The Trip South

The weather cooperated for our trip back to the Bay Area. I awoke in the AM with a brainstorm that I couldn’t get out of my head… We could stop to visit my Aunt Dorothy on the way home! I mentioned it to my daughter and her bff, and they agreed wholeheartedly. My daughter was especially excited to meet her “great auntie,” so after a quick email and a phone call on the ferry, it was decided.

From the Ferry

We didn’t see any Orcas on this trip, but if we were to spot any, they would have been near Anacortes. No luck. The word on the island was that the pods were up north near Vancouver, Canada. I was able to read a blog from a naturalist about the sightings, as well as overhear a tourist about their experiences sighting these magical animals. I was envious to say the least. We all decided it would simply be another reason to return soon.

I'm on a Boat

With zero stops (except for bathroom breaks whenever necessary), we drove, and drove, and drove, and drove, and drove. We traversed over oceans, lakes and rivers, over mountain passes, through redwood forests – including the one that was filmed in one of George Lucas’s films, and even through foggy patches. Our road trip began departing San Juan Island at 10:55 a.m., and we arrived at Aunt Dorothy’s home on Highway 101 at almost midnight. It was a long haul, but worth every minute.

 Once at Aunt Dorothy’s we visited until the wee hours of the night, sharing stories of our travels, catching up, and marveling over her beautiful, award winning quilts. My cousin was there too, so between the four generations, there were three companion dogs that needed to visit as well. My daughter had a chance to play my grandmother’s piano, and I had the opportunity to heal a bit more talking with my aunt, not to mention view some exquisitely mounted and framed photographs of my grandmother.

Viewer's Choice Award - July 2009

It wasn’t long before we learned the reason for my uncle’s absence. He was in Ashland, Oregon getting his eyes checked. We later found out that he was going to need surgery, and as the story unfolded before us, it became evident that my cousin and aunt were going to have to drive to Oregon to pick him up after a three-hour eye surgery the next day, so we decided we better get a little shut eye.

Three Generations

 My aunt has been a huge source of support for me. In fact, the two most supportive people in my life have been my daughter and my aunt. Maybe it’s because they both have beloved companion dogs? Or, maybe it’s because they are both just especially compassionate people. It’s likely a mix of both. In any case, I am truly grateful for the support from both of them. They are my living guardian angels, and I will never forget what either of them has done for me. I am eternally indebted.