I don’t know about you but my work benefits from much better
clarity after I’ve had a break. It could be a swim, a walk in the woods or a
vacation. I recently returned from a family wedding weekend and extended
pre-and post- vacation that took me along the northern Oregon seaside, down
into the central valley – (Wil-LAM-ette) is how it’s pronounced – into
Vancouver, WA and beyond to the majestic Mt. St. Helens.
At each point, I explored the natural beauty, enjoyed the
local food and spoke to anyone I could: restaurant servers, hotel workers, my rental
van driver (Oscar), other tourists and even some students. I visited the
campuses of Oregon State in Corvallis – situated in a farming community with a
lovely mountain view – and Washington State in Eugene – more of a small city
experience.
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| The spectacular coastline of Oregon. |
While in Vancouver – my last day of the trip – I arrived
just before dusk. I wasn’t sure if the city was safe; it was just over the
Columbia River nestled in the shadows of an industrial type bridge. I was
pleasantly surprised to see how clean and cool this town is.
I like to get the lay of the city when I first arrive so I
can plan what to do that night or the next day. I drove through what I thought was the downtown area, then took a spin through the officer’s quarters (stately
homes) near Fort Vancouver. I
drove along the river that extended about one mile south of my hotel and
noticed a nice walking path that led to several restaurants and condos. Couples
of all ages were clustering there. As a solo traveler, I felt a bit out of
place going to these bustling locales without a date, friend or family member –
so I continued driving.
It got later and later, and darker. Turning onto one street,
I felt my rental car hit something in the road. I was going to get out and
check but couldn’t find a good place to pull over. Then, when I saw my “check
tire pressure” light come on – I knew that I had to pull over quickly and take
a look. Fortunately, I was back in the downtown area and pulled into curbside
parking.
I really didn’t know if it was safe but there were two bus
stops nearby – so at least people were coming and going and it was well
lighted. I got out and checked the tire – lo and behold, it was completely
flat. Surprisingly, I didn’t panic. I got out my AAA card and called. First
spoke to the Michigan agent and then was transferred to the Washington agent.
It went pretty smoothly. The Washington agent wanted to know if I preferred to
be updated by a phone call or text. I chose text.
Within five minutes, I got a text from a tow truck driver,
who said he would be there shortly. He texted again, saying he was on his way.
It took a total of about 20 minutes from my talk with the Washington AAA agent
until the tow truck driver arrived. I was amazed. Funnier yet, the driver said
that he would have been there sooner but he was finishing up with another job.
I’m thinking, “This guy arrived incredibly fast. I’m so grateful.” By the way, he
also said, “I’m David and I’ll be your car repair guy tonight.” I laughed at
the great twist on the restaurant server greeting. He changed the tire –
replacing it with the dreaded doughnut, which would limit my travels. He said
not to go faster than 50 mph or further than 50 miles. Knowing that I had to
head back to the airport the next day, I decided to call it a night.
As luck would (or wouldn’t) have it, the last place that I
could eat dinner – the hotel restaurant – closed at 10 p.m. and it was just
after that. A dinner of a banana
and some old wheat crackers sufficed. I was so grateful that I didn’t go hungry,
as many do.
The lesson here is to explore and be open to new
experiences. And, be grateful for things that go well because so much can go wrong.
Now, it’s back to work. I look forward to some exciting
writing projects and if they involve travel – so much the better.
