Moving forward!

Feelings are hard to feel & even harder to understand.
They'll pass when the time is right and not a moment sooner.
----Marcus Aurelius

Well the first two weeks flew by, but this week was on slow motion! Denial is powerful. I thought moving my life across
the U.S. would be like hitting the pause button. I would land in Portland and un-pause. I gave little thought to the impact of loss and change.

I now fully acknowledge - I am in transition. It isn't a pause button. It is a new album. It is closing the door on the past and opening the door to the future. And, that doesn't mean not staying connected to my VT/NH friends.
It means building a life in Portland, finding new places and people to spend time.

I still feel like a visitor as I am living out of a suitcase in my mom's spare bedroom. Is it Christmas?? My present feels pretty groundless. I have nothing to hang onto that feels safe, routine and familiar. I have been away from my family for 25 years so lots of readjustment in that category as well. My VT friend Christine, recommended I read The Future is Now. It is on the list!

I discovered this week memories can be intoxicating and seductive yet so rarely reflect what was. I think moving can bring a lot of things to surface, but as things start to settle to the bottom, you see it is still water -unchanged, it was only temporarily cloudy from the movement. I realized that as long as I am lost in reverie then I am preventing myself from moving forward. As always words are so easy to say and put on paper, it is the action that is the challenge, but all the same I am moving forward. I had a wonderful life in Vermont, but now I am in Oregon.

Saturday I had a glorious morning catching up with a friend from college – reunited through FB, bike riding through Vancouver with her friends, and listening to Portland Taiko Drummers.
http://www.portlandtaiko.org/about/index.html

This morning I had brunch with a childhood friend and her family. YUMMY WAFFLES AND JIMMY DEAN SAUSAGE!!

I decided to take the bungalow and will move in August 1. I have lived in a lot of dumps in my lifetime some where mice ruled the household so I want a nice place to hang my hat for this chapter in my life. As a few have suggested via blog comments or e-mail, I have job and man options only four blocks away.

I spend a lot of time at Starbucks, Peet's Coffee & Tea, and the library for Internet access so I look forward to my own place. Although, I found the Peet's in the Pearl has the friendliest people. A lot of other Internet junkies happy to share their Internet hours if they leave early. The advantage is I spend a lot less time surfing given I have limited time.

Work
Meeting with psychiatrists has it advantages – nice offices, low lights, comfy chairs, and couches. This week I felt like I wanted to be the patient with transition blues, but I kept my professionalism and didn't ask for moving blues pills or lie down. I stuck with the ins and outs of Kaiser. Did anyone know they still shock people?! It is quite tame these days – nothing like Hollywood portrays!

I went to a clinic that has rubber wall rooms. Stand in those for awhile, you start to fill a little mind slippage. It would be over for me once the door was shut. I would be bouncing off the walls in no time. HA HA HA!
Of course, I could have used one or two of those when I worked in Orthopaedics.

Other fun mental health facts I have learned is the proper way to slit your wrists if you truly are serious about ending it all. If anyone THINKS of asking me how, I have a few psychiatrists to recommend.

I wish I could post a picture of Mt. Hood, but I have not been carrying my camera around this week. I need to find a more portable case. The view is absolutely stunning. I round the corner and BAM there it is! It takes my breath away!!

Carnage: My mom's neighbor's cat is a killer! I am assaulted with dead birds and mouse parts on a regular basis! LOCK THAT THING UP!!

Questions:
1) Why do monster trucks need to ride your butt? My thought is they must be lacking in size in something. It is always a male driver. It is getting tiring – it must be my VT plates.
2) Can I take the keys away from people who drive sports cars like an old Buick?

I can't make it through U2s new album. It is stuck on Magnificence and Moment of Surrender. Ah, Bono & The Edge!

I haven't lost my in car in awhile and am using Tom Tom (GPS) less and less. I am getting loads of exercise with all the walking as my car is often parked 10-12 blocks away from work.

TRAFFIC. An adjustment. Oregon road rules: Turn on your signal and people brake. I find that entertaining. My mom tells me that it is in the driver's manual to be nice to out of state drivers.

