Columbia River Gorge from the Cape Horn Viewpoint
Originally uploaded by digefxgrp
Day 1 - New beginnings. After a LONG number of weeks, we are packed and out of our Vancouver, WA digs and on the way to Pearisburg, VA. It should be an interesting drive with a dog and a cat. Two Face (the cat) has only been on one long road trip in her life. That was 15.5 years ago. Now, being much older and blind, she is having to face each new step as an adventure. I watch as she finds her way - sometimes tentatively, sometimes boldly. It reminds me of Janet and me, now homeless; starting a new adventure that takes us on roads unexplored (by us together) and into a new world.
We drove all of 42 miles from our ex-home in Vancouver today. We (Janet) thought it might be a good idea to just make a short trip for the day. Right she was as we finished packing and cleaning and started on our way with sore backs and tired eyes. We stopped at the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge. We have stayed here before as it is situated literally on the banks of the Colombia River - if we go out the back door and walk south 35 feet, our feet would be in the Columbia River.
We did take a walk up the river and Janet pointed out that it was quite fitting. We are staying at an Inn on a river surrounded by mountains with the sound of an occasional train passing up or down river. At the end of this week-long journey, we'll be buying an Inn on a river surrounded by mountains with the sound of an occasional train passing up or down river (fortunately, the trains at the other end will be more than 100' away). While the beginning and the end of the journey will be similar, our lives shall be quite different. At one end, we are close to a life that was comfortable and known. At the other, a life quite different from what either of us has done in the past, but one that should be fun and fulfilling. One with new opportunities, friendships and adventures.
As with any move, we are leaving the day-to-day comfort of love and friendship of the many people we have come to know in Vancouver. While we are excited, it is sad to part from those friends and memories. Yet we will be meeting new friends along the way. At the end of this journey, will be many new friends; yet they cannot replace the old friends. To all of those, thanks for the many memories.
We usually try to leave in the morning. Of course, having the bed on our back, where and when is optional. Good luck, safe trip and watch that morning sun. Driving to the east, well just have breakfast and start a little later.
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