August 04, 2012

Today I was greeted by Mt. Rainier on my drive across the state.  Not much makes me happier than seeing an enormous volcano looming over the entire landscape.  And as you cross the state, it seems to come from nowhere as you round a curve- there it is! BOOM! MT RAINIER! But not literally.  THAT would be a sight to see! Today it was its usual peaceful self, covered in glaciers and standing above the rest of the horizon. Good thing it wasn't spewing ash... that kind of boom is much less peaceful.  I took a picture of it- actually three, just pointing the camera in the general direction of the volcano as I tried to focus on the road- and although it physically captured Rainier, it certainly took all awe out of it. 

In real life it was so impressive that I did a fist pump out the window.

Before taking off for home this morning, Diana's dad took a farewell picture of me, Diana, and Kerri.  And with that, we took off on the first leg of my long drive.  I took the lead in the truck while Diana followed in the car she will be using this Fall. We were low-riding, but the truck showed no signs of strain- which is important because if it couldn't make the first 300 miles, well, huh, I guess we'd be in trouble.  There's not much of a plan B.  It seemed to be a longer drive than usual, probably because I lacked a driving buddy.  But it was beautiful to the eye and beautiful to the wallet.  With the truck fully loaded, to the brim, we got one of the best- if not the best- gas mileages we have had so far.  Keep it up like this, and I just might put lead weights in the bed of the truck all the time! What a backwards thing that would be!

Saying goodbye, for now.

I made it home in the evening and have felt that peaceful calmness I always have when I come home. I look forward to being here for the next week+, and although I feel hesitant about leaving everyone behind, I'm sure it will be a good trip.  It was definitely a good start today.