Day 1 is likely to be our longest day of driving on this whole trip. Due to two fires near the California-Oregon border, we had to make some route changes. S chose poorly. We got lost and ended up on a steep and loose gravel track that made a long day even longer. But memorable.
In Hindu philosophy, Ganesha’s spirit should always be worshipped or invoked prior to important events. As such, Ganesha will always ride shotgun in our car.
As we entered I-505 and began our northward journey, we encountered some hot air balloons that were finishing their journeys for the day.
We enjoyed some homemade breakfast at a gas station. To be clear, we ate breakfast at a gas station but the food was not from the gas station. S’s mom makes the best poha and chivda (I accept all challenges on her behalf) and it was a delightful way to start our journey. Thanks Nani!
As we drove north, fire and smoke were everywhere. We could see the firemen carrying out their important duties. We encountered a group finishing their day at Mount Shasta Brewing Company. We tried to buy them a round, but they were not permitted to drink while in active service.
Mount Shasta Brewing Company. Our lunch stop. Our favorite beer was the jalapeno flavored beer (proper name is the Weed Jalapeno Ale). But they serve it two ways. With a pickle and without. It’s better with a pickle. Yes. We were surprised too.
Beer emergency, who ya gonna call?
We climbed Mount Lassen about one year ago, but we never tire of seeing the massive Southern face.
From Weed, California (yes it’s a real place), we were planning to take I-97 into Oregon. Due to fires and closure of I-97, we had to abandon the plan. S re-routed us onto a route selected from options presented by Google maps. He chose poorly. Turned a long day into a longer day, but no harm no foul.
Hello Oregon! No Goodbye from California? How rude!
Our dear friends, Anne and Aaron, were on their own epic driving day. They drove the same route we did. Except they left at 1:45am and drove all the way to Battle Ground, Washington. They were about 6 hours ahead of us and called us as they were crossing into Oregon. Very sweet of them to wish us safe travels on our long driving trip. They’ve been incredible friends to us over the past 15 months and helped to keep us sane. FYI…their blog from their own sabbatical served as inspiration for our own conversion to a picture driven blog.
A quick peak into Day 2
End of day odometer – 1100 (453 miles driven)
Wearehere 
Hope you stay in bend a few days.. lakes/hikes and great food!
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Unfortunately we were just passing through Bend, but we loved what we saw and experienced. We’ve made a mental note to return at some point. Thanks.
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Love the pics! and be careful! and….Happy Birthday Firecracker!
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Thank you! We had a shorter driving day on the 4th and got to see an excellent fireworks show in Boise! Stay tuned!
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Thanks for blogging about your trip! Can’t wait for Day 2!!!
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Thanks and hope you had a great 4th!
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Fun fun! Have a great adventure!
Hint:gift cards at local restaurants is a win-win for the firefighting crews.
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Loving Idaho so far! Great idea on the gift card!
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I am finally jumping in and catching up because “you know who” has left on vacation! Sorry it has taken me this long but I wanted to find a time to sit, be present and savor your journey.
Thank you for your kind words. We inspire each other – a quality in our friendship that I hope will continue for many, many years!
So many comments to this post:
1st – I don’t know if your mom’s food is good because I have never been offered it. In fact, that reminds me, it is Sunday, a good day to call up your parents and head over to their house for dinner. Hey Aaron – pull the car around.
2nd – That fire on the 5 – After doing my research on the drive back down south I believe the picture you posted above may be the spot where the fire in fact started. It was started by a “hot piece of car part” coming off a car heading north. The piece landed in the grass and started the huge fire. Crazy!
3rd – I love pickles. I love jalapeños. I love pickled jalapeños so I definitely know which way I would like that beer. Yum!
4th. – I am so glad you guys climbed Mt. Lassen. We debated it when we were there a few years ago but Aaron chickened out because he was only drinking shakes at the time (our weight loss period) and he didn’t think we could do it. I always think we can do EVERYTHING!
5th – Lastly, I will speak with Ganesha (am I allowed to do that?) and ask her/him to send you on a few more “roads less traveled” because I firmly believe those events are what make some of the longest lasting memories on road trips!
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