All right, so here’s a confession. Anytime I use three or more freeways to get to a destination, I get a little high. I love the southern California freeway system (and not just because my dad is a traffic engineer and I grew up taking scenic Sunday drives to see new carpool to carpool connectors). I love its efficiency (most of the time, anyways), the wide sweeping lines of the freeway connections, and the relative ease of navigation.
I also love this intersection. I think it is one of the more beautiful man made structures in Orange County (this picture doesn’t do it any justice). Its curves are well-shaped, its proportions are perfect, and it is lit at night with such care that I have actually gotten off the freeway turned around and gone through the intersection again … just to admire it a second time.
I-5 / 91 Interchange (North Orange County)
I write this all, first because it’s true, and second, to balance my previous thoughts on distance and commuting, etc. Part of living an examined and thoughtful life means not pretending that I live in a time or place other than I do. I was born and raised in the glories of suburban Southern California … and it is 2009. This means that freeways, cars, and traveling the 25 miles home in 35 minutes are going to be apart of my life, for the near future anyways. These things are not inherently bad, anymore than a bike is inherently good.
I love the oddities of surburia. I also love the challenge to live moderately, carefully, and conscientiously within a landscape not particularly well-suited to this endeavor.
R
I agree, that interchange is awesome, especially the night lighting