guided-navigation systems

And a guided-navigation system doesn’t fit in your back pocket. Not that you need it to. It is always there, so why would you? But there is something comforting about having a map stuck there, then pulling it out when you enter a restaurant. The locals glance over, and sometimes one of them asks if he can help. Next thing you know, you’re talking baseball with him.

Navigation systems don’t help you meet strangers.

This is not to pick on guided-navigation systems. Because, let’s face it, they are a vast improvement over maps that rip right down the road you are looking for and get smudged with coffee exactly on the spot that you need to study, and sprawl all over the car because they can’t be folded properly. But I’ll always love maps.

I pick up the large, clear bag, stuffed with maps. I think about tossing it. Why save it? But then I put it back on the shelf.

It’ll be fun for a grandchild to come across the maps someday down the road.