Sandstone

The day after getting in a car accident, we got back on the horse, so to speak, and drove down to Colorado Springs, about an hour away. Torsten drove the way there, to give me some time to adjust, and I drove the way back after the guys had a couple beers with lunch.

The drive down was... well, it was fine really. We were all a bit skittish (example: whenever we saw brake lights in the distance Torsten's friend and I would both be like, "Be careful!" and at one point we both said, "Keep your eyes on the road!" even though poor Torsten WAS keeping his eyes on the road).

The worst part was when we got into a bit of traffic in a construction zone. It wasn't much, but it was slow and required braking. And every time Torsten hit the brake even the tiniest bit harder than a gentle tap, my heart started pounding.

The way back, with me driving, was mostly OK. Being behind a truck or SUV that blocked my view made me nervous. I kept expecting to suddenly see a wall of brake lights right in front of me, and of course that didn't happen. I didn't freak out and I was able to drive normally and stay in control, but I was relieved when we got home and I was able to stop.

Of course it doesn't help that we're driving a rental Kia until our car is fixed, and it's bigger than our car and also doesn't handle as well, and I don't know it that well so it's harder to judge when parking, and you know what? When you get in an accident, even when it's minor, apparently after that you worry about all things driving-related, including situations that are totally unrelated to whatever caused the accident. Or at least, that's what happens to me.

I think the last hurdle will be, at some point, driving past the scene of the accident. I don't think I'm quite ready for that one yet.

But we had a lovely time in Colorado Springs, at a brewery and at the famous Garden of the Gods park. So, the stressful driving was worth it. (Full set here.)