On Our Way Home

August 8, Saturday

We are back in the lower 48, tired and driving, headed for the barn. The rest of our sea faring adventure went without a hitch, with a stop in Ketchican, first city of Alaska. We had calm seas through to Bellingham, with a 6:30am arrival. Super fun with kids.  

The ferry was fun, a novelty. The kids busied themselves driving us crazy, running all over, torturing everyone in their path. Tough to wear them out in limited space. I tried to send them on scavenger hunts around the ship, but clearly they needed some more incentive, like candy or prizes. Pre-planning has not been my forte.  

We disembarked to a sunny, cloud strewn skies and a very cute Bellingham. As we were heading out of town Reese commented that all the license plates were Washington plates. We had seen so many different plates in Alaska. He then asked if there was a National Park in Washington, to which I replied Olympic National Park. He said, 'that's where all the different plates will be'. 

Another difference we noticed right away is how dry it is, even here. Grasses lining the highway are the golden color of late summer, something we had yet to witness.  And the van!  After two weeks of not traveling I turned to Rich and asked 'is it always this loud?'  Part of it is the road, but the din is something get accustomed to again. 

And our hearts?  The kids are anxious to see their friends again, that is all I can get out of them. Rich and I are torn between being ready to stop living out of bags and being rooted. I am going to miss the french fries, as we have been on a french fry and IPA tour. I won't miss eating the same thing at restaurants all the time. Having to cook every night will be a big adjustment. My heart is ready to be home, among my friends and family. I am not looking forward to planning, managing, multitasking. The beauty of looking forward only a day or two is overlooked in our society. As is being out of cell service. Even now, driving down I-5 I am not burning to get on Facebook, call or text. I want to savor the last few hours travel however good or bad they may be. I will check back in a week or so and let you know how that goes. 

And just when you are lulled into a sense of complacency ......WHAMMO!  After an all too brief visit with our dear friends Jay and Erika we headed out I-90 for Boise. The kids were screaming as we drove out of the city, we were climbing the pass as the temperature gauge started to climb as well. We made a brief stop once before calling it quits at the top, complete with smoke billowing out of the engine compartment.  We quickly exposed the engine and I lead the kids off to the conveniently located microbrewery where we ate too many nachos while Rich dealt with the van. The regaled the outdoor seating area with their rock climbing and jumping prowess while we waited. Down off the pass after adding water we appear to be okay, but pushing the envelope. Home may be in site, but it may not be tonight.  Fortunately we are well seasoned at taking it one day at a time

We are limping home without a radiator fan, windows open and heater running. The kids don't seem to mind, in the back seat where I can no longer hear them. If I thought the van was loud before it is now deafening. Ninety decibels according to an app on Rich's phone. The sun is shining in my window as we have yet to turn south. Every ascent is a breath holding affair, as if we are trying to be lighter, and the van doesn't need to work as hard. 

As we approach Le Grande OR the sun sets behind us and the gloam eases in. I close my windows and brave some heat, the decibel level drops and conversation is possible. Our headlights still don't work, so we are using only running lights unless no one is about. We'll be home tonight, late. The kids are hooked up to the iPads watching the same shows they've watched all summer without a care in the world. When we passed through Yakima and it's golden grass hills Reese looked up and asked if we were at Bruneau Sand Dunes. As we left Boise, so we return, right? Slightly broken, but excited about what tomorrow has to offer.