My GPS Camera Phone

OK, not the best title for a post, but it sounded better than “Wet Road.”

No really. They’re IN the road.

What happens to all of the trash on the road? Some of it gets picked up, some of it gets washed away by the rain. But some of it – usually small and metal – gets compressed into the asphalt.

Aside from all things photographic, what makes this photo interesting to me is trying to determine the origin of the debris. What does the key unlock? What drink was contained by that bottle cap? How many nails were picked up by the tires of unsuspecting motorists before the rest decided to stick around? How old is all of this stuff?

I suppose that might be a weak argument to some, but I can rationalize my intrigue with road debris through mystery. With mystery, there is potential for a much more robust story. Without mystery, there’s a better chance that there’s no amazing story. (OK, maybe there is, but it’s not nearly as compelling to me.) A mildewed and worn dining room table on the side of the road is far less interesting and mysterious than a key embedded in asphalt. Maybe it’s the metal and the endurance. Maybe it’s the timelessness of it.

Maybe I’m just crazy.

…deep thought…

…deeper thought…

Yes, that’s must be it.

In this picture:

• bottle caps
• a key
• washers
• aluminum can
• nails
• screws
• nuts and bolts
• a paperclip
• other bits of unidentifiable metal

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