Saturday, June 27, 2009

The farthest Northwest Point of the United States

Well, we made it together and separately. I only rode in the rain for about 30 minutes and when we found our campsite the sun came out. What are the chances?? We decided to go to the farthest point of Washington (Cape Flattery). Of course when we got there it was on the Makah Indian Reservation with a sign posted that you must have a permit to use the recreational sites. But we figured since it was late already, nothing was open and we were just going to drive to the peak, it might be ok. Seeing as it was pretty important to me to do this since I have come this far. I really needed to know that I reached the end point. Too close to turn around. When we reached the end of the road there was a trail going to a cliff, I am assuming, and I wanted to hang from it like a monkey. The trail was only a mile long and it technically doesn't get dark until 10 o'clock in the northwest, we decided with 30 minutes of light left we would run down this trail. I had the only headlight, we left Amber's at the campsite, so, halfway down the trail it got a little shifty in the dark under the trees, alone, and semi raining we turned around and ran back. I laughed, but really wanted to cry that we didn't do it. So here's a pic of me on the tip but not really, after running back up that hill. There's no point in really being disappointed, I've done and seen so much already. However, for my friends that are Twilight fans, although I didn't get to Forks, I went to Port Angeles and we just know... we saw Edward flying in the air. Couldn't catch him though. The story of my life. xo 

Portland... one big commune.






Today was a really long day. After trying to find a good place in the Redwoods with the biggest, most lush trees I didn't leave until almost 4 o'clock. I was one mile away from the Oregon/California state line when I got a speeding ticket. Of course I sped thru Oregon anyway, some people never learn their lesson. I was ready to get to Portland and see my friends, Aaron and Kelly. It's always nice to see a familiar face when you've been traveling this long. When I arrived, it was almost nine and me and Aaron went and had a beer, (Hamm's beer  is Portland's PBR, and is quite delicious), and a bite to eat. He showed me around a little and the next morning I did a four mile stroll around the city. Meeting up with Amber at this coffee shop called Fine Grinds, I met Luke and Ruby. Ohhh Ruby, he was a true joy to be around and I was a little disappointed that I only got to hang out with these two for about three minutes. We ate raspberries and sunbathed in his back yard for a couple of hours then I walked back to my friends place where I was staying.  Aaron and Kelly moved here last year and he had the opportunity to open his own piercing studio called, The Velvet Elvis. Well, I had planned on getting my yearly tattoo at some point on this trip, so this was probably as good of a time if any. Of course Aaron would know who to recommend, and Dan, was a terrific artist. He gave me a great deal and did a superb job. Very pleased. So far every time we roll in town people want to take us out on the town, but me and Kelly my last evening here did face masks and polished our toes. They were in the process of moving so I helped them pack up the kitchen and tried to reduce some stress on their part. Portland to me has it figured out. Everything here just makes sense. People literally take their yards out and put gardens in. Growing food, always leaving unwanted items on the corners for others and walking down the street in the middle of the night was not the least bit intimidating.  Portland is like  one big commune. Fantastic!