Day One
Wednesday, 1 February 2006
Portland, OR to Lodi, CA

My trip began a bit later than intended. I drove Mike to work and we said our goodbyes, then I decided to stop at Fred Meyer for a few last minute supplies. This included windshield wiper fluid that, to the best of my knowledge, hadn't been topped off since I bought Willowy almost a year ago. For those of you who have never been to Fred Meyer, it's a true wonderland. Here in one convenient location, you can purchase milk, bedsheets, tulip bulbs and lumber. None of which I needed, but it's a comfort to know that if I did, they'd be there. Instead I had to try to find the automotive section. Having never visited that particular aisle of mystery and intrigue, it took a tad longer than I would've liked. Then came the challenging selection process.

That part done, I then fiddled under the hood of my car for the first time since buying it (I felt so automechanical!) and, after making sure I had a full tank, I got my motor running and head out on the highway. I-5 South, to be exact.

As you can see, it was a pretty day. Typically Oregon, all overcast with love. I do like it when beams of light are visible. It's like the gods have dropped something under the couch and are searching for it with flashlights.

The first of many skyline shots, and just the barest grazing of my mountain-loving surface. I don't recall exactly where this was, but I'm guessing about an hour or two south of Portland.

This clearly didn't come out. Sadly I can't remember the exact phrasing, but on the back of this RV was something like:

No more sleeping
I'm living now
I won't look back
Goodbye Prozac!

Another mountain skyline, only slightly tilted.

Check it out. The most patriotic Accura ever.
(Note: I have no idea if that's an Accura or not. My breasts prevent me from knowing about cars.)

I can't remember exactly where this was, but I think around Grant's Pass. I was very taken with these clouds. Just a band of them lying over the area – not low enough to obstruct driving, but not high enough to blend.

It's really visible here. It's like someone just took out the whole center of the mountain. Very cool.

Oo, and here! My first sign of snow-covered peaks!
The excitement would eventually fade, especially on the return trip when snow was a road-closing worry, but for now it was pure cocaine-like joy.