Yesterday did not go as planned. All of the hours I could have used to prepare to travel were spent working at my desk. So…I cut corners this morning. I arranged my already-packed valises, my trusty Tatung, and other items in the car. I didn’t really leave myself time to handle food, though.
I set up the big cooler in the car’s back seat, bagged some ice, and packed a dozen Costco grapefruit cups (my fave) and some other snacks. Normally, there’d be plenty of half-eaten food that I can also throw in, but not today. I would need to figure out meals later, on the road.
My first stop today was my chiropractor‘s office, where Dr. Mike adjusted away the tension and discomfort I had been carrying. I wanted to start my travels light, and I certainly haven’t got time for the pain.
The drive to the Dalles, OR was uneventful. I experienced the transition from my own temperate-but-cloudy locale to dry, sunny eastern OR.
As I approached the Gorge, the drive became more interesting, as the terrain was unusual and beautiful. By the time I arrived at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, I felt no need to go in. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that the draw is to go into the small building so that I could go out the other door to see the beautiful landscape from the other side…the beautiful landscape I had driven through and already saw.
Some foreshadowing for my next stop: At the Gorge, I read about Edward Crate, a European settler who “discovered” this land. Crate is also described as a “friend to Indians,” and as having been attacked by Indians. No context is provided for the attack.
While at the Dalles, I picked up some supplies. I then moved onto my next destination, the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, OR. I was intrigued by the name when I first encountered it in my research—and still don’t know how to pronounce it. After studying the exhibits, I understood and applauded the organizers for referring to this museum of culture as a cultural institute: They introduce visitors to their culture.
The Tamástslikt presented a wealth of information about their nation, along with a secondary exhibition about the bison. The stories are told from a native American perspective. Their land was not discovered, but taken. Their economy, health, history, and survival were all adversely impacted by the decisions and actions of European settlers. I couldn’t help but think back to the presentation of Mr. Crate over at the other museum. I wonder how the Tamástslikt would have described his settlement and subsequent attack.
I made my way to the Pendleton Public Library, where I delivered a private class over Jitsi. Most public libraries have study rooms with internet access that you can reserve. These are a lifeline for many individuals.
From there, I drove some more and slept at the Ontario, OR Motel 6, a wonderful experience. Here’s why I single out this 2-star hotel: My phone inquiries were answered professionally, the lobby was staffed and smelled good, the room was well-appointed, clean, and everything worked! Shoutout to Izzy, a helpful and memorable staff member.
My experience with 2-star hotels in the States is that they are hit-or-miss, mostly miss. Due to this high risk factor, I don’t book my family at 2-star hotels, and would never consider bringing a business associate there. 2-star hotels at which I stayed subsequently (during the same trip) didn’t measure up. One was unstaffed, I could not get in. The most impressive-looking, charming one of the bunch left a key for me in an unprotected box outside their front office. Anyone intercepting the envelope would have had my name, credit card info, and room key. Most other 2-stars fall somewhere in between these extremes, but are unpleasant to stay in. Perhaps the toilet (retrieved from another building) does not match the decor. Or perhaps the blinds don’t work, or the wall paint is beyond nicked. And nearly always, there is mold trapped behind the caulking in the bathroom. None of these flaws go against the health code, or are illegal. They are just unpleasant.
commenting to see how it works.