Journal
Headed West
6/11/2008
Rochester, NY
I’m packed for another trip. This one is different. I am normally solo on the road. This time I will be with some of my family, which will be awesome. We are heading out to Seattle for my great uncle’s (on my dad’s side) 90th birthday. Uncle Dick was here two summers ago as one of the celebrants performing my sister’s wedding ceremony. He is very close with my dad. And all of us.
It should be great. My sister called a few minutes ago. She asked a few questions and then we agreed we’d be on our best behavior. Meaning = let’s get along. We are both headstrong and we are the best of friends, but we sometimes argue when we travel. Not sure why, but we revert to when I am 10 and she is 7. I used to get joy from picking on her. We are older and wiser, but things can bubble up.
It’s a full trip. We arrive tomorrow at 11 AM Seattle time. We’ll pick up our car, head to our hotel, and then explore. Friday we move southeast to where the party is. I can’t recall the name of it, but I believe Pasco is the airport. We are there thru Sunday and then go further east to the Washington/Idaho border cities of Clarkston, WA and Lewiston, ID. Lewis and Clark used to hang in those parts. Caytie and I ventured out to Clarkston quite a few years ago and had a great time.
I learned a valuable lesson from my most recent Memphis/Arkansas trip: I can’t wait until 10 PM the night before to pack. I am so much more relaxed tonight than I was a few weeks ago. I almost ripped people’s heads off as I cussed and swore at my luggage, my clothes, and the air. Not this time. I am chill as I write this. I am not so chill about a 3:45 AM wake up call, but it will be nice to have the afternoon and evening to explore Coffeetown.
The family hasn’t been a on a trip in years. I don’t know how long. It’s too bad my bil can’t be with us, but they have a zillion weddings this summer in numerous tropical locales. There is only so much vacation time. I am excited for the next few days. More to come…