We have officially left California after what was truly the longest day of the year. There is nothing like driving with a 7-year-old (and his whole package of emotions, nonsense and hilarity) at 60 mph (who knew I could drive so slow?) looking at the back of a trailer for roughly 600 miles. The tire issue with the trailer offset our schedule along with stopping for a sit down Mexican food lunch in Williows, and an ice cream break and gas fill up in Redding.
Though this wasn’t our first trip to Lake Shasta/Mount Shasta area, the natural beauty never ceases to amaze. Andre, our 7-year-old, had to call his friend to tell him about all the beautiful trees and lakes and the otherwise “totally long and boring” all day car ride. If Andre is inspired to discuss anything than video games, pay attention.
We missed the chance to take a photo of Weed, next 3 exits and at the Oregon border. At those points it wasn’t about the journey, it was about covering as much ground in daylight as possible.
Oregon is beautiful. We drove the 97 from Weed, CA to Bend, OR. Nothing but trees, lakes, rivers, truckers, campers and us on the road. We had another slight glitch last night. The gas gauge on the suburban broke. One minute it read 1/2 tank, the next it was screaming E. It wouldn’t have been any big deal if we were anywhere near civilization, or near anywhere that stayed open past 8 PM. It also wouldn’t have been a big deal if my darling husband remembered, or wrote down, his mileage when he filled up last. With none of these boxes checked, Vince did the next best thing. He pulled into the first mom & pop RV campground/general store/gas station we saw and knocked on the door of their residence and asked them to open up so he could get some gas. Are you surprised? Me, just another day in the life . The best part was that the wife had to come out, open up and pump the gas. Vince didn’t know that in Oregon there is no self-service at the gas pump, only full service, after hours included. The suburban, it turned out, had plenty of gas to get us to Bend, but we felt much better knowing. Be proud of me, I did not once say any unkind, are you freaking kidding me, what the hell comments to Vince like…hello…we’re on a road trip…monitoring gas levels is essential. Nor did I call him a dumbass (out loud).
We woke to 50 degrees and rain in the forecast from here to Spokane. A perfect welcome to the Inland Northwest. We are definitely not in Southern California anymore. I wish I would have packed shoes other than my flip-flops. All is fair in love and war…dumbasses unite. Yes, Vince and I are a pair.
Today is the day we arrive at our new home. We can’t wait. In fact, the others are yelling at me to think and type faster so we can get on the road. Gotta roll…
multi-hyphenated-me 