I saw two cars bump into each other like bumper cars. I was in such a daze this week that it looked like it was happening in slow motion. I was completely disconnected that it was happening right in front of me. They bumped doors and parted.

Homelessness is everywhere. It was very much part of my Upper Valley life, but hidden. Here, it is in your face. I read the signs as I sit at a stoplight in my CRV on the way to my paid job. Some of the stories are so sad. I wonder is there a solution or is this part of the society we live in. I thought of something a friend used to say that he had heard somewhere, what is the most important thing. So I am carrying a stack of ones. Now, not for one second do I think I am helping, but I feel it is something. Whether it is the right thing, I don't know.
My grandma used to say the reason she fed the homeless who slept on her front porch is because you never know if one of them might be Jesus. I am not the religious type, but I always liked this saying.

When I was in college I used to hang out with the homeless guys who frequented the curb outside a local bar I frequented. My boldness influenced by youth and alcohol. However, I did hear a lot. A lot I didn't understand at 21 and not sure I understand now.

The mentally ill homeless is another group. It is interesting working in the mental health department and beginning to learn the complexities of the mental health system.

I was walking to the MAX (train) and saw a woman with wild looking hair walking my direction spinning in circles swatting at something only she could see. I felt myself brace as I walked by her thinking she might take a swing at me. She didn't, but she paused and made a spitting sound at me. I felt fear and curiosity. She had a relatively clean appearance and shoes. I wondered where she spent her nights, where she eats, and where she gets her clothes.
I highly recommend The Soloist!



So this blog a bit more somber and no photos. I am going to work on both!

Two weeks already???

I received numerous requests to continue the blog. My current situation is sans internet, but I am spending time at a friend's today so thought I would take the opportunity to write an update. I can hardly believe it has been two weeks since I arrived in Portland. I still get a little jittery when I go over a rumble strip and I have a missing ache that surfaces time to time. I am glad to be surrounded again by such diversity. However, the homelessness, which includes children begging for money has been unsettling.

Cody is acclimating faster than I am. Of course, he is spoiled with lots of attention. He did stun my nephew with one big lick. Poor little guy probably thought he was drowning. Hopefully, he will get used to Cody soon enough, but for now is scared of Cody.

The craziest thing I have seen thus far is at the place I took Cody for a much needed bath. A man, yes, a man was there with a very little dog that was fuchsia! I kid you not! Fuchsia with a pearl necklace collar! OHHHHHHH I wish I had my camera, but really I couldn't make this up!

The movers arrived the following Saturday of my arrival. A fairly uneventful day other than the fact my storage unit had a pool of water in it! UGH!

The new job

Fortunately the first day I worked a half day so I could take care of life. Thus far, Monday was my hardest day. I arrived on a Sunday night and the next day I was at a new job. I don't recommend this! I came from slow paced VT where everything was familiar to the hustle and bustle of a city where nothing and no one was familiar. Work feels like landing in a foreign

country! I stepped off the plane, people are speaking to me, I am reading the signs, but there is no comprehension. I understand some words, but not the context. My mind is scrambling to adjust. Everything takes double the time. How do I use this new fancy TREO mobile work phone!? I need to learn to spell psychiatrist (I work in the mental health department). Where do I park? Where is my car (this is true I couldn't find my car one day)? How do I get to CPK? What does that stand for? Where do I eat?

Picture is my new office building

The Weather

The average temp has been around 65 maybe a few 70 degree days, but the air

is cranked in most buildings so I still dress for winter! The moisture in the air causes my hair to resemble one of those troll dolls! Yeah, quite a fright until I figured out the right product mix! Yesterday two Oregonians said to me thank God it is raining today, it has been dry. I am very confused by this because personally, I am still waiting to see the sun because everyday since I arrived it has drizzled and the sun is hidden by cloud cover. I believe I saw it for 30 minutes one day. So, I am not sure what do with that comment other than it is another reminder that Oregonians LOVE their rain. Two days without a good down pour and by GOD we are in a drought!

