Travel Reminiscing

As I drove from Bellevue to Florence, Oregon today, I passed the exit leading to Long Beach, Washington. That brought back the memory of my very first solo road trip.

In February of 1986 I was separated and dealing with a not-so-pleasant divorce, and already found myself attracted to a friend of a friend. It was mostly flirtatious and fun, and after lots of anger and abuse, I needed that kind of a break. But, I had gone from high school to college to marriage, having spent no time "alone" - always had a boyfriend or husband. I don't know if it was fear of being alone or not knowing how to be without "someone" but I found myself in a pseudo relationship, of sorts.

Being quite naïve about relationships in general, not to mention the general nature of men, I thought this guy liked me as well. I believed we had a date on Valentine's Day, but when he did a no-show it hit me rather hard that I didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. I did know one thing - I had to get the heck out of dodge and do some thinking and journaling in an attempt to work out some things. I had never even thought about traveling alone or staying in a hotel by myself or eating a meal in a restaurant by myself. This was all very new to me. But I packed a bag, grabbed all my favorite music, made sure the batteries were new in my "boom box" (yes, it was that long ago) and drove to Long Beach, Washington. I don't remember now why I chose that particular destination, but I booked a room at The Breakers and hit the road.

I remember listening to all my loud, rambunctious music on the drive south and west. I think I was trying to purge the demons. And I distinctly remember a more relaxed, soothing drive home, so the weekend away - and the driving - must have calmed me down. I stayed in a room with a great view of the ocean and I wrote in my journal, watched TV, and ate out. Being by myself was really no big deal. I couldn't believe how natural it came to me to just do it. And, the rest, so they say, is history. I've taken many solo trips, flying and driving, and have had some wonderful adventures. Road trips really give me a chance to think. I sure wish I could record all those thoughts as I have them!!

I have a very special place in my heart for The Breakers, and for Long Beach, Washington, and have been back many times. Recently, as I was driving home from McMinnville, by myself, and stopped in Long Beach for lunch. It just plain made me smile when I pulled into one of my favorite little beach communities.