Christmas in Carbondale a winter oddessy

I am happy to report all is well in our little town of Carbondale. I spent Christmas eve with a good friend trading off songs on the guitar most of which had nothing to do with Christmas. As the night turned into morning we decided that it was time to go. My friend who does not own a car started to suited up for the bike ride back to Makanda, a distance of 6 miles. Normally this is not a big deal, but with a 10-15 mph headwind and moderately blowing rain, conditions were definitely less than desirable. Fortunately we were fortified with strong drink and holiday cheer and I decided to accompany my friend on his journey home. And so the stockings were hung on the feet with great care and we donned our less than gay (but hopefully warm and waterproof) apparel for a ride through the So Il winter wonderland.
After starting out it soon became apparent that this would be no ordinary ride. Something seemed different almost amiss as we trudged into the wind and rain. There were no cars on the road at all! While it is not uncommon to have light traffic at this hour of the morning, the total absence of vehicles (usually the cause of marring a good morning bike ramble) left us both uneasy yet ecstatic. And so we continued on through town and campus merrily blurting out snippets of Christmas carols lodged in our memories of youth common to all the miles and street lamps pasted by. Town gave way to South Hwy 51 and yet our solitude remained complete. With our spirits high and our bodies fatigued we arrived at the home of my friend ready to revive ourselves with good food and more music knowing that I had yet to complete the return leg of the journey. All the way home the still complete lack of cars continued to both amaze, and dare I say, delight me. It wasn't until I rode down the strip that I saw a small group of bicyclists ambling along soon to be followed by a solo rider making their way through the streets of the 'dale. Pleasantries were exchanged at each instance as well as with a small group of pedestrians later encountered as they indulged in a holiday stroll (the bars being quiet for some time). Cheery faces and wet streets gave way to the warmth of home as I completed my adventure. And so after more than a combined hour and a half of riding on what are usually the busiest arteries of our fair city and surrounding countryside, I had yet to encounter a single automobile. Only the smiles and cheer of others sharing in this quiet Christmas morning. As I nestled snug in my bed and settled my brains for a long winter's nap I though to myself, "I wish everyday was Christmas!" Cheers all.