Getting around

I think or say out loud frequently, "where the hell am I!?" I have developed a dependence on Tom Tom that at some point I am going to need to break. I can't find my way two blocks without it! When the GPS signal fades, I have a mild panic attack! I have to laugh, given I have found my way around many a foreign country without the aid of a GPS device, but the thought of navigating Portland without the voice of Tom Tom puts me into frozen panic like a deer in the headlights! "OH NO! What do I do now!?" The one thing I forgot about the NW is everyone uses compass directions! It makes me nuts! When someone tells me to go north, well, which way is that!? They ask me is that north or south of 82nd? I DON'T KNOW!! It is the same at work, "my office is in the NE corner." Um, ok I will walk around until I find it then I will know what corner is NE! Do people have internal compasses? Of course, I will probably be doing the same thing in six months.

I can't drive 55!

The speed limit here is maddening!!! It is 55 (if not lower) and most drive 45! The California driver in me just can't handle it. Although, Oregonians are the politest bunch of drivers! Thank goodness I still have VT plates because I have pulled some stunts sometimes to get ahead and sometimes because I don't know where I am! I think I scared my mom last night as I made a few u-turns. I didn't see a sign saying I couldn't.

Finding a place to live!

It is nice to be able to stay with my mom, but I am ready for my own space. Plus, I am suffering from Internet withdrawal and the need for my own routine and space! Life out of a suitcase gets old quickly when I am not outside the United States!

My first weekend, I spent two full days apartment hunting. That was a sobering experience. It is hard transitioning from owning to renting. I saw a lot of dumps and a few possibilities with the help of lots of chemicals. Well, the little bungalow I have always dreamed about showed up! The downside is the neighborhood is a little on the edge. The main issue is prostitution about four blocks away. When I consider the alternative of going back to hearing my neighbors or living in a very run down place, I think I am ok with prostitution four blocks away. I am sure they will keep to their area. The couple who is renting it will be back next year. This will give me some time to think about where I want to be and to see what happens to the market, which will determine if I can sell my condo.

Basically two weeks out I am still a bit in limbo, but am transitioning. I am trying to stay present, but at the same time look forward to having my own space.

Bumper sticker: Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you - GOD.

Portland

Cody had me up super early puking! I feel so bad for him!! Although, I have to admit I am feeling anxious as well now that the adventure has ended. I am bit of culture shock and I miss my routine and people I know.
I am sitting at Starbucks with Lucinda Williams playing (LOVE HER MUSIC) one block from my new place of work. I wrote up Sunday last night so thought I would post before I head over to get orientated. I don't have to be there until 8:30 for those wondering.

I woke up to a beautiful sunny day in Boise. I went on a quick walk with Cody, loaded the car, & drove to Starbucks. I felt a little sad that the journey was coming to a close. Now reality! Now a different type of journey. Nervousness and fear surfaced when I drove into West Linn, but suppose that comes with any major life change. For 20 years, I have been a visitor to Oregon and now I am soon to be a resident! I think I am still trying to wrap my mind around that.

The last leg was a straight shot with rest and gas stops only. I have to admit, I was tired of driving and this time the scenery was a lot more familiar. Plus, my mind was on the past and the future. I did drive through the gorge all windows down. I think Cody thought I had lost my mind as he kept looking at me! What can I say, you have to try it!

The first gas stop in Oregon I was startled when an attendant approached me as I was getting out of the car and asked me if I wanted to fill it. Another thing I have been doing for 20 years, getting my own gas. Although, I suspect I am going to come to appreciate this on rainy days! What I am not so sure about it is waiting for them to come back. I know, I know, patience grasshopper!

Highlights and playlist
Aggressive drivers chill or pay the bill.
I let my mind wander and it didn't come back.
When life sucks, there is HOPE! Hmmmmmm, I went by too fast to write the # down. It would have been interesting to know who answered the phone
Passed the 45th parallel
Confuse a liberal. Use logic and facts. INTERESTING, I will leave it at that.
Woman hitch hiking along 84W. SCARY

REM, Pogues, Depeche Mode, SEAL, & Van Morrison

Get behind the wheel & drive!

The hotel I stayed at in Lander, WY was SUPER quiet so Cody finally came off guard duty and relaxed and slept! Ahhhhhhhh.


After loading the car fighting a very strong wind, I drove out of Lander, WY listening to Car Talk, which was playing a snippet of a song with lyrics, "get behind the wheel and drive." I had to laugh.

