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