Boulder to Seaside
Boulder to Seaside
I can't believe what just happened!
Nobody within our range. I was happy as a lark. I have had random kindnesses given to me, but rarely. This was a three-joint bud, yahoo. This road trip was going pretty damn good. The morning was frosty, but it was gorgeous out. The sun was bright, and I have not seen a clearness like this since I was a young boy on the farm. I mean, it looked like you could walk to the ski areas.
Out at the Interstate Gypsy and I sat at the on-ramp and waited. Wasn't too long and off we go on a series of short rides. Leaving Salt Lake behind our first ride of the day was to Ogden Utah..;
Being such a beautiful morning we went a found a place to make a hobo breakfast. We finished some bacon and eggs and coffee and for me a fatty. Time to be on the move. ]
Idaho came up next, and we made excellent time. But it is going to be late and late ain't good. W makes it to Boise. I am thinking to keep this day moving. There are at least 2 hours of daylight left and I would like to make the border. We get to Osceola Oregon just before dark. Osceola is right on the border of Idaho and Oregon.
I remember this place, not as great for hitchhiking as I remember. Sat on the on-ramp sticking my thumb out all day, not even a GET A JOB from anyone. It was a terrible day for hitchhiking.
Didn't go far for a place to lay my sleeping bag and fall asleep. Wasn't out for long when the bottom fell out of the sky. It was raining gallons, a drop could fill a small bucket. I didn't move because I felt soaked and the bag was still warm. The light rose because it was still raining. Did a little try, but it was bad? I haven't been like this ever. This rain fucking sucks.
I looked at Gypsy and said I am going to find a motel that will give us a room in trade for labor.
Now you may think not a chance, but I have learned that the barter system is still very much alive. We walked only about a half-mile when I saw the motel I was looking for. The first thing I saw that told me to try was the sign, it read American owned and operated. I am good.
I walked into the office like I owned the place and made my pitch. The guy just handed me the key and said no TV in that room, not a problem.
In the morning I went to the office and did an hour's worth of work, returned the key, and got back on the road. We split today, one of us on the ramp and the other down on the interstate. That plan worked. Gypsy got our next ride. A small truck stopped, Gypsy went to the window, I waited patiently, and he waved me down. We had to ride in the back.
I asked Gypsy how far the ride was for and he said Portland... That was outstanding All the way across the state..Along the way, we stop for fuel. The guy driving said he wanted to eat. This guy was bizarre. He was Jesus freak, but when he spoke there was no personality. He was kind enough to our lunch. Food showed up and say grace and I thanked him for lunch, he said, we have already thanked him that is worthy. I shut my mouth and ate.
On the road again. It has turned into a gorgeous day. Cruising down the road for about 3 hours and we stop at the gas station for fuel, and I find out how small the world is sometimes. The fuel jockey comes and I look at him and I know him. Bob Sienze. We both come from Arnold, California, both crossing paths in Central Oregon. We bullshitted while the gas-filled and laughed about the coincidence of us crossing each other. From there, it was on to Portland.
I tell you what riding in the back of that truck on a warm late summer day was pretty cool. When we were by Multnomah Falls, I had an exceptional view of it.
We got to Portland in the early evening of summer, still very warm and light outside. He let us at a magnificent spot. Right on the Northside on Highway 30. Perfect since it was the road to St Helen's Oregon. Took about an hour to get to St Helen's and get food and find a place to camp.
I had lived in this town when I was a pre-teen; I was grooming to be the wreck I became. But I had a lot of fun. I was here to get food stamps and do some reminiscing. Funny minor note, as I was walking down memory lane I was going to walk all the back roads I did when I went to this school. I was coming to the front steps, started up them, and who do I see? I walk up to him, Hello Mr. Borden... He was Vice-Principal during my time at St Helen's Middle School. No, he did not like me at all, not then, not now. He looked at me and I said James Sims extended my hand in peace, and he said, and I quote"WHAT THE FUCK YOU DOING HRH. I'll call the law and have you removed!!! I didn't expect a warm welcome, but I did;t expect such hostility either.
I did what I needed here, and we left on our way to Seaside, 90 miles away. We got about 50 miles to Clatskanie, Oregon. At a roadside rest area/boat ramp Gypsy said he was breaking off, I said ok. We shook hands and parted ways. I am not exactly sure why he split, but that was cool. I
Stayed at that rampant camped that night, fishing for dinner. Brook Trout fish fry anyone. Yes, incoming tide plus some Salmon eggs. Feeding frenzy, I caught 12 fish in ten minutes.
I woke up early and packed up. On the road, ten minutes and then I met Phil and Janet. They are the couple who picked me up and end up going to Seaside, where they had a tiny house a block from the Beach. We got to talking, and they had an empty bedroom and Phil said he could get me a job. Well, here I am at the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. This town is fun when your young single and don't have a care in the world, except you are wanted in California.
Seaside was a solid stop that lasted two years, And I will continue there next week.
THANKS, James W. Sims IV
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