Later, Lower 48

Another long day of driving put us in Tillamook in time for dinner with our favorite Oregonians. 

The next day Dad & I drove into Portland with Hannah. She had to work so we filled our day—VooDoo Doughnuts, rhododendron garden, appointment with irisvision, search for new camper steps, a walk in the park. Greg & Nick stayed in Tillamook, unloaded the trailer, dropped it off, and cleaned up the truck. 

My dad has macular degeneration. He has had nothing but peripheral vision for about 20 years...and that is blurred at best. This irisvision tool captures that peripheral picture and magnifies it so that he is actually able to see detail. He cried when he saw my face. It was. So. Very. Sweet. And poignant. Today we ordered one and are hoping it will arrive in Alaska about the same time we do.

On the 20th we planned to drive to mom & dad’s favorite beach just south of Newport. That morning he decided it was too early—he wasn’t ready—to do that so we hung out in Tillamook. Sat by the Wilson River a while. Dug a herb/flower garden for Hannah. Hannah & I went to the beach. She cooked a delicious meal then she & I “celebrated” Mother’s Day...she gave me s box of Korean facials. We took “before” pictures, painted on the gel, and giggled and laughed our way through the drying process. It was a lot of fun.

North to Alaska! Bad traffic/accidents through Seattle, Everett, and coming into Bellingham, WA. Our goal is to sleep in Canada tonight. We will have limited internet and phone service for at least a week. ☮️

Photos