Change is Good, Opening up to a Big World!

When you get older, you get set in your ways and any type of change can be unsettling.  You eat the same things, go to bed at the same time and depend on the same pillow to help you sleep through the night.  Traveling takes away all those routines and makes you realize that you can manage daily life with no routine at all.  It is great not wearing a bit of make up for over three weeks!  Who cares anyway?   We do so much in life because it is expected of us and when you leave the nest, you can do whatever you want without answering to anyone.  I thought once I was retired and older I would have enough spunk to automatically not be tied down by expectations.  Some of that is true, but being on the road is the total freedom we all desire for ourselves.  We get up when we want, we do what we want during the day and we wear anything we want even if it is not flattering.  No one tells you what to do or places unwanted expectations on your time and you can be friendly all day long because there is nothing pressing you down.  Is it fun?  Why yes, it is beyond fun because being away also makes you forget about yearly check ups: mammograms, blood draws, dental check ups and female appointments which are beyond invasive!  This must be a bit like heaven, as I imagine leaving pain, worry, and guilt way behind!

Anyway, we have been meandering around every day while we are here and we seem to run into new things wherever we go during our adventures.  Today we went to "Chetco Point" which is not a well know park.  Maybe that is because it is close to the water treatment plant which smells absolutely abhorrent!  The trail is less than welcoming, so it is hard to imagine the beauty that lies right on the other side of the trail.  The "Point" has views from the north and the south and some interesting tree formations along the way.  There is a long trail that goes up and down with appealing sights along the trail.  The dogs had to roll on the available grass as I am sure there was some sort of stinky smell for them that seemed too appealing to pass up.  Along the trail we met a young family and the two children had to pet the dogs and let us know that we needed to be careful at the end of the trail.

"There is a dead whale down there and it really stinks," they said, "and it looks just like it blew up, so you better keep your dogs away from it!"

Well, they were not kidding and as much as we have hoped to spot a whale on our trip, we didn't need to see a dead one.  We were probably a football field away and could smell the stench coming from the rotting carcass.  The whale itself was flattened and parts of its skeleton has separated and planted themselves along the beach.  It was a feast for the seagulls, but certainly deters hikers from going closer!

We drove around the residential area today and couldn't help but see the differences in social circumstances.  There are gorgeous homes with amazing views, and then there are run down homes with old furniture on the stoops and junk surrounding the yards.  We have seen many homeless people, mostly in their twenties and as many beggars here on the corners as at home.  With all the natural beauty, it is hard to see that this entire area is not prosperous.  I guess if you live in one place long enough, the scenery becomes mundane and not recognized for the beauty that is seen by visitors.
It is a bit of God's great handiwork and we enjoy every minute.