Drinking and driving on long trips, a sad story

[H20 Toie]

Just got back from another 4000 mile trip to visit my mom in North Dakota (she was way better than last couple of visits)
Well since I’ve cut down on drinking this time I didn’t stop at any of the little hole in the wall pubs or bars like I’ve done in the past years and years
Even went by Sturgis ( it was bike week)
Other than night in Utah wasn’t drinking.
But now that I’m home realized didn’t meet single person on the trip
Before even thou would only have a beer at few stops during the day usually had someone to talk to hear stories etc
Always fun to get perspective from different walks of life Weather firemen farmers, oil field workers

Made really good time but missed out on one of the best parts of traveling

Ok rant over

Glad to be home

 

[pkrrvr619]

One can still stop at all those places and meet people and have a good time even when not drinking. Bars have club soda etc.

If they trigger you then that’s a whole other story but don’t let not drinking keep you from visiting your favorite places.

 

[Romans9]

When we travel my wife and I look for locally owned restaurants (no chains) and eat there in off hours, We usually always find great people to talk to and find out about unique stuff specific to the areas.

My time talking with drunks never really netted much.
Drunks usually always are piggybacking off other people rather than doing interesting things themselves.
My summation of bars through the week was that they are full of people who are gonna do something but never do.

 

[H20 Toie]

One can still stop at all those places and meet people and have a good time even when not drinking. Bars have club soda etc.

If they trigger you then that’s a whole other story but don’t let not drinking keep you from visiting your favorite places.

Baby steps, i'm not that disciplined to not drink in a bar yet, sometimes yes. i had tough time years ago to stop drinking sodas, but this trip it just made sense to skip the stops. plus i wasn't hungry either so there's that.

 

[H20 Toie]

When we travel my wife and I look for locally owned restaurants (no chains) and eat there in off hours, We usually always find great people to talk to and find out about unique stuff specific to the areas.

My time talking with drunks never really netted much.
Drunks usually always are piggybacking off other people rather than doing interesting things themselves.
My summation of bars through the week was that they are full of people who are gonna do something but never do.

See i find just the opposite, just because someone is in a bar doesn't mean they are drunk, have had awesome conversation with people in the small town local places., no chains like you,

 

[2Driver]

Just hit the waffle houses at 2:30. No booze there and plenty of drunk people to talk to.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Good to hear that you made it back home. Also pleased to hear your mom was doing better.

 

[angiebaby]

I'm glad to hear your mom is doing better, Dan. I like to talk to locals (and tourists) in bars also. I was in the grocery clerk for nearly 18 years. I can strike up a conversation with anyone, LOL.

They often carry N/A beers in bars nowadays, FYI.

 

[pkrrvr619]

Baby steps, i'm not that disciplined to not drink in a bar yet, sometimes yes. i had tough time years ago to stop drinking sodas, but this trip it just made sense to skip the stops. plus i wasn't hungry either so there's that.

No shame in that game. Do what makes you feel comfortable Dan, no rush.

Do know that all the worlds activities and places are still available and enjoyable without booze. Hell you may even like them more as the time goes by.

We still bar hop with friends and go out all the time, albeit our nights end around 11pm instead of 2 am. And we Learned that we don’t miss anything fun or exciting during those hours between 11-2.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Good to hear your Mom is doing better.

 

[gqchris]

Also a thing to remember that once you get to the higher doeses of Ozempic, you will get sick if you drink. Like violently.

So thats a good excuse to do your normal stops and stick to waters or club soda with lime as said above. And you wont be tempted to indulge!

 

[gqchris]

it took me a bit to realize that I didnt need to drink a 30 pack to have a good time. And the only person with the hang up was me! Noone else cared if I drank or not. I thought i needed to drink to have a good time, but not the case.

Nows its fun to watch as I have a beer or two and no dssire to get blasted!

 

[Orange Juice]

 

[Romans9]

See i find just the opposite, just because someone is in a bar doesn't mean they are drunk, have had awesome conversation with people in the small town local places., no chains like you,

After re-reading my post it sounds condescending which was not my intent at all.

I haven’t spent anytime in bars in 30 years.
I grew up in rural Kansas.
Back when my buddies would take me (to the city where there was popular night spots) they would be on the prowl and I would often get left alone at the actual bar on a barstool. My wife worked nights on Friday and Saturday at a nursing home while attending school at tat time.
I was never raised in a place that had a local bar where people would meet to socialize and relax.
”Beer joints” were generally located just across the county line on less traveled roads and they guys that solicited them were generally alcoholics.

No one really knows our individual stories and to try to make it seem like life is a one size fits all is rather small thinking. I believe strongly in individual freedom and liberty.
Enjoy life to the fullest whatever that means to you.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Sad to me would have been if you had resorted back to your old ways and lost your progress. This is something to be proud of!