Months ago, when I was chatting on the phone with Allison about my plans to run the Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon, we were also trying to figure out a time for a road trip, and decided to combine the two. While both of our busyness kept us from some of the planning we had originally imagined (long road trip to Northern California? Vancouver, Victoria and Olympic National Park?) we decided to take it a little easy after the race and just do two short trips: one to Corvallis, Oregon to visit our friends Keith and Kate, and one to Orcas Island in the San Juans.
After finishing the race and dragging ourselves home, we took about two hours to recover and shower before we were back in the car for a four hour drive to Corvallis. Keith and Kate are on staff with Navigators at Oregon State University and live just outside of the cute little college town with their son (almost 2) named Jackson. Keith and Kate treated us to a great dinner, then took us out for gelato and a walk around the town. The next day they made us an amazing breakfast and Keith led us in a simple scripture study on love. Aaron and I both reflected on how meaningful a conversation about scripture around a breakfast table could be, especially when other more planned and detailed studies can seem so empty in comparison. It was refreshing both spiritually and physically to sit around the table and share with old friends. After breakfast we took a tour of OSU’s campus and greek row, then picked some blueberries to go on our way out of town.
The next morning Allison and I took our time getting out the door (my knees hurt for three days after the race!) and to the ferry terminal in 
Anacortes. From here we sailed between the San Juan Islands, from Lopez to Shaw and then to Orcas, our final destination. Allison booked a great bed and breakfast by the shore, and we spent two days exploring the island, which is fairly remote. Highlights of the island were the funky pottery place, art stores in town, sea stars at the beach, and the amazing views from the top of Mt. Constitution in Moran State Park.
We stayed two nights on the island and had tons of good conversation, good food and quality time. It was so refreshing to be with an old friend who knows me so well, and can speak so honestly into my life. Allison and I met my freshman year of college and have seen each other through all of the good and bad times since, even with 2,000 miles between us. I’m also very thankful that we had such a relaxing trip, especially since Aaron and I are gearing up for Kenya and Tanzania NEXT WEEK! Ah! We’re so excited.
3 posts in 2 days – impressive!