In response to “Highway Travel” which appeared in the July 27-Aug. 2 edition of North Country This Week: I left Northern New York in my mid twenties to experience other places. I have been blessed with a portable profession; having traveled and lived from Alaska to Florida. I have seen affluence and poverty, and learned not to judge those who choose to live their lives as they wish. When I fly north and rent a car, I find myself looking for the Amish buggies as I head toward my hometown of Canton. The scenery has changed over the years; I wistfully note empty barns, houses for sale. The economy may change, but the hearts of Northern New Yorkers do not; they are there because they want to be, with deep family roots and a rural toughness and patience that the writer of obviously does not have. Change your attitude next time you go north, or simply don't go back.