Which way?

There are mountains between Borrego Springs and Oceanside, and a choice of routes. None are very fast, and each has its pleasures and annoyances.

Google Maps recommends Highway 76, because it’s a tiny bit shorter and faster. But, I don’t know, I’ve gone that way several times before (because it’s a tiny bit shorter and faster) and I guess I was in the mood for the road less taken.

Highway 78 is the next quickest (if two-lane mountain roads can be quick in a van). But, man, I hate going through Escondido. Too much traffic, too many lights, too many turns to miss.

I was in no big hurry, so I chose Highway 79. Longer, slower. It was extra slow this time. First there was the semi loaded with produce. Then there were three spots where bridge reconstruction took traffic down to one lane. (It looked for a moment like the semi was going to get wedged between the guardrail and construction barrier.) Then the place of the slow semi was taken by a slow car. Then lunch traffic in Temecula. But I took several deep breaths and thought of the camping spot at the beach. And I thought about how great it is to live this way, how great it is to have options.