Portland, I missed you.

Oregon | Portland

There is something special about coming home, even if home is now a loose term. After spending four months on the road, Dandy and I rolled into Portland a few weeks back. Just in time for fall. The only season I missed here the last several years due to travel.

Two months ago, I realized my road trip landed me all of 600 miles from Portland. However, my appointments did not require me to return for another six weeks. And we both know I will never argue with more time on the road! In response, Dandy and I looped around the southwest for a bit before heading back up to the Pacific Northwest.

For the first time, driving into Portland felt different than every other arrival. Perhaps because this was my longest stint away. Maybe no longer having my apartment, calling a spare bedroom home while in town, played a role. Or I have completely adjusted to vanlife and Dandy parked anywhere has grown into being home.

Whatever the reason, being back in Portland still makes me happy. And let me tell you, I missed being here. Spending time with friends has been wonderful. Walking through streets, parks, and forests bursting with color widens my smile each day. And the necessary attendance of countless doctors appointments, making sure my body is still happily living in maintenance mode, brings on a bit of normalcy. So far, so good on the medical front!

Before long, Dandy and I will be back on the road. Heading eastbound for the holiday season with family and friends, on the other side of the country. Until then, I will be editing photos, publishing my first children’s book, and finalizing my 2020 calendar.

This glorious year will be over, before we know it.