Journal: #323 Made it to Hood
(I posted this a day late, but it still will count against my 330 posts for the year.)
It’s 9:52 PM EST as I compose this post. I am on my back in my hammock, the immutable shlosh of Hood River to my left. It’s been a long day but I am happy I endured to be exactly where I am.
The drive to get here was a comedy of errors. The day began behind schedule and stayed that way. I planned to leave at 9 AM from Redding to arrive to my campsite around 5 PM. What happened was:
I left Redding after 11 AM (mainly due to a last-second project request from a CEO.)
Encountered fire traffic #1 twenty minutes north of Redding.
Fire traffic #2 around McCloud. It was brief.
Construction traffic: The Oregon DOT decided this summer was as good as any for road improvements near the California border.
My most frustrating moment is when Apple Maps sent me clear into Washington. Never use Apple Maps.
My foray into Washington was quickly followed by the most hilarious moment of the trip. I can’t imagine how I appeared to the young family watching from the side of the road. There I was, full sprint down Washington Route 14, trying to catch my under carriage. The wind gusted upwards of 30 MPH so my effort was in vain. Part of my car is probably still being blown east toward Idaho.
The last hurdle was another minor car issue- my windshield whipper fluid hose came loose. After a quick fix, I finished the last hour of my journey in peace.
All throughout my day I thought of turning back. Just go back to Redding. The maps debacle nearly sent me over the edge. For a few moments I consider staying in a hotel and heading back to Redding the next morning. (It’s a good thing Oregon is gorgeous. The landscapes help when hurdles keep coming.
From a wider perspective, today was just a day. Nothing extraordinary happened. I think my mind and/or heart is afraid of this trip. I’ll explore that a bit more tomorrow. For now, I want to fall asleep to sound of the River.
