the wind blowing through my hair is an experience. A two lane highway with open terrain on both sides is a better experience. Growing up in the Traer and Dysart area, this feature exists. Gravel and dirt roads are mixed in, too. These roads are fun, but today’s world witnesses the growth of four lane highways. A faster, speedier way to travel across the state and nation. While these roads are quicker, they are not as enjoyable.

As cars became more popular and roads were being built, two lane highways were a necessity. Whether the roads were built with a grid pattern or built to connect houses, these roads were the way of transportation. All two lane highways connected the small towns to one another. Sadly, four lane highways do not have this cool feature. These highways go around the small towns. For example, when traveling Highway 30 to Ames, Le Grand is bypassed.

This brings me great sadness because I want every road to go through a small town. This way I could see these towns up close and personal. Driving by at seventy miles per hour and seeing the water tower or football field lights off into the distance is not as unique. Bypassing these towns hurt because traffic does not wait at stoplights and look longingly for a place to eat. Two lane highways have more character than the fast and efficient four lane highways. These roads pass the local bars, restaurants and boutique stores. While only a blink of an eye, these small towns are not to be missed.

Another reason two lane highways are better than four lane highways are the scenic capabilities. Two lane highways go through hillier and more rural areas. This is better than taking the gaudy four lane highways. The beautiful hills and fields of Iowa are revealed on a two lane road while a four lane road is flattened out. Drivers fly by on a four lane road missing the sights. Two lane highways are less traveled so traffic is never bad unless a tractor is in the way.

These roads provide twists and curves no four lane highway can match. Du Ponda is a great example of a fun two lane road. It is like a mini-rollercoaster for those who dare to drive it. These two lane highways are important to finding undiscovered gems like a hidden pond, antique dealer or a beautiful farm. More interesting places exist to stop at along a two lane highway than a four lane highway. For example, from the stores in a small town to the sketchy but cool house in the middle of the country.

Driving down a two lane highway is more fun to than a four lane highway. Whenever the distance is less and around the same time, I take the roads less traveled. Two lane highways are closer to nature so it is a more comfortable lifestyle. Do not be caught up in the fast and efficient ways of a four lane highway, instead enjoy the character of a two lane highway and the ensuing journey.

Email Sean with your thoughts and ideas for future columns at: sean.h.dengler@gmail.com

The Dengler Domain: Two lane highways

Driving down the blacktop with the wind blowing through my hair is an experience. A two lane highway with open terrain on both sides is a better experience. Growing up in the Traer and Dysart area, this feature exists. Gravel and dirt roads are mixed in, too. These roads are fun, but today’s world witnesses the growth of four lane highways. A faster, speedier way to travel across the state and nation. While these roads are quicker, they are not as enjoyable.

As cars became more popular and roads were being built, two lane highways were a necessity. Whether the roads were built with a grid pattern or built to connect houses, these roads were the way of transportation. All two lane highways connected the small towns to one another. Sadly, four lane highways do not have this cool feature. These highways go around the small towns. For example, when traveling Highway 30 to Ames, Le Grand is bypassed.

This brings me great sadness because I want every road to go through a small town. This way I could see these towns up close and personal. Driving by at seventy miles per hour and seeing the water tower or football field lights off into the distance is not as unique. Bypassing these towns hurt because traffic does not wait at stoplights and look longingly for a place to eat. Two lane highways have more character than the fast and efficient four lane highways. These roads pass the local bars, restaurants and boutique stores. While only a blink of an eye, these small towns are not to be missed.

Another reason two lane highways are better than four lane highways are the scenic capabilities. Two lane highways go through hillier and more rural areas. This is better than taking the gaudy four lane highways. The beautiful hills and fields of Iowa are revealed on a two lane road while a four lane road is flattened out. Drivers fly by on a four lane road missing the sights. Two lane highways are less traveled so traffic is never bad unless a tractor is in the way.

These roads provide twists and curves no four lane highway can match. Du Ponda is a great example of a fun two lane road. It is like a mini-rollercoaster for those who dare to drive it. These two lane highways are important to finding undiscovered gems like a hidden pond, antique dealer or a beautiful farm. More interesting places exist to stop at along a two lane highway than a four lane highway. For example, from the stores in a small town to the sketchy but cool house in the middle of the country.

Driving down a two lane highway is more fun to than a four lane highway. Whenever the distance is less and around the same time, I take the roads less traveled. Two lane highways are closer to nature so it is a more comfortable lifestyle. Do not be caught up in the fast and efficient ways of a four lane highway, instead enjoy the character of a two lane highway and the ensuing journey.

Email Sean with your thoughts and ideas for future columns at: sean.h.dengler@gmail.com