Another traveling day, but one bright with sunshine and puffy, pure white, popcorn clouds, and an eventual temperature of 87 degrees. Phew! That’s warm. I did bring some shorts, but only one pair. Such is the dilemma of traveling anywhere FROM Seattle.

We left Roseburg about 10:30 after a casual morning of not rushing. After stopping for gas and coffee, we took to the mountain roads. At about 4,300 feet of elevation, we passed into the state of California. There were lots of rocks and trees and winding roads – all beautiful in their own way.

A short stop in Yreka found us at the Black Bear Diner for a cup of soup and half a sandwich. It was a perfect pick-me-up for the continuing journey. We had stopped at the same place some time before in our travels, so it was fun to reminisce and recall “When was that?”

By mid afternoon Mount Shasta was looming on the horizon and simply took our breath away. Majestic. Stunning. Powerful. Mt. Shasta. May this picture, on this perfect day, speak all the words that will not come to me at this moment. Truly, a vision of the artwork of our Creator. Grace in blue, gray and white.

We arrived in Red Bluff about 4:00 and packed in for the evening. Well, not quite. We had to go out to test “the best restaurant in Red Bluff,” which is undeniably, Carlitos. Friendly service staff, a laughing and joyous clientele, as well as flavorful, colorful and delicious food sums up the place. We thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and ourselves. My driver ordered the braised lamb shank and I don’t think there is another patron who had sucked the lamb shank as clean as he managed to do! I’m sure the lamb would have appreciated how much my driver enjoyed the lamb’s offering.

My evening walk around the small area of the motel ended abruptly when hordes of mosquitoes decided to join me. I was, however, able to enjoy a beautiful California Valley sunset before that happened. Just another example of grace, and the painter’s pallet of our Creator.

There is nothing like just hopping in the car for a road trip. Yes, this was planned . . . we’ve been thinking about it for months. But, still, there was something spontaneous about it. In a matter of hours we managed to pack; clean out the fridge; load the car and set out.

The day was beautiful, a sunny 63 degrees for the 6th of June and we were ripping away from the house at the amazing hour of 9:30 AM, after taking a photo of our wonderful wildflower and tree trunk garden. Just to commemorate the day.

Our destination for the day took us through the car wash; Starbucks; downtown Seattle; Tacoma; and skirting Portland to stop in Gresham, OR. I was looking forward to a visit to The Shoe Mill in Gresham because they happen to carry the kind of shoes that are necessary for my aging feet these days. Two pair walked out with me and we happily walked across the parking lot for a quick burger at Red Robin before saddling up again to continue our journey.

The Oregon landscape flows from the Columbia River, past volcanic and snow topped mountains, to lush tree lined rolling hills, and the verdant Willamette Valley. Oregon is beautiful and we enjoyed seeing ships along the river as well as farmers bailing their fresh cut hay. There were stunning coral roses that greeted us at a rest stop, reviving our tired eyes as we rested from the road for a comfort stop. As the road began to incline into the mountains, we found our destination for the day, a Quality Inn in Roseburg, Or. After six hours of driving, we were more than ready to rest.

We walked two blocks away to the Wagon Wheel Restaurant, which the motel clerk recommended. It was excellent and we only wished we had made the decision to split a meal. Instead, we ordered two entrees and have more than enough leftover for breakfast.

I took my walk around the complex and prayed in thanksgiving for the opportunity to simply “steal away” when the mood hits us. We are adventurers at heart and tomorrow is another day.