Friday, September 30, 2023, Twin Falls, Idaho to Boardman, Oregon/393.2 miles

 When it comes to beauty, Idaho’s Snake River wins a prize. There was nothing wrong with what Twin Falls, Idaho offered (even Starbuck’s Iced Doppio Espresso with cold foam in mom’s personal cup).

When comes to joy, the Colombia River wins my heart because after the last hour of Oregon driving in a total rainy whiteout, my parents unloaded all our stuff onto beds, tables, and floor, went to the window of our room, looked across the river and said, “Washington.” I brought Chipmunk, and I refused the Milk-Bone treat at the Front Desk. What’s with these tasteless Milk Bones? We went for a short walk along the path where flying bugs shared our space. I don’t eat Milk Bones, but I did get a bite of lasagna later.

 Today, Saturday, after a short walk along the Oregon side of the river, after stuff is back in the car, and after some breakfast, I will settle in my backseat custom seat-belted chair. Mostly, I sleep while they are driving, but today my parents seem unusually excited, so I’m paying attention. It’s twenty miles to the nearest Starbucks. 291.4 to Gig Harbor.