The drive up from Sacramento to Redding was the same as it always has been, a little on the long and dull. California is the only state we've experienced where we had to drive 55 mph. It's a bit slow when you're used to a faster pace. Visiting with my mom and Gary was brief but quality. They gave us a tour of their incredible garden and advancements they're making to the house in which I spent my high school years. Leaving was difficult, but I knew what sort of incredible beauty awaited us from Redding to Ashland, OR. The mountains escorted us around the bends, exposing hidden veins of melted snow replenishing Shasta Lake. Castle Crags, Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta City all welcomed us back to the Northwest. I drove and Spring, with my camera in hand, went crazy, utilizing all of the mini photo lessons, taking photos of the amazing light that made the hills curvaceous. The views were breath-taking.
Eugene is the most perfect place to conclude a long earth-conscious trip across the country. The trees are plentiful and carefully protected in the building plans of the old homes that line certain city streets. The pace of life was slightly disconcerting at first, but it quickly became a profound reminder of the way life is best enjoyed- deliberately. The trees are incredible reminders of this.
The event yesterday went beautifully. Tired and weary, Spring and I rolled into town wondering where we'd find the energy for the very last event on this month-long whirlwind. I'm under the weather again (and I never get sick!) and agreed to stay back as much as possible. We set up a table outside of Bambini and met Shannon, the wonderfully dedicated mother of soon-to-be three lovely children and three successful stores. The weather was perfect and the enthusiasm of everyone who visited the table was inspiring. What better way to end a small-scale environmental movement than to talk with the already conscience people of Eugene!! We met wives of some guys that bound together to start Green Eye Auto where they convert cars to perform on ethanol or biodiesel. They also sell various models of Mercedes and Volkswagen. Needing a fuel filter for the final stretch home, I was sent over to check out the lot and to have the filter installed. Continued conversation with the continuing and future BabyLegs fans helped us to realize how involved and adamant Eugeneans are about change and making earth-conscious choices. They're very enthusiastic about the new organic line! In fact, Shannon called her order in while we were there!! The event was extremely successful and uplifting! It was nice being able to recycle our broken down boxes...We love the Northwest's dedication to recycling!!
Our return home will be bitter sweet. Spring is eagerly wanting to return home as she's been without her best buddy, Cricket, for way too long. It's made her feel so good to know that so many people were involved in loving and taking care of her during her absence. I'm expecting major freak-out when they're reunited. Cricket often jumps into the arms that love her... I just hope she doesn't knock Spring over! Let's also hope Cricket is still the small frame that we both remember.
I'm looking forward to my little studio and my daily life, but there's something so simple about living out of a bag that contains all of the clothing protection one would need for the various climates across the country. I've learned so much during this trip. I will be making substantial change in my life. Thinking about driving a gasoline-fueled car makes me feel guilty and a little ridiculous if I'm considering paying $3.50/gallon or whatever it is in Seattle right now!! Change happens from within and if I expect anyone I've met along the way to remain inspired by what we taught them, I need to "be the change [I] wish to see in the world". It will be interesting to be able to step back from the trip and recollect all the memories. I'm deeply saddened to think that I lost 3 memory cards for my camera somewhere along the way. They were protected in my little black SanDisk neoprene case. There were photos that I didn't have the opportunity to download... :( I'm still hopeful that it's somewhere in our stuff.
Well, off to pack up the bags, refuel, and hit the road. I've missed my friends but gained a sister. I never thought I'd spend an entire month with a person and still be excited to hang out with her. Spring is an extremely fun and dynamic person... I'm so grateful for the opportunity to get to know her.
(I'll add photos when I return home :)
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