I passed Sacajawea's grave site driving through Fort Washakie.


Not long after I started to ascend Togwotee Pass the snow on side of the road increased and the rain changed to a wintry mix. I started seeing storm ready signs along the side of the road. I was pondering if I could make two suitcases of summer clothes storm ready if I needed, when I passed a van on the side of the road and a policeman signaling for people to slow down. The driver of the van was standing on the side of the road in shorts and t-shirt. The policeman was wearing a winter jacket and a hat. Given my temperature gauge was reading 34 degrees, I am thinking the policeman wins the appropriately dressed for conditions award. Although, I am sure the van driver had no intent of ending up in the ditch near the top of the Pass. I crossed the Continental Divide at 9,658 ft. About this time I should have had a breathtaking view of the Tetons, but, alas, the majestic mountains were hiding behind the clouds. Coming down was more construction! Fortunately for Cody - no rumble strips, just a long a line of cars. Cody had his head out the window the whole time. Of course, this time, I had the heat cranked and his window open. Ah, again, the things I do for that dog!

As I was driving through the Park making my way to Jackson, WY a Buffalo and her baby ran across the road. I about peed myself I was so excited!! I was hoping to get a picture, but they had disappeared into the woods.

After driving through Jackson, WY, which resembles NOTHING of what I remember as a kid, I made my way up and over the Teton Pass (Hwy 22). I have to add this description of Jackson from a friend of mine, "it is like disney land for high rollers." YUP that sums it up!

I didn't stop a lot this trip as it was rainy or snowy and cold. I made it to Boise around 7:30 p.m. and am staying in a VERY NICE hotel that I believe is cheaper than some of the not so nice places I have stayed. Another quiet night! Tonight was Cody's first time on an elevator. I have never seen a dog flatten himself the way he did when the elevator started to move. I have seen a cat do it, but not an 80 pound Golden!




Tomorrow I head to West Linn, OR to start a new chapter in my life! The new job starts Monday and house/apartment hunting the following weekend. It has been a great drive west! I am so glad I did it!!

For more photos click on the Journey west link. I will post more once I get internet access again!

Thanks for reading!! It was such a great way for me to capture my travels!

Highlights and playlist:

• Be Bear Aware. Food Storage Required.
• Potato Museum. How exciting! I didn't stop, but this rates up there with the Salt Mines in Nova Scotia.
• Bibles at Cost.
• Drove through Idaho Falls. I lived there for 3 years, 8-11. I am glad we didn't stay. An interesting town. I did have a Starbucks at the Fred Meyers.
  

I didn't listen to a lot of music today. Mostly Pema talks and silence. I liked the silence as I was going over the mountain passes.
Tears for Fears, BB King, Replacements, Eric Clapton, & k.d. lang

The Wild West - where's Buffalo Bill?

After a very weak cup of motel coffee, I was jonesing for a biggie Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee. I haven't seen a Dunkin' Donuts in a thousand plus miles! I was hoping Tom Tom could direct me to a DD or a Starbucks. NO LUCK! I was truly in the middle of nowhere so I sucked it up, started the car, and headed west on 70 with a slight coffee headache listening to "The Wanderer" by Johnny Cash.
Within a few hours I was navigating Denver traffic when I suddenly noticed the Rocky Mountains to my left. It looked like a mirage thanks to Denver's brown cloud. I can only imagine what Lewis & Clark thought when they saw the Rockies not veiled by pollution. At any rate, I was thrilled to see snow capped mountains again!! I was climbing elevation! Denver is 5,280 ft. Of course, I still had a slight headache and coffee had been on my mind most of the drive. I searched Tom Tom for the nearest Starbucks. Ok, so I didn't exactly go to the closest or easiest one, but I left Denver with a mocha.

Next stop was the Summit Rest Area right before Laramie, WY. It is the highest point on 80W- 8,640 ft. Not to mention it has an historic monument, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument.
After Laramie, more construction. YUP, more rumble strips. I think Cody is starting to recognize the orange cones and flags as he starts getting ansy when he sees them. Do dogs get ulcers?

