There is No Place Like Home

Wow.  381 miles from Baker City to Lake Oswego.  So many miles, so many smiles, so many new friends it was great to come home to some old friends and neighbors.  Thanks to the entire crew for supporting me.  I can hardly wait until Tuesday for our walk to Portland.

We had a wonderful wet walk through the Willamette Valley today.  It was only fitting that we got soaked as we walked the final miles to our home.  It illustrated the diversity of our state.  We started in 100 degree heat in Baker City and ended up in a 60 degree cool mist in the Willamette Valley.  They represent the diversity we found in our state.

Can it be a Ferry?  Yes, it Canby!

When we first laid out our course, we realized that taking the Canby ferry would save us several miles.  The only question was none of us had ever been on it.  Turns out we were really missing a great time.  The ferry is fun, efficient and entertaining.  Our captain was very helpful and although the ride was short, it was quite enjoyable.  Highly recommended.  The kids would love it.  And it is electric.  How cool is that?

Canby Dahlia Festival

We quite literally stumbled on the Canby Dahlia Festival.  The fields of flowers were beautiful.  We didn't realize that we were going to see something like this and it was a special treat.  It sounds cliche but it really brightened our day.

The Home Stretch

With only a handful of miles left I am overwhelmed by what the team has accomplished.  I could not have ever done this without their support.  They always were there to encourage, support and to lend me a hand if I needed it.  They kicked me when I needed it.  Kept me on schedule and gave me constructive feedback on my speeches.  AJ, Ryan, Lauren, Daniel, Amos, Jackie, Rick and Terri.  Thank you so much for turning a figment of imagination into one of the most important and interesting months of my life. 

Also a special note of thanks to everyone who came out to walk with us.  There are too many to list here.  You know who you are and your dedication and support kept us going.  Every one of you brought us new energy and spirit.  We could not have done it without your optimism and drive.  Thank you!

One blog left.  See you all Tuesday.

Walk Update

Pretty easy day.  We are 270 miles in and 130 miles to go.  All systems go physically.  The scrapes are OK and my blisters are almost completely gone.  We are in great shape for the home stretch.

I understand there has been some consternation over my spelling out there in blog land.  Being an engineer, I was not very focused on spelling.  Debbie on the other hand is a champ but she is not here to look over my shoulder.  Please bear with me.  If you see misspellings, feel free to point them out.  I am always open to help. 

The picture above I think is about the best one to convey the tragedy of the B and B fire.  We are all glad that we are past the worst of the fire and don't have to look at it any more.  Although we cannot see it, it will always be in our memories.  We can do better.

Another Friend

We were on a very desolate part of our walk yesterday and we made another friend.  He stopped to get a picture and wish us luck.  Thanks so much for supporting us.  We appreciate everyone who stops by!

Special Thanks to Staff and Volunteers

The photos above show Lisa, Ryan, Jackie and me (they are in order in the photo on the lower right).  Jackie is our office manager.  She has been incredibly helpful keeping us on task.  You cannot imagine the logistics on the road coupled with me being easily distracted by a supporter, a great photo opportunity or some interesting rock formation.  Terri our scheduler (not pictured) is holding down the fort back home and is doing an amazing job staying one step ahead of us with great meetings.

Ryan is an intern for us (Lisa is his girlfriend).  Ryan has been by our side for the last couple of weeks doing whatever we need from keeping the Tahoe organized to helping me think through policy issues.  He always has been ready to do what it takes.  Lisa joined us yesterday and was a real asset to the team.  Walking 15 miles from a cold start is not easy but she took on the challenge and it was great to have another set of hands.

I could not be doing this without the support from the team on the road and the folks back at HQ.  Thank you to everyone!

Bend and Deschutes County Joint Meeting and Chamber After Hours

We visited the Bend Deschutes County joint meeting yesterday.  Great to see a city and the county work well together.  A great example of cooperation.

We also attended the Bend Chamber after hours reception.  Great contacts and good friends.  The walk is providing great opportunities to meet people at a pace that we would never be able to do if we were driving.