Whatever part of the country you're from, there’s always something exciting about heading out to a destination away from the lights of the city or town. Traveling back-country roads, sometimes paved, but often it’s when you turn off the pavement that the true feeling of being out there starts to kick in.
You start to sense that you’re somewhere special when the dust or mud starts flying. If you’re riding with dogs in the car, you’ll notice they start to sense it as well. My labs push their noses up against the windows, almost willing me to roll them down so they can get a whiff of that special air.
The culmination of the trip almost always ends by turning off the road and pulling up to a gate. Be it metal, wood or something improvised from logs and wire, it doesn’t matter, opening that gate and pulling through is one of the most satisfying feelings of knowing that good times and memories are waiting on the other side.
Sometimes it’s just a solo adventure through the gate, other times it’s with good friends to a hunting camp or a weekend cabin in the woods, and other times it’s a large group heading through that gate for a much bigger celebration. No matter the reason, there’s always something special about what’s on the other side.
My first memorable experience going through one of these gates took place down Wilson Lane many years ago. That’s why our logo is an open gate. It’s all about the adventure, experience and delight of what’s waiting for you beyond your own gate.
What’s beyond your gate?
- SW
