The final preparations are nearing the end. One last check is with our oldest grandson, Tyler. In her most loving way Cheryl asked him how he would like to communicate with us while we are gone. She suggested phone calls, emails, letters, postcards as possibilities. After mulling the options over in his five year old mind he brightened with the option that he preferred.
Tyler suggested,"I like cards, especially those with money."
Well, Tyler, I'm not sure grandma is going to have much left over after this trip, so this blog might have to do.
The lists have been checked, crossed out and almost worn out. We are packed and rolling!!
The first item of business is a stop in Portland, OR for a wedding - a chance to celebrate the beginnings of a new marital relationship, renew a few old relationships with family and friends and to meet new people.
Met a couple from Virginia who we will try to contact later in the trip. After discussing family and experiences we have in common Alan mentioned a book on America he is reading. The thought that I wish to develop later when I can get depth and abstraction into my thoughts centers around DEMOCRACY. Many countries grant their citizenry the right to vote, but America is unique that it also extends the right to liberty to its citizens. A thought worth pondering -- but not here.
Thought I was going a little sideways before we really get underway.
WHAT I'VE SEEN SO FAR:
Stayed in the small Oregon town of Sublimity Sept 7 & 8 and watched some of the 41st annual Harvest Festival. I attended the first one probably 40 years ago, if the math is right. This year's festival had a parade. It was fun to watch a small town enjoying itself. As I sat on the curb by myself (Cheryl was busy making new trip lists) the people riding the floats took pity on the old geezer and tossed me many pieces of candy and one frisbee. THAT IS A SUCCESSFUL PARADE!!
Later in the day there was a tractor pull. Forty years ago the tractors were smaller and to add weight to the drag, the load to be pulled down the course, men were recruited to stand on the drag with promises of beer as long as they wished to ride. Talk about happy players!
The first remote stop was in the town of Joseph, OR nestled in the Wallowa Moutains. We are greeted by a sign stating, "We think our town is like HEAVEN, so don't drive like HELL in it!!
WOW, WOW, WOW I have lived in Oregon 65 years and have never visited this far northeast corner of the state. What a shame to have missed this beauty, this grandeur.
I was disappointed as nightfall arrived and erased the views. Cheryl was up bright and early to inhale some more of the grandeur before moving on.
The town, the cattle herds, the horses in the pastures I couldn't help but think if some young damsel was looking to share a life with a cowboy, this place should be on the top of her shopping list.
Leaving Joseph we traveled Forest Service roads out to Hell's canyon, a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon by a half mile. Cheryl is fearful of heights so this portion of the trip will not make her highlight list. In fact she couldn't see much with her eyes pinched shut, clutching the van seat and thinking very nasty thoughts about her sweet husband.
Finished the day with a tour of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. In this relatively remote location this presentation of the Oregon Trail and its challenges is fantastic.
More people to visit in Ontario OR and Fruitland, ID. A niece I hadn't seen in 6 years was her usual bright and optimistic self. How quickly time flies when visiting with someone of Joan's temperament. Also visited with a couple we met in Canyonville OR back in June. At 85 years old Ray is committed to mastering his new computer. The love of life he and his wife, June, share made it difficult to move on.
So, we only covered 150 miles today. Cheryl had no cliffs to terrify her. I may be back in her good graces.
Our look into America, its sights and its people, has begun.
Feel free to share your thoughts and help make this tour as memorable as possible
Tyler suggested,"I like cards, especially those with money."
Well, Tyler, I'm not sure grandma is going to have much left over after this trip, so this blog might have to do.
The lists have been checked, crossed out and almost worn out. We are packed and rolling!!
The first item of business is a stop in Portland, OR for a wedding - a chance to celebrate the beginnings of a new marital relationship, renew a few old relationships with family and friends and to meet new people.
Met a couple from Virginia who we will try to contact later in the trip. After discussing family and experiences we have in common Alan mentioned a book on America he is reading. The thought that I wish to develop later when I can get depth and abstraction into my thoughts centers around DEMOCRACY. Many countries grant their citizenry the right to vote, but America is unique that it also extends the right to liberty to its citizens. A thought worth pondering -- but not here.
Thought I was going a little sideways before we really get underway.
WHAT I'VE SEEN SO FAR:
Stayed in the small Oregon town of Sublimity Sept 7 & 8 and watched some of the 41st annual Harvest Festival. I attended the first one probably 40 years ago, if the math is right. This year's festival had a parade. It was fun to watch a small town enjoying itself. As I sat on the curb by myself (Cheryl was busy making new trip lists) the people riding the floats took pity on the old geezer and tossed me many pieces of candy and one frisbee. THAT IS A SUCCESSFUL PARADE!!
Later in the day there was a tractor pull. Forty years ago the tractors were smaller and to add weight to the drag, the load to be pulled down the course, men were recruited to stand on the drag with promises of beer as long as they wished to ride. Talk about happy players!
The first remote stop was in the town of Joseph, OR nestled in the Wallowa Moutains. We are greeted by a sign stating, "We think our town is like HEAVEN, so don't drive like HELL in it!!
WOW, WOW, WOW I have lived in Oregon 65 years and have never visited this far northeast corner of the state. What a shame to have missed this beauty, this grandeur.
I was disappointed as nightfall arrived and erased the views. Cheryl was up bright and early to inhale some more of the grandeur before moving on.
The town, the cattle herds, the horses in the pastures I couldn't help but think if some young damsel was looking to share a life with a cowboy, this place should be on the top of her shopping list.
Leaving Joseph we traveled Forest Service roads out to Hell's canyon, a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon by a half mile. Cheryl is fearful of heights so this portion of the trip will not make her highlight list. In fact she couldn't see much with her eyes pinched shut, clutching the van seat and thinking very nasty thoughts about her sweet husband.
Finished the day with a tour of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. In this relatively remote location this presentation of the Oregon Trail and its challenges is fantastic.
More people to visit in Ontario OR and Fruitland, ID. A niece I hadn't seen in 6 years was her usual bright and optimistic self. How quickly time flies when visiting with someone of Joan's temperament. Also visited with a couple we met in Canyonville OR back in June. At 85 years old Ray is committed to mastering his new computer. The love of life he and his wife, June, share made it difficult to move on.
So, we only covered 150 miles today. Cheryl had no cliffs to terrify her. I may be back in her good graces.
Our look into America, its sights and its people, has begun.
Feel free to share your thoughts and help make this tour as memorable as possible
1 comment:
I asked Cheryl to send me an authentic potato from Idaho (mostly for her reaction), though I'd much prefer an authentic cowboy from Joseph (purely for my enjoyment)! Take liberties with wrangling one on your way back. ;-D
Oh, but wait, I am recalling Playskool’s timeless tater, Mr. Potato Head, and perhaps that's a satisfactory compromise. (?)
Um, I forgot this is open to the public…
Enjoy every mile!
joni
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