I talked to my dad who suggested I head north to drive through Jackson Hole vs. staying on 80. It sounded good to me. I was wearing thin of truckers and construction. I had to pay attention!
I stopped in Rawlins, WY, the gateway to the Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park, before heading north on 287. The McDonald's employees were a melting pot of cultures. Who would have suspected in Wyoming! I also took the below picture in the parking lot! Love Wyoming!

I lost cell service about 10 miles out of Rawlins and haven't had it back since. And, to think I complained about cell service in Vermont! I had to stop at a gas station in 3 Forks Muddy Gap to use the phone, with a donation to the tip jar, to make a motel reservation. I figured it was the wise thing to do on a Friday since there are limited places that take dogs. It was an interesting place. There was writing on the walls and ceilings. It was the only service station I passed in 80 miles. Thank GOD I filled up in Rawlins .

I wished the wind showed up in a photograph! The wind was intense!
I learned later there were tornadoes in WY - not sure where though. Where were my storm watchers!? I would love to spend a day with them!













The drive into Lander, WY was amazing. Prairie grass covered hills with splashes of yellow and snow capped mountains in the background.

I feel in between places, what the Tibetans call the bardo. I am uncertain about what awaits in Portland and leaving VT was hard, but being back in the west, in the mountains, feels right.

I ended the evening with a walk around Lander with Cody admiring the surrounding mountains.


Highlights and playlist:
There were very few billboards this drive - nothing like Kansas where they were endless.

• No one thinks they will tear off their own skin. Meth will change that.
• Like beating a second hand smoked horse. This was right before Laramie. I don't follow.

Playlist: U2, Maria McKee, James, Soul Aslyum, Boomtowns Rats, Billy Bragg, Simply Red, Sade

Another time zone down!

I am sitting here in Colorado watching the sun set. Beautiful sky! I only drove 500 miles today and got to the hotel at a decent hour.

I started my drive out of Kansas City, KS on a detour Tom Tom calculated to avoid the toll roads. I believe it was 10W or 40W. The song that came to mind was Shiny Happy People because it was so bright and yellow! No sunflowers though. The Walmart had a sunflower symbol - very pretty. The music I was actually listening to was Engima. I needed something calming this morning.
Unfortunately, there were more rumble strips. Cody almost ended up in my lap, but settled for his head on my shoulder. Poor guy he is starting to look really tired.
The greens on this drive have been amazing. The two pictures (the one the left and Cody) were taken at a rest area after a nice lunch break. I bought the best Pico De Gallo in Kansas City, YUM!!!! No frozen custard, but I enjoyed that salsa. Enjoying it now! I met a traveler at the rest area who used to stop in WRJ, VT when John Deer was there.

Today was more peaceful than yesterday and mostly a day of reflection and collecting a lot of bugs on my windshield. I listened to a lot of Pema Chodron. I enjoyed Kansas more than Indiana, Illinois & Missouri. It was flat, but it was so intensely bright and the greens and yellows were so vibrant! At one point I crossed my legs and cranked Marvin Gaye. Love that music! Nothing like Motown! Let's just say it is a good thing I had the road to myself.

I got off at Victoria, KS to see the Historic Cathedral of the Plains. It is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, per the town signs. Yeah, could have skipped it!


This picture was taken out of SHEER boredom!!!








One little mishap about two hundred miles in...I was trying to get comfortable or least as comfortable as possible having been in the same position for five days. Anyway, I hit the key with my knee - shut the engine right off. Who knew! Kinda dangerous going 75 MPH. Fortunately, me, myself, and I were the only ones on 70W in Kansas so I pulled over and restarted.
I am staying at an Econo Lodge at a truck stop area in the middle of nowhere in Colorado just outside Kansas. I drove in under the rainbow listening to Patsy Cline. It was great to see fellow travelers parked in the lot. I was settling into my room and looked out the window to see a storm watcher crew driving up. I was so excited. Straight out of the movie, Twister! There were two jeeps and the vans with all the equipment on the roof. Very COOL!!

See my photo album for more photos (including the jeeps).

Journey west!

Highlights, playlist, and license plate game:
I was bored so I started writing down license plates. Colorado, Kansas, & Missouri were eliminated from my little game.
Plates: Indiana, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Iowa, Oklahoma, Virginia, & California. IN & VA were the only repeats. There were very few cars out today. Lots of truckers.

