determination vs common sense

Whenever I have a brilliant idea (or so I think) I usually act on it.  I don't always think about the practicality of the idea nor do I consider whether I will be ultimately successful (or not) with the  results.  The excitement of the new project keeps me going and that brings me to my research.  I am somewhat of a geek when it comes to research and I am thorough.  I had this brilliant idea recently that it might be fun to travel US 80 throughout the south going in a westerly direction from Tybee Island to Dallas.  I poured over maps, including some that were older, and planned the route that I would take.  I also read articles about the history of the highway including its place in the early inter state highway system, the transcontinental route, its nickname (THE DIXIE OVERLAND HIGHWAY), the decommissioning of the western section, etc.  The currently recognized US 80 extends 1,035 miles through five states. Over the past two weeks or so I have driven through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.  The weather was beautiful and perfect for a road trip.  Today I entered Texas.  I knew the weather was really chancy and I kept checking the weather station to see what was ahead of me.  When I reached Longview, Texas I knew I would need to make a decision whether to keep on my designated route or stop at this point and take a more southerly route to avoid the bad road conditions to the west.  90% of me wanted to continue my plan of driving US 80 to the end and 10% of me said "Be happy with what you did.  You can always come back and finish the drive at another time. This isn't a contest.  There is no prize."  Determination vs Common Sense.   Well common sense ultimately won out and I forged south.  I am so glad I did.  As I was listening to the weather reports I found that US 80 had iced up and traffic was at a stand still.  Road conditions were deteriorating.  Thank you, common sense.  I'm glad I have some.  It is somewhat disappointing to fall short of my goal but it certainly isn't that disappointing.  I said before that there was no prize.  Well, actually there is.  I had another safe day of traveling along the highway.  And that's the best prize ever.