It’s not the green

In my conversation with the woman in Utah, she told me Oregon was the most beautiful state. I need the green. But it is not the green that makes it so beautiful, although that is certainly a part and I’ve seen such a little part of Oregon, it is the water.  It’s the Columbia River; it’s the other rivers and creeks; it’s the Pacific Ocean. A land-locked state such as Utah, no matter how beautiful, cannot compete with a coastal state that also boasts such mountains.

We have actually seen only a small piece of the ocean at Newport. Tomorrow is our day to explore the tide pools and visit the lighthouses. The beach here is behind a mountainous looking but level path. It is so green and shaded and then you arrive on a large sand dune that has a path through cold sand to a flat beach. Kanu, and especially Luna, thought they were in heaven. On our first trip, they remained on leash but still managed a frolic in the heavy sand. The second trip was more isolated and they enjoyed several sprints off leash. Luna could only be recovered when she completely collapsed in a wet spot near the surf. She does not come when called, but has a limited endurance.

The road finally ended in its purpose, hugging my beloved little boy blue… who is neither little nor blue but so precious to me. It has been a long two years, and it is in our plan to return twice a year in the future. My wreck, epilepsy, surgery and need to empty the house postponed this trip for way too long. It is also such a blessing to see him with Lydia. We celebrated her birthday today because she is such a special person in our lives and in all life, although she doesn’t see that as well as we do. I am very glad that she fell in love with my son and he with her.

We have had some great Thai food. I think it is my favorite ethnic food and the place we ate at today made it as spicy as we like it and still be so flavorful. A strange place called Woodman that serves Thai and American and is supposed to have the best burger around. I will not be finding out. Who would order hamburger when there is curry?

There is a reason Prince Edward Island and Oregon is so green. It’s called rain. It rains a lot here, especially on the coast. I am glad that we are not in a tent. We actually put up a tent but it is now soaking wet and has been taken down. They also have Canadian sized mosquitos on the coast. We are not the only ones in long pants and long sleeves. Anyone is shorts or t-shirts are so covered in deet that you can smell them coming from quite a distance. I prefer physical to chemical deterrent. That’s okay because I cam prepared with long pants and shirts. We will, and have, encountered hot weather, but those clothes are lightweight and don’t take up much space, and shorts can be worn at least a week before they need washing… and I mostly wear swimming suits underneath just to be ready in case a body of water shows up.

We are here for two weeks so feel like we are really settled for the moment. They have self-wash pet washes here that we will definitely be taking advantage of. It’s a pet tub that is like a car wash where you can change from shampoo to rinse to conditioner to take the dog out and disinfect it. It’s ten bucks and probably a deal. A pet store will charge you fifty bucks. The hose is free but the mosquitos, like i said, are huge and hungry.

I’m trying to get used to it being ME on the west coast and I’m the one who is three hours earlier. I’ve spent so much time thinking the other way. Kerry keeps me straight though whenever I ask him what time it is in Chicago or Greenville. He is so patient and hardly ever rolls his eyes.
We are planning a Game of Thrones marathon one day this week. Nicholas has HBO and we have not seen any of this season. Being on the road with limited access to internet has helped us stay in the dark, but it should be nice to watch it as fans together. Nicholas is taking the whole week off next week so we will have more time together than I had even hoped for. I am one very thankful mama.