Like the Clouds of an Overcast Day
Homesickness moved in like clouds in the rain forests of Olympic National Park.
For the first time on the trip homesickness settled in and brought a heavy sadness to my spirit. Tears flowed like the endless rain that began yesterday in the early afternoon and fell all night long.
I am tired of driving, so much so that I find myself no longer filled with awe at the new beauty around each bend.
I am weary of waking up early and setting out to beat the crowds in the parks (but today because of the rain I had the tent closed up tight and no early morning sun could penetrate it so I woke up at 8:30!)
I am tired of monitoring my fluids to assure that I am hydrated and not worried that I will have to climb down the stairs in the middle of the night.
I miss the comforts of home:
*a bathroom under the same roof
*a flush toilet
*a hot shower
*a refrigerator that I do not need to buy ice to keep it cold
*an stove that I have to unpack with each use
*a bed that does not include the use of a sleeping bag
I miss connectivity:
*having cell service whenever I want to call family or friends
*having Wi-Fi whenever and wherever I want
I miss family:
*regular conversations with Greta and Tina
*connecting with siblings
*family meals with Greta, Peter, Tina and Will
I miss friends:
*coffee
*morning walks
*kayaking
*laughs
*photography adventures
*dinners
The feeling is temporary. Tomorrow I will see my dear friend, Cathy, whom I lived at Holden Village with 47 years ago. After a few days with her I will pick up Greta at the Portland airport and we will explore the OR and CA coasts together.
P.S. The mood has shifted. Arrived at a beach in Washington (near Copalis for those of you who know the area) and decided to find a place at the beach so I can be a washed in the the rolling rhythm of the ocean’s waves, the call of the seagull, the melding of sky and sea, and the salty smell of the air. Once again I can take in the awe around me, even though I still miss all that home means.
