Idaho

Initially, this first leg of the journey took a bit of getting used to and I'm happy to say we are working out the kinks! It took me about an hour and a half to work out the stress in my shoulders when we left the driveway. I think this was predominantly just from making sure I had everything, ensuring Sassenach was comfortable, and thinking about the logistics of what I was doing.

Today's objective was all about just getting to the first campsite. Turning off my brain will take a bit, and certainly THIS day I decided I would not add stress about finding peace. Just get to my location, and learn to roll with it. My co-pilot, ever the snuggler, found the one spot she could nuzzle. I took a super flattering selfie, yes while driving and actually chuckled at the resulting picture when I looked at it later that night. I think this will be a recurring spot for her comfort. (Check it out, and yes, I was careful.)

Certainly a sight of the times were these signs all along the Oregon Interstate asking Oregonians to "Take your shot Oregon, get vaccinated." I want to post this for posterity's sake, no political agenda here. Just an observation, and if you must know, yes - I am vaccinated.

So trying to take in all the beautiful sights while driving can be challenging, but I'm determined. Once out of the Columbia River region of Oregon, which is spectacular by the way ... the visuals were pretty desert dry until I got off I84 and closer to the Sawtooth National Forest and the Boise National Forest. Don't get me wrong, desert is beautiful - just not the visuals off of I84. Pictures can never show the true beauty of an area or the full expression of an experience; however, I must try to capture moments as best I can. Right? OR simply enjoy and remember the moment in your brain as I'm often reminded by Nicholas.

Best of the day? Worst of the day?

Best: My family and I always refer to an unknowing, or surprising, deer sighting as a visit from my dad -- we call him "papa." He was a hunter and both loved and respected deer. It was his "thing." Friday morning as we were leaving Dog Creek Campground, papa made a visit to let me know he was with me. My heart ached to see him. Time does not heal everything -- still miss him as much as the day we lost him to #fuckcancer. That began my day of reflection, emotional release and "rolling with it." (Look closely, #nofilter.)

Worst: The four dead deer roadside, for all the obvious reasons.

Lesson learned: once you have GPS on and enter a "No Service" cell area, DO NOT turn anything off - otherwise you lose GPS and you no longer know how to get to your destination. Not good. Fortunately, I have my all purpose USA Road Atlas.