Playing Hooky - May 21st, 2010

My day started off fairly normal...got up, dressed, dishes & laundry done then took off for parts unknown. I knew I was going to the coast, but broke two cardinal rules – didn't take a buddy and didn't tell anybody where. Thankfully that wasn't an issue today, but still...

Of course, it would have helped if I had known where I was going! I just got in, got gas and started driving.

I knew that I wanted to go to the Washington Coast this time because I go to the Oregon coast all the time...I was born there, so it makes sense, right? A co-worker suggested Glass Beach and I found two – one in northern California and one in northern Washington...longer than I wanted for a day trip. I did really well with driving today – took lots of little breaks (drinking lots of water helps with that *wink) – my butt wasn't numb until I got home!

Started off on I-5 north and turned off at Chehalis...there are a bunch of sleepy little towns out there! I love sleepy little towns – they are so peaceful and while driving, I just enjoyed being in the “here and now”. I'm sure I've driven through part of them before, but I also know that I was lost when I did it. Today I took my time, drove off to at the Rainbow Falls sign (always wanted to see what it was all about) and found the PERFECT camping spot! Wow – hiking, water, the whole nine yards!

Along the way a nursery sign: The Dirty Thumb

LOVE IT! I don't have much of a green thumb, even though I try, and yes, it's more of a “dirty” thumb when I'm playing in the flower pots.

I thought I saw a mama quail and her babies, but I'm certain her neck is too long and she was just too tall. Was going to look it up, but not sure which bookshelf my bird book is on right now so will save that for later – didnt' get a picture of her either, dang it. It was cute.

Stopped at a Shell station in Raymond for more water and saw an advertisement for Full Throttle...”Will is Power” Well, yeah...I know that I can do anything if I set my mind to it, but as I've recently discovered, “will” is not enough. I have limitations and must recognize them! Anywhoo – got my water, chocolate (a must for road trips) and a cute pair of crescent moon earrings that have some sort of bluish gem in them ...and some dumbass runs over a pallet of beer in the parking lot – and he doesn't even stop! I'm thinking, Seriously?!?!? You run over a pallet of beer, crush at least one case, if not two and you don't stop? Good thing they got it on camera – he's going to have some serious explaining to do – makes me wonder if he wasn't drinking himself!

I stopped in South Bend to attempt a panoramic of the bay – this is a huge milestone for me. The ocean doesn't bother me unless I'm on it...I can stand in front of it and be just fine..but any other body of water, well, let's just say I have panic attacks. I did have a small anxiety attack but the tide was out so it wasn't too bad. It was a liberating feeling, too!

The rain and I played a cat and mouse game today...little did it realize, I was going to win either way – NOTHING was going to ruin my day today.

Got to the beach and am so very glad I went – I miss the sound of the ocean. The wind blowing through the trees sometimes reminds me of the ocean, but the “roar” is just not the same. Got a rumbly in my tumbly (as Pooh would say) so hit the boardwalk. Got some famous peanut butter fudge and hit the shops – mostly window shopping, but did find a shirt for Tom that says: “D.A.D.D Dads Against Daughters Dating” - perfect! Asked the cashier which restaurant to go to for the best clam chowder and turns out it was right next door...don't remember the name of the place, but my waiter's name was Jed! The chowder was incredibly yummy – they added a sprinkling of cayanne pepper (I think) on the top and REAL bacon – not bacon BITS – these were ½' pieces of bacon – yummmmmmy! Totally filled me up. Oh – I also got a bag of salt water taffy – very fresh, but the flavors fell short. I could taste the peppermint, cinnamon and pineapple, but nothing else...bleh.

Rained almost all the way home, but I didn't care. I bought Shinedown's “Sound of Madness” album on CD yesterday and BLASTED it all the way there and all the way back – that's a LOT of Shinedown! LOL For about an hour or so after getting home, my left ear felt like it had been at a concert without me.

Just an absolutely beautiful day today – I'm so glad I took it and spent it the way I did. Of course, it's my only day off this week, but that's alright, there will be other days!

Pictures are all up on my facebook account – I'm too lazy to post them on my regular blog...