10-04-23 Day 3, 4th State!
What an amazing day I have had. I woke up early and Mike brought me coffee and made waffles with fresh fruit while I got ready and packed up. I was happy to only feel pain in my elbow if I leaned on it. My neck is a little stiff but I can shoulder check. Had a nice breakfast with him and Colleen and they sent me on my way with the five little bottles I’d sampled! The drive down through Oregon to Crater Lake was beautiful. My eyes were so happy. I listened to my audible books finishing off Spare and starting The Palace Papers. I am somewhat obsessed with all things Royals and it is interesting to hear all the takes on what has gone down, how the shows like The Crown, etc, interpreted things and what I do know is there is some truth somewhere in there but we all will never know unless we were there. It is easy to listen to as I drive and soak up the surroundings.
I stopped at the first Target I saw with intention to pick up some makeup remover and a travel coffee mug (I’d forgotten both). It was so lovely to be in at target and I ended up buying a super cute bathing suit set, a flashing pumpkin necklace, the things I came in for, and Nicorette Mints as I am craving a bit. I have good intention to quit this trip and I don’t want to be cranky! I picked up an awesome Freda mug but when I reached for the mints it slipped out of my arm and shattered all over the floor. They were so nice to come clean it up and say it was no problem. I promptly went and picked up a Contigo metal one instead.
I just had to stop at Lowell Covered Bridge as it was a beautiful day and it was stunning.
The next goal was to see Crater Lake, and it did not disappoint! Wow! Also the perfect day for it. I was afraid to stop and start too often though as I was running low on gas. There hadn’t been a station for a long time and I kept thinking another one would appear. As I was leaving the park, just before the exit booth there was a sign for a village with fuel. I pulled in to find it was closed for the season but there was pay at the pump. The guy in the office was no help at all when my card wouldn’t work and he wouldn’t take cash although the sign said so. I walked back out, wondering if the 29 miles left was accurate as he said the nearest gas station was 28 miles, ‘but all downhill’. My fuel light was on and I was chastising myself, getting ready to take the risk when a car pulled up with a woman and her parents. They were super friendly and when I said I was on fumes, she said they were too. I explained my card wasn’t working and she promptly put her card in and said take whatever you need! I gave her $20 cash and put that much in. She did insist again that if I needed more, to take it, but of course I didn’t. What incredible kindness. I can only be grateful that my travel angels are with me and that I know I would have done the same for someone else. I believe her name was Carrie-Anne. She warned me to keep a full tank heading to Vegas as there are long stretches with no stations along the way.
While I was stopped to take this picture, they drove by and honked.. and a cow sneezed, lol
Had to stop to fill up both my tank and me at Klamath Falls. I do books for long haul truck drivers that often have receipts from Loves so I had to try them. The lady by me at the pumps highly recommended Carl Jrs for their burgers so I stayed for dinner. They comped me a replacement sandwich when they forgot to replace the pepper Jack cheese with cheddar due to my allergy and were super friendly. The burger was delicious. I was also impressed with the long handled window squeegee at the pumps.
I really enjoyed the scenery and was glad to pull over and realize I was finally in California. It got dark quite quickly after this but I was on a country road and don’t think I missed much. I did want to stop in Susanville so that I had a fresh start in the morning and didn’t miss anything. It was very dark when I arrived, I pulled over at the top of the hill above town and started searching all my apps for a hotel deal. I finally decided to head to check out one that was well rated, but when I saw it, I wasn’t sure… so I did what I know, I looked for the motel that all the company trucks are at. Sure enough, it had vacancy. I parked and called the number on the door. The guy I spoke with said he only had a single bed room left and told me the price. He said he could meet me in 5 minutes. I asked him for directions to someplace to buy alcohol and he gave me directions to Walmart (!) and said take my time, he would be there when I was done. I popped down the street and stayed focused, although there were many deals. I was shocked at the price of crown considering it is bottled in Canada. I picked up the Vanilla and the Apple and it basically was 2 for 1 even with exchange! Dude was so awesome when I returned. I was stunned when I got to my room as it is really nice and has a King sized bed and working AC and he charged me what he quoted. Win-Win!
I am now tucked in enjoying watching Bridesmaids again.. and I don’t have to rush off in the morning.
triumphgal 