Seattle Trip (August ‘23) Part 1: Heading to Washington
For weeks, I’ve been looking forward to this trip to Seattle. My goal was to hug my daughter, Z, on her birthday! I couldn’t wait to see her again.
I left after work on a Tuesday, the last day of my work week. The day was fairly light and the weather was perfect. I sat around watching the bees as I worked at the gates of Yosemite waiting to go. When the time finally came, I ran home to grab the last of my things and kiss the Cookies Cat goodbye. And I was off!!!
Three hours later, I arrived at the first stop on my journey. Since it was a late start, I only went from Yosemite to Sacramento. I was eager to get on the road, but I also have an aversion to driving at night if I can help it.
Thousand Trails is a campground system where I’m a member. I am able to go to any of their main locations between the Southwest (including CA) and the Pacific Northwest. It’s a fabulous opportunity for me to travel around the greater area for cheap. Sacramento has two different locations within close range. I chose Lake Minden because it is closer to the interstate so I would be able to leave easily first thing in the morning.
This campground was very pretty. However, it also had tons of mosquitos and loud neighbors. I could tell that the campground was not as well cared for as some of the others. I didn’t care much though, I was thankful for a place to lay my head. I got a warm shower, saw a swarm of dragonflies and watched a lizard on the rocks by the banks of the lake for a good twenty minutes. Life was good and I slept well.
I woke relatively early and got back on the road soon after the sun rose. I knew I wouldn’t get to Washington on this day, but it was the bulk of the travel. By taking my time getting up there, I could greet Z with energy and be ready for whatever she had in store for me. I am thankful for my attention to detail while planning and preparing this trip because it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Listening to my intuition is how I navigate life, it hasn’t led me astray yet. And I could fully appreciate the nature around me as I entered into the Pacific Northwest.
A stop to view Lake Shasta
Though I didn’t really need to use the bathroom yet, I stopped at this rest area to take in this view.
The Shasta-Trinity Area of Northern California is a sight worth seeing. I stood in awe at the revitalizing waters and the vibrant, tree-lined mountains. I began to feel alive.
It is a necessary thing for me to get away from my day to day and surround myself with nature. This time to unwind on the way to see my family was priceless. I let go of all the drama and stress of my everyday and slipped in the mindset of adventure and family fun time.
When I turned off the Interstate to head to my next Thousand Trails location on the Oregon Coast, I truly felt alive. I followed the Umpqua River in central Oregon all the way to the coast. I stopped for a picnic lunch by the river at this tucked away day use area. It was magical. I felt transported back to the Pacific Northwest and felt like home.
I spent about half an hour walking around the river, watching the fish, and dipping my feet into the water. It was cold, but on a warm day, even that was delightful. I began to feel my spirit light up. This is exactly what I needed. This trip and this journey to get there.
While walking around the river, I found a patch of blackberries. There is little more Northwestern than fresh wild blackberries. My cup ran to overflowing as I picked a handful as a snack to go with my lunch. I love how nature provides for us, that is something we take for granted in the Pacific Northwest.
Okay, so right now, I’m only in central Oregon. I still have a ways to go and I haven’t stopped for the night yet. However, this next part, The Oregon Coast, demands it’s own account. For now I bid adieu and hope that you will continue the saga of my Seattle Trip, I promise, I do get there and it’s amazing!!!
