another chapter
Dear Friends and Family,
It's been awhile! I'm sad to say I discontinued writing while in Australia. Things just got too fun and exciting to sit down and reflect. My reflections usually occurred at the most opportune times; in action and without a laptop. I miss Australia, but am quite certain I'll return.
After a bit of time catching up with home, I've ventured to Olympia, Washington to donate a few months of my time to my love.
http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/
Of course, this wouldn't be possible without the support of my parents. I thank God they are willing to follow me down this unpredictable road.
So, Dad and I embarked west, with a mission, on Saturday, September 6th. Three and a half days of rugged bluffs, golden prairies, land for miles, dense forest, navigable and un-navigable mountains graced our vision and busied our minds. Dad really got a kick out of the antelope in South Dakota, reminiscing about the times it was a real treat to see them with his parents on their trip out west. I thought about the times we saw them standing out in the wide open like tiny oaks in a savanna during out time in Yellowstone (or was it a different national park...). As we pulled over to take pictures, I imagined his dad with an old film camera; his mom showing the same enthusiasm...
Of course we had to pass by all the big stops, but fortunately we had our goes when I was a kid. We did manage to stop at a gas station with an exhibit of stuffed North American and African beasts; a polar bear, cheetah, alligator, albino rodent of some sort... You name it! Raised a few quizzical concerns to say the least...
"Healthy" fast food kept us afloat to our end in Lacey, WA. Dining moved a fair distance from Subway salads in Washington. Pho Saigon Vietnamese restaurant, in Moses Lake, Tofu Hut and Safura's Medittanean Cuisine in Lacey (along with a bit of frozen yogurt from LimeBerry). Nibbles continued upward as we, or my dad, went out with a bang at The Oyster House, in Olympia, and finally Heather and Pete Renner's residence... the best meal of the entire trip. Oh how I enjoy food...
You must forgive me. I now might continue to jump around as I usually do as my desire to write a novel oozes it's way out of the obligation to remain in letter format. Time is of the essence I suppose!
How I wish I could, but I can't possibly write all my experiences.
There were things I needed to get done upon arrival: a dresser from Craigslist, a bed from Goodwill (new, but in need of a foam topper), bank account, health insurance - stuff that helps a bit in this life. A team of two, Dad and I managed quite well. We also found moments of relaxation, walking down Percival Landing along Budd Inlet, savoring oysters, halibut, and Manhattan clam chowder at The Oyster House, meeting people originally from Wisconsin, and checking out The Olympia Seafood Co. http://www.olympiaseafood.com/
I can tell my housemates and I will enjoy each other's company in this cute, old house. I can't complain that the yard smells like a fruit salad. A huge apple tree, tons of grape vines, blackberries... all ripe for the picking. I guess I arrived at a decent time.
I took most pictures on my phone, so until I can find an attachment, you'll have to use your imagination :)
It's been awhile! I'm sad to say I discontinued writing while in Australia. Things just got too fun and exciting to sit down and reflect. My reflections usually occurred at the most opportune times; in action and without a laptop. I miss Australia, but am quite certain I'll return.
After a bit of time catching up with home, I've ventured to Olympia, Washington to donate a few months of my time to my love.
http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/
Of course, this wouldn't be possible without the support of my parents. I thank God they are willing to follow me down this unpredictable road.
So, Dad and I embarked west, with a mission, on Saturday, September 6th. Three and a half days of rugged bluffs, golden prairies, land for miles, dense forest, navigable and un-navigable mountains graced our vision and busied our minds. Dad really got a kick out of the antelope in South Dakota, reminiscing about the times it was a real treat to see them with his parents on their trip out west. I thought about the times we saw them standing out in the wide open like tiny oaks in a savanna during out time in Yellowstone (or was it a different national park...). As we pulled over to take pictures, I imagined his dad with an old film camera; his mom showing the same enthusiasm...
Of course we had to pass by all the big stops, but fortunately we had our goes when I was a kid. We did manage to stop at a gas station with an exhibit of stuffed North American and African beasts; a polar bear, cheetah, alligator, albino rodent of some sort... You name it! Raised a few quizzical concerns to say the least...
"Healthy" fast food kept us afloat to our end in Lacey, WA. Dining moved a fair distance from Subway salads in Washington. Pho Saigon Vietnamese restaurant, in Moses Lake, Tofu Hut and Safura's Medittanean Cuisine in Lacey (along with a bit of frozen yogurt from LimeBerry). Nibbles continued upward as we, or my dad, went out with a bang at The Oyster House, in Olympia, and finally Heather and Pete Renner's residence... the best meal of the entire trip. Oh how I enjoy food...
You must forgive me. I now might continue to jump around as I usually do as my desire to write a novel oozes it's way out of the obligation to remain in letter format. Time is of the essence I suppose!
How I wish I could, but I can't possibly write all my experiences.
There were things I needed to get done upon arrival: a dresser from Craigslist, a bed from Goodwill (new, but in need of a foam topper), bank account, health insurance - stuff that helps a bit in this life. A team of two, Dad and I managed quite well. We also found moments of relaxation, walking down Percival Landing along Budd Inlet, savoring oysters, halibut, and Manhattan clam chowder at The Oyster House, meeting people originally from Wisconsin, and checking out The Olympia Seafood Co. http://www.olympiaseafood.com/
I can tell my housemates and I will enjoy each other's company in this cute, old house. I can't complain that the yard smells like a fruit salad. A huge apple tree, tons of grape vines, blackberries... all ripe for the picking. I guess I arrived at a decent time.
I took most pictures on my phone, so until I can find an attachment, you'll have to use your imagination :)
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