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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Slice

Land spreadin’ out so far and wide

For the longest time, I was somewhat baffled by the decision of so many of my friends and colleagues to live way out in the country.

After all, isn't the relative ease of going from Point A to Point B one of Spokane's true assets? Why plant your flag way out in the boonies and create a situation where going virtually anywhere necessitates a significant drive?

OK, I'm familiar with some of the broad-brush rationales: Concerns about crime in the city, a desire to have animals, the appeal of rural ambience, a yearning to be a paranoid nutjob in a remote compound, et cetera.

But I think I've figured out what really sends people to the backwoods: Noisy motorcycles.

I have friends who ride motorcycles. But there's something about that sound, whether it's a neighbor performing a perpetual tune-up or simply a rider going by at full blat. It makes you contemplate a life with reduced exposure to the others.

     



The Slice

The online home for Paul Turner's musings and interactions with disciples of The Slice.