That makes Oregon our 14th state. We’ve slowed down significantly after waiting around in AZ for things that never happened and then waiting out the rain while dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic in Lancaster. Both times we were blessed to be with people who cared, who made us feel welcome and safe from the apocalypse. These are definitely challenging times.
But in challenge, strength is revealed and growth happens. We’ve faced a lot of uncertainty since we hit the road a month ago. Some of it was expected. This latest stuff around the pandemic wasn’t. No one knows how to deal with this uncharted territory, but I think we’re all doing our best. People around the country {world} are showing kindness to strangers, sharing smiles and knowing looks across the room, wondering who exactly bought all that toilet paper! 🤷♀️
We’re doing the best we can even when faced with days full of firsts... whether it’s home schooling children, making home cooked meals, working out at home, or finding ways to stay occupied and sane.... we’re all doing our best.
For my part, I’m trying to keep my distance and yet still engage (I think I’m getting better at small talk). I’m trying to spend as much time as possible outside and see as many things as I can before getting someplace to hunker down for a few days. Trying to do all that without wearing out my buddy.
Bailey is tired. Tired of traveling, but also just tired. I’m worried about him. He seems to be aging before my eyes. I don’t know if it’s the stress of travel or something more serious ... maybe we’ll get that checked out when we get to Washington.
I don’t know how long we’ll stay. A week? Longer? Will things turn around in that time? If they do, can we get back on the road and see more of America? Will it all be shut down like California by then? They’re even making moves to close parks in many states now... including the one I’m in (next week). Then what does camping look like? Are gas stations next?
Am I now a permanent resident of the Pacific Northwest? I do like the outdoors and all the cool things to do here.