• Very large sign, Abortion kills what GOD created. Amusing that Marvin Gaye's, "What's Going On" was blaring as I whizzed by.
• If you die today, where will you spend ETERNITY? One would think I would jump at a chance to reflect on that question given I had nothing but time. I didn't though.
• JESUS! I trust you. A very large picture of Jesus
  

Playlist: I brought a huge box of old tapes that I am slowly throwing out as I go.
Engima, Marvin Gaye, U2, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Patsy Cline, & Melissa Ethridge.

What day is it?

It is just another day! I woke up not knowing the date or day. The days are beginning to blur! I feel fortunate, I have such freedom. I started my day driving around AGAIN in Lexington, KY. I am convinced the red lights are the longest EVER! I left Lexington the same way I came in - in the middle of a thunderstorm. I headed out on 64W, which I think is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I did see a lot of signs for distilleries.

Taken on 62W in Indiana
I got off 64W when I hit Indiana and linked up with 62W, which is part of the Lincoln Heritage Trail. I cut across Indiana with all windows open and Oingo Boingo blaring! Indiana is FLAT. The drive started out with HUGE home developments. The homes were HUGE (did I mention that). I assume the space they occupied was once farmland. Indiana reminded me of Farmtown on Facebook. Of course, Farmtown doesn't have the smells I experienced today. After about 20 miles the scenery changed to lush green trees acting as a canopy over the road. Cody & I took a respite at an abandoned park, Wyandotte Caves. I let him off leash to run and run he did!

Today was basically logging miles. I started in Kentucky, crossed Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, changed time zones, and am now resting in Kansas City, KS for the night. Things are getting tight with Cody after four days. Those who know me, know I need my space. This need is getting challenged by the fact my dog is about 2" from me at all times. He won't let me leave him in the hotel room without raising a ruckus! Lesson learned from today - no more lunching in the car. This does not work with him so close. I am going back to grocery stores and eating at rest areas. I already scoped out a grocery store for tomorrow. Boredom hit full force today the midwest is FLAT with lots and lots of farm land. I think even Cody was bored as I caught him ACTUALLY napping a few times. Missouri got interesting with St. Louis traffic and then that turned to billboards, box buildings, and more farmland.
The big excitement for the day was watching my windshield wipers disengrate during a rain storm. My friend Chris had told me they need replacing months ago. Well, today was the day. I saw an exit lined with auto dealers in Fallon, IL and assumed there must be an Auto Zone within a mile! There WAS!!! The guy was nice enough to replace them for me and I was on the road again! I think that is all I remember about IL. Oh yeah, more rain!

Oh, the close of my evening was interesting. I was at a Days Inn waiting to check-in. The front desk girl was on the phone having a lengthy discussion about how she wasn't mad at so and so for his schedule. I paced bit and finally asked her how long she might be. She covered the phone and said, "I am on the phone with my boss." On that note, being thoroughly fried for the day, I turned around and walked out. I wonder if her boss knew she lost a customer while they discussed the trials and tribulations of schedules. I parked down the street to see what Tom Tom had to offer when two black guys pulled up next to me stereo booming and giving me cheesy grins and saying something to me. I have no idea what or if they were just goofing around or what, but after a full day of driving I was in no mood for cheeky boys! :-) I put it in reverse and drove back into downtown Kansas City and am staying at the Best Western. It worked out perfectly as there is a Taqueria next door!


I caught him napping in Indiana!

Yes, after 400 miles this is an interesting shot!

More photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/dduncan1013/JourneyWest?feat=directlink

Highlights and random thoughts:

• Listened to a lot of eighties tunes today. Whatever happened to Milli Vanilli? Didn't one of them commit suicide?
• Louisville, KY reminded me of Portland - lots bridges
• Saw this on the Ohio River in Louisville: Joe knows crabs!
• Sign for chewing tobacco on 62W in Indiana: "Treat yourself to the best" Should add -make sure you have health insurance!
• Girl (very rough looking)riding a white scooter smoking a cigarrette. Surely, that is song worthy.
  
