Excursions

Many of us have that place, that place during Summer vacations particularly, where a branch of the family opens its doors and invites us in. For Michelle it was here and the home of her Uncle Rich, or Ratch as she called him.

“I love you in Oregon and I love you in Washington!” Whenever Michelle’s family crossed a state border, they would call this out. I continue the tradition.

Lots of bumper to bumper through Portland and I am so happy that my city driving is at a minimum. It’s… unnatural! Then into the intoxicating streets of Portland!

This area of the Oregon coast is just embracingly lovely. We went into Old Town Bandon and found a Fish and Chips place. Michelle was actually able to walk on friendly sidewalks and several strangers walked Mo for us so I could have my hands free to help Michelle.

On this day cruising through this forest of ancients, NASA released images from the new telescope, images that show light emanating from millions or even billions of years ago, galaxies upon galaxies dancing and pulling at one another.

I wanted to drive through the City because I’m working on my second novel that takes place in SF from the days back in the 80s when I was a cab driver. Wanted the feel.

There are so many changes, but the striking reality is how well-preserved Oakland is. There are no new buildings that I can see, and I walked these streets, road my extended-forks bike with the banana seat and playing cards clothes-pinned to the spokes to make it sound like a motor

I was planning how to get so Sacramento and had decided not to go through the Bay Area on a Friday at rush hour, which would likely be a nightmare. My friend Kurt said, “Oh, through Aromas!” And so we did…