Lau Alexandra“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger- something better, pushing right back.”
-Albert Camus
I know…it’s not winter. But we’re in some bleak times right now, and this quote has been popping into my mind frequently over the last month and a half. I gratefully count myself amongst the lucky ones- healthy, teaching from home, communicating with loved ones- and I still find myself having that middle-of-winter-gloom feeling more often than I’d like.
It’s been difficult to go this long without knowing when we can make definitive plans again. So, this is where I’m doing my best to turn back to that Camus quote. Yes, things are definitely pushing against all of us right now- some feeling heavier pressure than others.
But that’s exactly when we need to continue to push back and not let the weight of what’s going on consume us. Pushing back can mean whatever you want: trying out a new recipe once a week. Dedicating an hour (or even a half hour) each day to reading a new bestseller- or rereading an old favorite. Establishing some sort of workout routine- whether it’s walking, running, taking advantage of free online classes (check out Alvin Ailey’s dance classes here), or getting creative at home with strength training (for me, that means Netflix-binging Gilmore Girls– for the first time- when it’s time for an arm workout. I know, I can’t believe I’ve never seen Gilmore Girls before, either).
via GIPHY/Netflix
I’m gonna be honest with you- some days, pushing back is really difficult for me. On those days, doing so might simply be “I cleaned up a few things around the place, and that’s about all I can do today.” Having days like that is nothing to be disappointed or ashamed about. Just try to pick yourself back up the next day and continue to move forward.
One of the ways that I’m pushing back is by starting to plan out a pretty epic post-quarantine road trip that I’m hoping to make happen this year. Even if timing doesn’t work out and the trip has to take place at a later date, taking the time to plan this trip has been my way of bringing that travel rush back, and getting excited for brighter days to come.
HERE’S MY PLAN!
(Nerd alert ahead. My true history nerd colors are about to come out with this trip idea, so just know that you were warned…)
A road trip re-tracing Lewis and Clark’s journey.
See?! Hear me out with it, though!
In 1803, then-President Thomas Jefferson asked Meriwether Lewis & William Clark to explore the new territory that the U.S. had just bought from France. The Louisiana Territory was a massive piece of land- it doubled the size of the country. So, L&C had a pretty intense task. Their round-trip journey spanned two years (1804-1806). It took them from their starting point, just outside St. Louis, Missouri, all the way to the Pacific Ocean, near Astoria, Oregon (already on my short list because of its Goonies fame. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, please do yourself a favor and make watching The Goonies one of your easier ways to push back one day). On the way, they encountered and recorded plants and animals unknown to Americans at the time, as well as incredible scenery that they wrote about in their journals.
Road trip from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast? Sign me up. PLUS, I teach about L&C every year, so what better way to bring those lessons alive than to share some adventures with my students?
Planning a road trip can get overwhelming quickly- the possibilities of what you can do on any given route are immense- so my advice is to narrow down at least a basic list of objectives that you want to get out of your trip. I’m not saying to throw spontaneity out the window- far from it, but you need a sense of direction so that you don’t get completely lost, both literally and figuratively.
For this particular trip, I’m focusing on the history of the places that I stop at. I also want to plan opportunities to enjoy the scenery and present-day culture that the states I drive through have to offer. As I plan, I’m making sure that the stops I choose feature these objectives. I’m not even halfway done with planning yet, but I’m looking forward to continuing my research and, one day, being able to share the results with you.
The fact that this trip ends in Oregon is an added bonus. I’ve been to Oregon once before, about five years ago, and have wanted to return ever since. I can honestly say that during that trip, I really felt like I was in that invincible summer that Camus describes. Maybe it’s the laid-back attitude that Oregonians have (although, please don’t make the mistake that my group did and call it “Ore-gone”. We learned very quickly that we’d been mispronouncing it our whole lives). It could be the fresh mountain air around Mt. Hood, or the crisp Pacific air when you get to the coast. Regardless, it’s a state that I cannot wait to get back to.
A few Oregon highlights worth mentioning:
Portland, OR: Though not the capital of Oregon, Portland is one of the state’s most well-known cities. It’s a smaller city that is very walker friendly, and on this trip, our group spent an entire day walking around to get a feel for it. Its motto, “Keep Portland Weird,” shows up in the quirky characteristics of the city. For example, Portland has an insanely awesome collection of food trucks stationed throughout the city. Over 600 trucks, located in groups, or pods, on various blocks, provide a fix for whatever you’re craving at the moment. For me, it was gourmet grilled cheese and crepes. Recommend the combo 100%.
The Oregon Garden/The Oregon Garden Resort, Silverton, OR: An hour outside of Portland, Silverton is home to the Oregon Garden: a stunning 80-acre botanical garden. The Oregon Garden Resort is located on the botanical garden grounds. Hands down, it is one of the most enjoyable places I have ever stayed. Its serene atmosphere evokes an inviting, lodge-like feel, which continues into each guest room, as all are equipped with gas fireplaces and private patios. At night, we went to the Resort’s Fireside Lounge, where live music, a well-stocked bar, and board game-playing by the fireplace is encouraged. After, as we walked back to our rooms, we were reminded to take a moment to stop and look up at the sky. The display of stars was breathtaking, and it was here that I saw my first shooting star one night, followed by about a dozen more. Icing on the cake? The room rate cannot be beat (check out their website for more information).
Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City, OR: An hour and a half drive from the Oregon Garden Resort brings you to the famed Highway 101 and Pacific City, a coastal town that is home to Cape Kiwanda. We spent a day out here climbing and surfing down the sand dunes on the cape, as well as exploring the nearby hiking trails, which offered a lot of natural beauty. When we got hungry, we grabbed a bite at Pelican Pub & Brewery, which offered beach views along with their own line of fantastic craft beer. Fun fact: Their website has a live webcam of Pacific City, so you can see the beauty of the beach with its iconic rock formation jutting out of the ocean for yourself.
In addition to future-trip planning, writing this blog is another way for me to push back during this time of uncertainty. I’m encouraging you all to find whatever it is that keeps you moving forward.
One final note: I can’t close this post without shouting out a major THANK YOU to everyone who continues to work outside of their homes on the front lines, doing all that they can to keep us protected. Sending love and prayers your way. Here’s hoping that you get your invincible summers soon- you more than deserve it. Stay safe.
‘Til next time,
Lau