10-02-23 Road-trip 2023 Day 1
Was awake just before 8 but took my time getting ready, ran the dishwasher, had coffee and boiled eggs, finished packing, showered, took out garbage, etc.
And then it was time to hit the road!! 10:51 mst
The first challenge was at the border as I had an Asshat crossing guard. I pulled up to the stop sign and he stepped out and waved me forward not changing the red light further on. I stopped half way at the part where it shows hold up your card, and I did as I have a Nexus card and that is what I am used to at the Peace Arch crossing. I waited and he was just in his booth doing nothing. Then he stood in the door way with his right side towards me and did nothing. This standoff went on for a while until I called out the window, do you want me to come forward, to which he nodded and stepped back into the booth. When I got up there he made a point that I had stopped half way when he had waved me forward and that this was clearly not a Nexus crossing. I don’t understand why someone has to display power plays in the face of no adversity. He was just being a dick and I couldn’t address it or his power could win. Argh.
The first stop was for my grumbling stomach and gas tank. i saw a sign on the outskirts of Spokane for an Arby’s and thought that would be fun. The place was swanky compared to ours and I was hard pressed as to what to order. I decided on the fish strips despite Eugene, on till saying he didn’t know how they were as he tended to avoid fried foods, lol. The GM was the one who gave me permission to take all the photos I wanted and gave me his card, and thanked me when I was leaving.
Across the parking lot was a Krispy Kreme so of course I had to stop there for a coffee at the very least. The display case was sparse but there were fresh ones on the racks I was assured. The guy behind me was a regular and got his order in no time. He had a gift card with 6.28 left on it and after letting him go ahead, he told the cashier to use it against my order. I graciously thanked him and was stunned when my order was processed down to the amount on the card as it was nearing $20. that was a combo pay it forward kindness!
I asked a guy eating his lunch in his jeep parked in front of me where I could get gas at a decent price and he sent me on very clear directions to a station that would also make it easy for me to get back to the highway. I found it easily and had to go in to figure out how to make my Canadian, US$ MC work at the pumps. The guy working was so friendly and awesomely helpful…. He even told me the correct way to edit the parking lot to get in the right lane to go back to the highway. I asked him where I was as I may want to move here, given how friendly everyone was and he laughed and said I was in Spokane Valley.
It was a lovely drive, that I have done in the past. I have been listening to Spare on Audible. I admit to being conflicted about the whole Royal situation. The next place I needed to stop for a pee break, fill up on caffeine and fuel was Biggs Junction. A nice guy randomly helped get the beverage I wanted off the top shelf in the cooler. I really have met the nicest people this trip through all three states, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. It was the cheapest gas yet 4.299!
It poured rain and got darker as I went along, the challenge was maintaining the speed limit, not using cruise in case of hydroplane and keeping my eyes on the road and the mirror. I was a full hour later than expected and super tired when I finally arrived in West Linn at Mike and Colleens but it was so great to see them and catch up. Colleen broke out the neighbour’s gifts over the years and set me to taste testing. I am impressed with his still skills! Colleen made a delicious chili and she enjoyed the wines I brought from home. Mike liked his Smart Ass coffee beans and Colleen laughed at her ‘Not all wander are lost, some are looking for cool rocks’ t-shirt.
THE ABSOLUTELY FUNNIEST PART of the day was when I voice to text to WhatsApp to Colleen and she responded with a question that made me laugh until I cried as I drove.. every time I thought about it. OMG!!
triumphgal 