Portland

So I made it to Portland in one piece. The drive was absolutely stunning, and aside from the wind the weather was great. I was reminded of why spring is my favorite season today... there is nothing quite like driving through the gorge into Portland on a sunny spring day. The waterfalls along the senic highway were awesome and there were shades of green that I swear I’ve never seen before.

I appreciated things about the drive that I never have before, so I am glad that it’s slow going. It’s just really trying sometimes... so it’s still going to take some getting used to. I’m usually the guy going 80 and passing everyone, and now I’m getting passed by EVERYONE... including two “oversize load” trucks... on a hill. FML. But I’ll get over it. I love Franke and will stand by her even when she’s wheezing. She half runs on love anyway, so I was encouraging and praising her when she made it up an incline at 47 mph in 4th gear. Now most would think praising a car is absolutely absurd... and 6 months ago I would have agreed, but ask anyone that has owned an air-cooled VW, and most would say that sometimes an owners love is the only thing holding them together.

With that said, she is having some oxygen/gas mix issues I think. Bogging down at lower RPM’s, but doing fine if my foot’s into the gas. I might have to tinker around with it a bit tomorrow. Even so, i am happy to report 19.5 mpg on the way down here, which is the best Franke has ever gotten :)