Here in Montana, I routinely travel 100-300 miles (one way!) to call
dances. I, too, leave early and use my driving time as an opportunity to
practice calling. I arrange my program ahead of time, put on some music
as I travel and call. Going over the dances while I drive gives me time
to practice and also to realize when consecutive dances are too similar.
I feel more prepared for these distant dances than I do for the local
ones, due to the practice.
Bev Young