Finding A New (Temporary) Home

Almost immediately, our morning began with intent.

It took some dedicated effort from each of us, but we managed to reach our objective of packing everything up, cleaning the trailer, and getting ready for the day ahead of us by ten in the morning.

We shuffled into our seats as comfortably as possible for the long ride ahead of us. Trailer towed behind, we had another objective in mind: making it to our next destination.

I was thoroughly excited for this one. While I enjoy several elements the forest has to offer, I would trade its larger than normal bug sizes, its shade from the sun under the trees, and its greenery for sand and water. Finally, we were headed to the beach.

The ride began with furious writing on my part; because of my exhaustion the other night, I fell asleep before I could write a single word about the day. I recollected all I could on yesterday’s adventures before I could fall short of the memories.

As I typed, a tiny presence founds its way to my lap. Lacey couldn’t resist cuddling against me, her body resting against me and her head resting on my hand. For a moment in time, I was disabled by her cuteness. Eventually, though, she rose from my lap and returned to her usual spot between me and Sam.

In the middle of typing, Lacey found a comfortable spot
on my lap to lie her head and rest while in the car.

Once I finished the blog, I attempted to open up The Scorch Trials for the first time. I’ve read the first in the series – the Maze Runner – twice, yet I hadn’t ventured into the rest of series until now, well, later. Because as soon as I opened the book, I closed it.

Only on rare occurrences do I put a book down. For some reason, I hadn’t found myself in the mood to read quite yet.

Maybe I needed some food.

Shortly after that, we found a Denny’s in Woodburn, Oregon, a familiar chain to our family since my dad loves it. I almost never have breakfast for dinner there, but, for some reason, that sounded perfect. The five of us settled on breakfast meals that filled our stomachs fast so we could prepare for the journey ahead.

As the drive continued, I slowly cracked into the novel. And, in an instant, I was glued. For me, this is a usual task. I have one of those addictive personalities that clings onto something and makes it part of my existence, if even for a little bit. It’s a good thing I’ve turned to books and movies as my addiction, at least.

I quickly became part of the story, engulfed in the ideas of James Dashner that quickly entertained my mind. Every chapter ended with a cliffhanger, a very similar style to Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series. That may be a part of the reason my eyes are glued to the pages, waiting to capture the next moment of suspense or thrill that The Scorch Trials has to offer.

My mind was focused on the story until our car pulled closer to a stop. There it was, the beach ahead of us. Waves of excitement ran through me, itching to jump out of the car and run toward the water. It was like it was calling me. However, I contained my excitement and waited as patiently as possible.

Soon, after a little bit of a challenge of finding our spot, we parked the trailer in its proper location.

Things slowly but surely were set up after our arrival. Sam and I accomplished the goal of putting up my mom’s solar lights in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, even after the tip of one managed to break off.

While we were there, we discovered that the public restrooms would have to be our source. I took a look at how to get there, but, shortly after, Sam and Kyle revealed a short cut to us. A small, somewhat open space between the bushes and layers of green invited down a short pathway that led to the restrooms, sitting right beside our site.

A small pathway of dirt and grass was discovered by our campsite,
which leads us down to the restroom and showers.

It wasn’t too long after our arrival that dinner was made to be ready: a simple yet delicious meal of spaghetti and salad sat before us, thanks to the contributing efforts of both mom and Sam. I enjoyed it with delight.

Before we knew it, our beds were made. It’s a wonder how sitting in a car for a long time can exhaust someone, but, somehow, it’s possible.

We slept the night away, sure of only one thing in our minds: there’s something new to come tomorrow.

Rafting Redemption

Sam, Kyle, dad, and I had another adventure today.

In order for it to happen, our day began at 6:30 in the morning. Once we showered, gathered our clothes, and took our breakfast on the road, we found ourselves in Maupin, Oregon, after an hour and a half of driving.

