We have arrived at our destination City! Today's drive was much more tolerable in that we knew it would be our last day in the car, last day eating terrible snacks, and last day to endure car-induced back pain (sleeping bag-induced back pain will continue for another week or so). We set up camp at a site right outside of town, and this may sound weird but we are very thankful that our tent site is right near a major road. We have found that when our site is too quiet, we can't sleep. Our Red Canyon campsite was amazing, but dead silent (no bugs..no cars..nothing).
We got to drive along the Columbia River Gorge, through Portland, and down the Willamette Valley to our new town. The Gorge was gorgeous (har har), and we found it interesting that there was a distinct line between the dry desert-y side of Oregon and the rainy tree-ful side of oregon.
Columbia River Gorge, Pre-trees:
Columbia River Gorge, Post-Trees:
We drove around Corvallis a little bit, got terribly lost, and then found our way again. The good thing about Tampa is that you run into an interstate, the bay, or the ocean pretty much any direction you drive. Corvallis has the river, which is a nice landmark for finding direction, but that's about it. Luckily we have a month or so to get acquainted before work/classes start. Thankfully, Corvallis is as cute as we remember from last fall. It's sunny (see? All you people who told us the sun would never shine can just shut up!), warm, and the people have been really nice so far. We keep making jokes about latching on to various people (our campground owner, our waitress at dinner, etc) to be our friends since we have zero friends in town. Luckily we have each other, and I'm sure we'll meet people soon enough. Our campsite is unfortunately filled with people who do NOT live here, so there goes that pool for a source of new friends. Our campsite neighbors are pretty cool tonight, and they are from the eastern coast of Canada. Talk about a long road trip!
View driving over the Willamette River, entering Corvallis. Note that the speed limit sign does not say Speed Limit, only "SPEED":
We have emailed a bunch of people about house rentals, so I guess the next week or so will consist of us getting lost, refreshing Craigslist on our laptops, and trying to find a home.
Our total mileage to get us to Corvallis from Tampa was 6,637. Our route was a little crooked, but we made it :)
Since we have officially arrived, here is our crazy route (and yes, we are aware that we made an almost-complete circle in Utah):
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wow! i LOVE the ending map... As you're looking, let me know if you want me to hook you up with some "instant" friends... Our really good friend Bryon is in town and lives somewhere off campus, as well as a few of our colleagues that still live on campus. Also, my friend Alexis knows someone who makes custom homes and then sometimes rents the models. I wish you luck in your search for a new home! - love you
ReplyDeleteYea!!!! Welcome home!! Amazing how may miles you have driven....and even more amazing to actually see it on the map. The adventure continues and I'm sure you'll get used to your landmarks around town soon. The downtown looks so cute. Cherish the fact that you do have your "instant" friend next to you...and the rest will come. Love, Hugs, and Good luck on the home search and we'll keep watching till the "homeless adventure" is over!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to ask about Kirby and "Mr. Plant"...when is the family reunion???
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! You made it! I’m sure you are relieved that the traveling is over, as exciting as it may have been. I’ll keep checking in for updates on the house and a job for Robbie. Good luck guys!
ReplyDelete…and you guys did better than your planned 30 days on the road. You left Tampa on July 1st and rolled into your new home town 26 days later!! Way to go over-achievers!
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