Yesterday’s trip through south-eastern Alabama was the first time that I have felt uneasy, and perhaps not as safe as I normally do. My “danger” receptors were activated by several situations. The first is that the area that I traveled through is clearly in economic distress. That was evident from all of the closed stores, poorly maintained houses, older cars and just the sort of run-down nature of things. While this made me a little more cautious than normal, it wasn’t all that new to this trip. Beyond that, there is clearly a general disregard for highway safety evidenced by a LOT of speeding well in excess of 30 mph over the posted speed limit, as well as an almost purposeful disregard for the no-passing lanes created by blind corners and hills. It felt more like an intentional “I dare you to make me follow the law” approach because instead of passing on long straight sections with good visibility, they wait until the double yellow lines to make their move. I found it rather scary, and wonder how much the intentional flaunting of laws extends into the rest of their behavior. To top it off, on the few occasions where I encountered people out of my car I always felt, and saw, their dislike for my being “in their territory.” Those times were definitely uncomfortable. I was relieved when I finally crossed the border into Florida, although I am not so sure that I may have jump from the pan into the fire.

I decided to spend the night in a Microtel in Marianna, Florida. It is apply named, the Microtel has micro-rooms. They work, but certainly don’t give a feeling of spaciousness. This is in the panhandle of Florida, quite close to the Florida Caves. Perhaps I will check them out today, although I am a little anxious to get back on the road heading south toward the keys.

Last night I had a hard time finding a place to eat. There are many fast food places, and closed restaurants, in Marianna. I finally found a steak house very close to my hotel and settled for that. It was nothing special, apparently a rather “low end” place, but they had a small bar – just what I was looking for. There were three “good old boys” sitting together at one end of the bar, and a lady bartender. I sat a few seats away from them in the empty section of the bar. They eyed me suspiciously, but since I only felt slightly threatened I decided to stay and see what the evening might bring. I ordered a glass of wine and dinner. The wine came in a small wine glass, carefully filled to the half-way make – it was small but I have come to expect that.

The three guys were talking loud enough that I could easily overhear them talking about fishing, the weather, their jobs, just the normal chit-chat of friends enjoying each other’s company. I got a little bold and injected a comment or two when it seemed safe to do so. They accepted my comments, and pretty soon I was sort of drawn into the conversation. At this point the bartender offered me another glass wine, but it came about 3/4 full – I guessed that was some sort of indication that I was not being rejected. The conversation soon turned to them asking about where I am from, and then because a little political. I tried my best to tread carefully with that topic, but without backing away from pointed questions.

Somehow or another things changed at that point in time. The group of three changed as a couple left, being replaced by others. Soon I was sitting in the middle of the group, engaged in pretty fun conversations. The bartender lady brought me yet another glass of wine – this time filled right to the brim! I knew I was “in” at that point. (That also put me precariously close to my wine limit.) At about the time that my wine glass was filled, one of the old boys leaned over and whispered to me that he agrees with all that I am saying, but he can’t speak up like that because he has to live with the other guys.

One of new guys joining the conversation works for the nuclear power industry. That got us into talking about nuclear power, how safe the new systems are, and all that. Of course I could just let that be without expressing my opinions – we had a very enjoyable dialogue. The conversation finally turned to energy in general, then into economics, the prices of houses, gasoline and a little (very little) politics. I don’t know if I changed any minds, but I got a lot of thoughtful replies and considerations from the entire group. A lot of “hum… I never thought of it like that, maybe there are different ways to do things” responses.

It turned out to be a fun evening, talking to people with very different backgrounds and points of view, but certainly open to my other ideas and opinions. I kind of wonder if they all wanted to whisper the same thing to me, that they agree with my points of view but can’t express them because they have to live with the others.

This was the kind of evening I had hoped for when I started my trip. Something similar has happened four or five times over the last month. Perhaps that is much more than I should have hoped for, having a real conversation once a week isn’t all bad.