Not All Who Wander Are Lost

I enjoy traveling by myself; I am an excellent companion.  I never have the radio too loud or too quiet, or complain about being too hot or too cold.  I always like my audio book choices.  And, I can wander off the beaten path.  Prince Eric does not like to wander.  He likes to get from Point A to Point B efficiently, on time and with clear directions.  Today I went on a short solo road trip (less than 2 hours away) to have lunch with a friend and to do some shopping in stores we don't have here . . . which would be about anything but Fred Meyer and WalMart.

I wandered off the path, not intentionally, when I followed a sign that said "Salem".  This back road took a little longer, I didn't come into the city at the spot I expected, but I saw bucolic farms and fields of corn, Tall Fescue and Perennial Rye.  I saw roadside flower and fruit stands and a historic cemetery.  I like finding the unexpected and the thrill of relying on myself to navigate.  This girl doesn't use a gps to get around.  I like a real map and knowing which way is North.  As long as I'm headed the right general direction I know I'll be alright.  Do I get lost?  Yep.  Do I have to backtrack sometimes? Yep (okay, more than sometimes).  Prince Eric hates to backtrack.

Today while wandering I discovered a Goodwill Outlet store.  I don't recommend it.  If you don't like the disorganization of the regular Goodwill store, you certainly won't like this warehouse filled with long tables holding bins of random crap.  Sketchy people paw through and pay by the pound for items.  Yikes.

Today while wandering I came across the state mental hospital and the state capitol.  Blocking the lane to one of the state buildings was a blue van with "Police Explosive Unit" painted on the side.  Hmm, think I won't linger here . . .Gradually I head back west towards the ocean. 

Today while wandering I also discovered a button on my new smart phone.  "Navigate" "Speak Location".  . . It was kind of impressive. . . . but I'll never stop wandering.