Take a break

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.

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.