• A man on a Harley in the pouring rain chewing on a cigar. GOOD STUFF!!
  
• Frozen custard stores. Is this any good? There are a lot of them!
  
• I haven't seen a VT plate since I left VT. Come to think of it I haven't seen a NE plate since I left.
  

Come a long way!

Pictures to come another time. Painfully slow internet connection tonight and I am pooped! (PICTURES HAVE BEEN ADDED! FOR MORE CLICK THE LINK BELOW)



That was my theme song for the day. It is a great song by Michelle Shocked. It is about driving through Los Angeles, but that didn't prevent me from replaying it several times. I started on 64W, but by the time I reached White Sulphur Springs, WVA, I had enough so I shut the Tom Tom off and took a detour on 60W also known as the Midland Byway. A much better way to explore W. Virginia. The first half was green farm fields. I really enjoyed Virgina & W. Virginia. Eventually the green fields were replaced with small towns (some former coal mining towns) lined with American flags and a few POW and Confederate flags popping up from time to time. I passed a Baptist Church about every 5 miles!


The high temperature was 95. I had the air conditioning cranked to minimize Cody's panting as after a few hours it starts to irritate me considering he is standing with his head next to mine the entire trip. At one point I had to stop for a Starbucks coffee to warm up! The the things I do for that dog!
I got back on 64W in Charleston, WVA and stayed on long enough to get to Kentucky to see the oil refinery Caroline had told me about. I then made my way back to 60W and ended up driving through a major thunderstorm. I never believed in golf ball size hail until I saw it for myself. I thought one of them was going to come through the windshield. After a full day of driving, I am in Lexington, KY. I attempted to trust Tom Tom to find a restaurant. Yeah, that did not work out too well. An important note when in a strange town make sure you have the hotel address with you, if you venture out relying on a GPS machine! Let's just say I had a longer night driving around than anticipated as my hotel was not in the Tom Tom database!

Highlights
Orthopaedic advertisement: So good you feel it in your bones.

Freewill Baptist Church. I don't know much about Baptists, but I always associated it with having actions and consequences laid out not free will.

Dehart's Bible & Tire. I saw the tires, but not the bibles.

A gas station with a tanning bed.

Mystery Hole

Gauley River – The falls and park

Carter Caves State Park

I'm Alright!

After a free meal from a lovely couple who wanted to thank Caroline and her friend (who were in their military uniforms) and a good night's rest, I backed out of Caroline's driveway to Kenny Loggins' song, "I'm Alright." I thought that was perfect as Cody spent the morning looking for the groundhogs. I drove along 11S following the Susquehanna River. I wasn't sure what to make of the high crash area and high DUI crash area signs. Interesting! I guess consider yourself warned!


Highlights from the day:
81S thick with trucks!

* Cody was much calmer, but he almost lept out the window when I had to drive along the rumble strips due to construction. It scared me to death!! He is not a fan of those rumble strips!

* Giant size Benjamin Moore paint can! I painted my entire condo with Benjamin!

* Dropped phone in Cody's water dish. It now turns itself on & off and the voice mail lady sounds like she is under water. I hope it makes it to Oregon!

* Saw this on the back of a windshield. " Christ is coming! Are you ready? Get laid." Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm

* Passed a very large white steel cross with the sign, Open Baptist Church. I kept driving!

*Drove Sky Line Drive through Shenndoah National Park.
Absolutely stunning!!!
Highest point in Shenandoah - 2980 ft.












* Halfway through the National Park, I took a two mile walk with Cody. I saw a mama bear and her two cubs!! I had tied Cody to a tree across the street so I could take pictures. As I was trying to get a good shot without being a National Park visitor don't by distracting the bears, I noticed Cody was standing next to me eating grass. I am still mystified how he got loose! At least he wasn't hit by a car, but I did miss the shot. I find it interesting he had no interest in the large crowd the bears had drawn. I am very glad the bears did not get his attention. I took A LOT of pics so if interested in seeing more click on this photo to link to my Picasa Album.

Journey west!

The day was much longer than I anticipated, but I really really enjoyed the drive. I am resting now in Lexington, VA.

MORE RUMBLE STRIPS - Cody trying to escape!