Day 8, Friday, Feb 2nd
Over and over again, we had been awed by the natural beauty of this country. Driving cross country has given us an added appreciation of this. Our journey has now brought us through 13 states as we enter Oregon. The drive along the Columbia River Gorge was breathe taking. We will definitely be spending more time exploring the beauty of this natural treasure.

It took us about six hours to reach Jay and Toni Bloom's home in Portland. Toni had a huge "Welcome" sign across the front porch. We were happy to have made the trip with nothing worse than a cracked windshield.

A few musings from our trip:

• Thank goodness for audio books and good music.


• While driving two cars in tandem doesn't allow for rest breaks, it does limit interpersonal friction with two independent-minded people (like my wife!)


• We can't imagine what Lewis and Clark and all the other pioneers (men and women)endured crossing mountains and dealing with severe weather on horse-drawn wagons.
  

Thank you all for your prayers, your hospitality, and good wishes. We never would have had such a great trip without all of your support.