Apparently, I brought my Arizona weather with me because I spent the entire weekend soaking up the sun. I arrived at the Eugene airport on Friday night where Travis picked me up. It was my first time seeing him in just under two years - but it was like nothing had changed. We made a quick stop by his house to pick up his roommates and switch cars, and then we went to a little hole in the wall restaurant where Travis INSISTED he pay for me. After we finished eating, we set off to Smith Rock! I taught him and his roommates the game "Hey Cow" and I am proud to say that I am spreading that game along the west coast.
Side note: "Hey Cow" is a game played when on a road trip. Each individual in the car earns points by yelling out the window "Hey Cow" at any cow they see. If the cow looks in the direction of the car, a point is earned. If the cow does not look, nothing happens. It is just funny to watch people yell at cows out of the car window.
Once we arrived at Smith Rock, we made a campfire and roasted EPICALLY amazing s'mores. Seriously - so good. We stayed up well into the night and finally passed out after our feeble attempts to put out the fire. The next morning, we were woken up to a literal stampede of horses around our tents. Not exactly what I am used to in Arizona, but I enjoyed the surprise wake up call.
The day at Smith Rock was amazing. I definitely want to return soon to do more climbing. Not only was there fantastic sport routes set up all over the area, the view in every direction was breathtaking. I couldn't believe my eyes as we popped out over a pass to get to the other side of Smith Rock and looked out upon a ridge line of these fantastic mountains. I want to go back! After we spent the day climbing, we booked it back to Eugene and ended up spending the night in, passing out early. (It was a long day!) We watched 40 Year Old Virgin for a bit but none of us made it to the end of the movie.
Sunday was the perfect laid back day to wrap up my trip in Eugene. The weather was gorgeous and first thing (after I made Travis take me to Dutch Bros - DUH) Travis and his roommates and I headed up to the roof to do some sun soaking chill time. My impression of Eugene was the ideal college town. Everyone was out in the street celebrating the weather - chairs and stereos set up on the roof. I loved every second of Eugene.
At one point during the day I was determined to buy Travis a gift card to the Cheeba Hut since he had insisted on paying for basically everything for me! Cheeba Hut ended up not having any gift cards so I ended up trekking all over Eugene in search of a Qdoba. After an hour and a half, I have up my search and resigned to buying him a small gift card to Wendy's - not NEARLY compensation for everything he did for me so I am determined to send him a bomb present from India. He better get ready for some MC Hammer style parachute pants - cause I think those would definitely look ideal on him.
That night the boys barbequed and Travis made me a delicious burger ( I am savoring every bit of American food before I set off for India!!). At a certain point everyone dispersed and I introduced Travis to the show Awake (everyone should watch it!).
This morning Travis dropped me off at the train station and I said goodbye. I am terrible at goodbyes. I hate saying them. I love change and adventure and I lust after new places, but I always forget how hard it is to leave a place you love until the moment I am forced to say goodbye.
Anyways, saying goodbye to Travis wasn't hard because I know I am bound to see him sooner than later.
Now I am off to Seattle! But first stop, Portland for coffee with Laurel Fink to say goodbye for her before she leaves me for Australia! Let's see what life has in store for me now.
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