Pulling from the vaults of my memory bank, I believe that I was always interested in geography and maps (mom/dad I think can confirm that??). I remember vividly flipping through the Rand McNally's Road Atlas (the one that was as big as a newspaper page) when we took family road trips; I was fascinated by the unique shapes of the states and the distinct "veins" of highways and secondary roads that coursed through them; dad's road atlas was always dogeared and ratty by year's end from use (and from being tucked down between the seats); thus he would get the updated version EVERY year! I loved following our routes as we headed for whatever destinations. I have also always had a strong sense of direction and an innate ability to navigate well. Maybe that is why Dave and I have done so many road trips together successfully; he has the DNA of a long-haul trucker and I have the human version of a GPS chip in my brain, LOL.
Luckily it seems, Cole has a bit of both of the aforementioned woven through his genes. Since he was about three years old, it became quite apparent that after just ONE trip anywhere, he would remember landmarks, roads and other signposts when we would return indicating that he had recollection of traveling there before. He recognizes highway ramps and buildings literally after having been there or been past them just ONCE! I think the obvious fact that he not only has an outstanding memory but also quite a significant and uncanny knack for direction is just plain impressive coming from a four year old.
I can only hope that with all his exposure to our miles spent trekking here and there that he too will learn how to read and journey using an "old-fashioned" map (if they still continue to make them!) and love all things about the open road.
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