I realized my trip can really be understood as chapters. Chapter 1 was driving from Michigan to Oregon. Chapter 2 was my week in Portland staying at Dan and Dana’s. Chapter 3 began today, with Ben and I driving south, heading to Santa Barbara California, by Saturday. Ben will be attending the Earthfirst convergence, and I will continue on to LA.
Ben is a good driver and fun companion. I actually fell asleep for an hour before we’d even reached Eugene. Our first stop was this super cool bio-diesel/gas station and cafe. We filled the tank so got free coffee and bought sandwiches for lunch, with all healthy, organic ingredients. For desert Ben bought me this chocolate covered confection called nipple of Venus. Yes, a crazy name but a delicious. We did hit some rain further south as we passed through the mountains, surrounded by gorgeous scenery all around. We stopped again in a small town south of Grants Pass at another natural foods store and got really delicious sandwiches. We continued driving again through the mountains but this time with giant redwoods on both sides towering over the road. They are absolutely magnificent. Unfortunately by then it was dark so all we could see was what was lit up by the headlights.
We are staying at a friend of Runa’s for the night in Eureka. Ben went out with his friend Jacob and I stayed home with the four 20-30 year old women who live here. It was so much fun meeting and talking with them. I just feel that my life is so much richer for spending time with kind, generous and fun young people like these 4 women.
What I learned today. 1. California has lots of snow in it’s northern mountain areas; and 2. There are these really cute silicone tea infusers shaped like animals that you can buy online.
Always enjoy your travels.