Day 1: Boring, Oregon to Orofino, Idaho

We pulled out of the garage at about 10:30 this morning.  It was surprisingly difficult to leave.  Ya see for the last 21 years, when we go on a real road trip, we all go on a road trip.  This time 2 of us were leaving, one was staying behind, and the other isn't even in the same state!  I think it makes everybody feel a little older that our Gator couldn't go with us... so it was really hard to pull away.  Really really difficult.  But we did it, Once we made it to Hood River, the separation anxiety had waned and Papa was gonna make it.  I know.. I know... pathetic right?  She's 22 (almost 23) years old and I still have a really hard time leaving her for a couple of months.   I love that girl.

It was an amazingly beautiful day!  The weather fluctuated between 63 and 76 during our 400 mile first day.  The sun was shining and the skies were deep blue with those puffy little Simpson's clouds the entire day... Willow was happy, loving, beautiful, and as always an incredible driving partner.  We hauled ass down I-84 only stopping a few times to relieve the pressure in Willow's raisin sized bladder and maybe get a little gas. 

We stopped in the bustling town of Arlington, Oregon at a nice little park for delicious chicken salad sandwiches.  Kids were swimming in the river it was so warm.

Early on the morning of Sunday April 29th, 2012 a journey begins. The bags will have been hastily thrown together.  A cooler with few real staples will be thrown into the truck. Camera gear will occupy much of the space that should be holding 70 days worth of living supplies.  My beautiful Willow will be sitting in the seat next to mine - as she always has, her face glowing with excitement.  We'll fire up the brand new Escape.  We'll put on some early morning music - if I had to guess I'd say Ray Charles or Cat Stevens - and we'll work our way on to the I-84 entry ramp in Troutdale.  From that point forward we will head mostly east for the next 22 days.  Our plan is to have very few plans.  We have a rough idea of the towns where we are laying our heads down each night.  When we leave the comfort of our home state we'll pass leisurely through beautiful scenery in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and finally Minnesota. We have no idea what roads will pique our interests, what regional foods will grace our palates, what places of ill repute we will drink in, what amazing people we will meet, or even some nights where we will sleep.

We are going on an adventure.  We are going to learn more about the northwestern and midwestern states.  We are leaving to create experiences.  We are on a journey to celebrate what we have and release want for what we don't.  We will chronicle, in pictures and words, that celebration here in this blog... hopefully every day.  So come along with us... meet the people that we meet.  See the sights that we see.  Taste the food that we eat.  Pull up a stool next to us at working class bars throughout the west and midwest.