This I know ....

 

Just unpacking and regrouping after  close to a six thousand mile road trip during which I lived with a self-imposed break from the cyber world but for seeking out pet friendly motels and checking route maps.

           Some truths learned along 
                          the way                    

America is beautiful

Dog makes a great road-trip buddy

It's election season

Farmers' markets make me smile

You can't beat an heirloom apple for taste

Gas is expensive 

Books on tape beat loud-mouth, foaming-hatred, talk show radio hosts 

First leg of my trip was an epic thirteen hour plus drive to Oakland where I stayed long enough to sleep and tickle the grand kids before setting out on route 5 though California, Oregon, Washington to the ferry at Anacortes and a few days re-charging batteries on one of my favorite places in the whole world - Orcas island . Had the delightful experience there of meeting Dr. Rosie Kuhn - a long time contributor to Connectionsforwomen.com .

Off island again my plan had been to pick up a second ferry to the Port Townsend and from there follow Rt. 101 to California - my timing was off (can't expect a ferry to wait for me!) so instead beetled down Rt. 5 again and cut over before Portland to cross the Columbia and join 101 at Seaside. What a glorious drive down that coast line - I stopped wherever the fancy took me, climbed on rocks, walked on beaches, ate fresh crab, slept soundly. One delightful incident in Oregon is still making me smile.

I had stopped at a remote beach access area , wandered around hard-packed wave-washed sand while dog scampered off to explore. A very large, shaggy dog bounded from behind massive boulders - Hamish chased after him - I heard a shriek. "Oh shoot", my first thought being my hound had scoffed up someone's brie and caramelized onion ciabatta! I rounded the rocks into a secluded cove. A couple, she in front of an easel, he crouched on a bolder - both au naturel - looked at me sheepishly. Easily in their  late sixties I imagined that she announced she was doing a nude portrait of him on the rocks, he had protested, she had convinced him by saying "look, I'll strip and paint in the nude so we'll both be naked"! She gave a grin and a wave - I blew them a kiss, leashed dog and continued not without a twinge of envy for their togetherness and sense of fun.