Mt. Hood rises above the Columbia River
Entering the US after driving in remote Canada/Alaska gives us an initial traffic shock. As we drive the Portland Freeways, long lines, construction, and mean drivers pull us back in to the mode. We make it to Waldport, where I am preparing for the Willamette Writers Conference, and Mare is enjoying the company of her sister. Delicious crab, oysters and clams climb back into our lives.
The Columbia River Gorge
At the Portland Airport Sheraton, I join 850 attendees and presenters at The Willamette Writers Conference, while my wife and dog hang out in the city and surrounding area. Mare rediscovers the beauty of her home town and goes to an all-year High School reunion, while I freak out about meeting with a literary agent, in-between attending workshops and learning a lot of good information. I love meeting so many writers, screenwriters, producers and agents. I pitch my novel to an agent, and he wants to see my first three chapters. Another agent that I met in a workshop wants to see my first fifty pages. Great news, but realistically it is still a long-shot. Agents receive 1200 to 1500 queries monthly in their mail. They may ask to read about 100 of the manuscripts, and take about 4 of the 100 as a project. Hey, you can’t win if you don’t play!
Mare stumbles into the room early morning after her big evening, where she and her friends had to leave the reunion to find a good time at a local pub. We drive out to Corbet, in the Columbia River Gorge, where her brothers have made arrangements with a friend for us to stay practically free in a friend’s house.
Ron skiing in the Columbia River
We hang with Mare’s brother Frank most mornings for breakfast and with her brother John and his conservative friends at the local tavern at 3:45 p.m. daily. In between I polish my first three chapters, while Mare catches up with old friends. A couple of dinners with family, a little hiking in the gorge, some water skiing on the Columbia River and it’s time to head back up to Vancouver to spend time with our friend during his last week there.
Diablo Lake
Totally free again, with no specific deadline or date, we are riding in our truck through the spectacular scenery of Route 20 through the North Cascades National Park and across the top of Washington State. We pick blackberries, blueberries and apples along the way, before stopping to spend the night in the funky town of Winthrop, Washington. Sipping a few cold ones on a balcony overlooking a river we call a few friends and family just to feel some love. We like this town and may be back for the annual Blues Festival next July.
Ron and Jack enjoying The North Cascades National Park
So, we have been traveling since June 8th. We have spent 21 nights in motel rooms, 44 nights with friends and/or relatives, and have camped 15 nights. When staying with friends and relatives, we try to buy dinner for them every night, as that is the least that guests can do. But, even at that we can afford to continue traveling this way for awhile; however, looks like we’ll be sleeping in the truck tonight!
Com’on home guys, where you have a warm/cool, comfortable bed awaiting you with clean, fresh sheets, soft pillows and blankies….it’s called “Ron, Mare and Jackeroos Room” in the little ole shanty town of Mingo Junction, Ohio… where the river just keeps on flowin’ down and the catfish are jumpin’….. there are special treats for Jackeroo and homemade sauce and ravioli for you…. you may even find a “cold one” in the cooler…. you are very much loved here and its time for some “spoilin” and a different kind of relaxation…. we have so enjoyed your traveling stories but nothing is as good as seeing your beautiful faces…. c’mon home guys!!!!
That is very sweet Ma and Pa. We are very fortunate to have you! Looking forward to rollin’ in.
Love reading about your travels. And your mom and dad sound so sweet. Like my parents. Give us a call or send an e-mail when you are back in town and let’s get together.
Thanks Jeanette. Yes, I am very lucky to still have loving parents. We will get together when Mare and I come back to town.
Ron
As always, the adventure tales are fabulous and the photos stunning! Good luck fishing for an agent..hook a good one. Call when you’re back in town, it’s been tooooo long!
Yes it has been too long! Should be home mid-Sept. Hopefully about the time the weather cools. 🙂 XXOO Marilynn
I have to meet Jack! What a well traveled dog. For what it’s worth I get to go to Nogales for an overnight. My first AOC road trip. We can’t wait to see you guys.
We are getting near you neck of the woods Mark. But will stay north of GB and head for northern Michigan instead. Then we “will drink whiskey out the bottle….” Have fun in Nogo. Looking forward to catching up next month.
That response to you Mark was from me, Marilynn
Ron does not want anyone attributing my words to him. Silly writers.
Jack is the one who ate Larry, the 3 Stooges doll you once left on my front porch!
Damn, your photos make me feel like I’m stuck in the mud of Ohio…need to travel and see some places…be wherever I am. Thanks for the pain.
Thank Mare for the pain…they’re her photos.