At ten, we boarded a bus with a dozen other people, wearing ‘splash jackets’ under our life jackets. The bus took us down to the Deschutes River, where we took hold of our paddles and found our spot in the boats. If you haven’t figured it out already, we went white water river rafting.

This might’ve been my fifth time in the water but my first on this new river. The four of us had taken our turns on both the Middle and Lower forks of the American River not too long ago. Each time, we had taken to the river with the rafting company of Tributary. While we gladly would’ve gone with them again, their company doesn’t travel into Oregon. But All Star Rafting does.

The four of us took into a raft with our guide, another guide in training, and a family of three. This was another first. We never had to go in a raft that sat eight people.

It was much tighter than usual. Since my dad sat right in front of me, I’m sure I bumped him quite a few times when trying to avoid getting hit by the guy behind me.

This river housed many class three rapids, one four, and another six. While classes three and four are doable, with four being rougher than the other, class six cannot be done. In fact, if one were to make it out alive after doing that, our guide, Christina, informed us that there would be a $7,000 dollar fine. Needless to say, we pulled out the rafts and drove around the rapid.

Preceding the class six, we encountered a variety of rapids. Dad took to the bow of the raft for one of them, sitting himself at the very front as waves splashed before him and taking the brunt of the action.

Half way through the trip, we stopped for lunch. Our group of seven, excluding our guides, enjoyed hamburgers together.

When we got back on the water, we encountered a few small rapids until we hit the class four. The four of us were pretty excited about this, because, until then, the ride was fairly calm. I think we’re just used to the American River, which houses quite a few class fours.

Conquering that class four gave us – or, at least me – an adrenaline rush! I was ready for the more exciting things to come.

Shortly after, there was a chance to jump off a cliff. I was ready to go until we approached it closer, examining the thirty foot drop. I would’ve gone. I really wanted to go. However, there was something missing, so Sam and I returned to the rafts without jumping into the water.

I immediately felt the need to redeem myself, a little bit of regret looming over me for not going with the jump. As a principle, I try never to act on fear; I feel that’s when people regret stuff the most. A little bit of shame tore through me.

I found my redemption shortly after, though. It was our last rapid of the day, and our guide asked if anyone wanted to ride the bull.

There was a bit of hesitation, mostly because I was giving anyone else the chance to go before me. But, when the raft fell silent, I took to the front.

My grip on the rope was tight, although I could’ve gone tighter. I leaned close to the boat, so, if I fall, it will be back into the raft. And the waters came upon me shortly after.

As soon as the first big wave hit, I tumbled back in, soaking wet. I must’ve lost my grip. But that was the biggest rush of the day. As I tumbled onto my back, I couldn’t help to break into a laugh as I tried to get back on. But by the time I found my way to the top, the waves ceased. Instead of assuming my previous position, I momentarily sat there facing the paddlers.

I looked toward the waters, a smile filling my cheeks. Redemption.

Eventually, we paddled our raft back to shore. Feeling a bit of discomfort, I was glad to get out of the waters and get a chance to change into normal clothes.

We thanked our guide, Christina, for leading the way. Her determination and wisdom were a great part of the trip! The four of us echoed the fact that she could handle much tougher rapids than that.

Usually, after rafting, we stop by McDonalds and get McFlurry’s to cool us down and celebrate. But The Oasis’s milkshakes were a great alternative! It was this little shop that was recommended by Christina; we found ourselves at The Oasis at five o' clock (Gilmore Girls reference?).

The Oasis is a little restaurant in Maupin, Oregon, that serves
burgers, french fries, and delicious milkshakes.

Soon, we found ourselves back at the trailer. I took a nap on the way back and almost immediately fell back asleep once we returned. Instead, though, I got to have a barbecue chicken dinner that my mom made perfectly.

I couldn’t stay up much longer, though, so I cuddled on the couch earlier and took a nap. My eyes didn’t flutter open until it was already ten at night.

Quickly, I made my bed and fell into another slumber, waiting for the next day of adventure to come.