There was an inch of snow on the ground this morning, but it didn't last long. By afternoon it was completely gone and the sun was shining. Still I know that means the mountain passes will be difficult to cross. I called Avis to see whether they would provide tire chains? "No, and you'll have to pay for any damage chains cause, and we don't provide studded tires either." NyahNyahNyah. Never mind that I rented the car in Portland and have to return it in mid-November in Bend, which is on the other side of the mountains. So, I stuck the phone book in the car, and used it to find the Visitor Information Center and get some info. She gave me an Oregon map with a website for road reports, recommended the hour longer drive to Portland by going up Rt 97 to the Columbia Gorge when it was snowing in the mountains, and told me about the Les Schwab Tire store a few blocks away where you could return unused tire chains at the end of the season (at any of their many tire stores in Oregon). I headed over to pick up some chains--if I don't use them, my sister can return them in April for a refund. And we might need them to go skiing. You're required to carry them in the passes when there's snow, or pay a hefty fine (and possibly skid or get stuck). The salesman at Les Schwab asked me whether my owner's manual said chains were allowed on my rental car. Unfortunately, there was no owner's manual in the glovebox, and he pointed out that many newer cars, even SUVs, don't have enough clearance for chains, but the law still requires them. So, the receipt is in the glove compartment, and I'll probably take the longer route up to the Gorge to go to Portland just to play it safe. I guess the car and tire companies are in cahoots: you gotta buy studded tires for the wintertime.
After stocking up on maps and pamphlets, I drove up the Bend Parkway to the Cascade Village Shopping Center. Bend is large enough to have all the major national chain stores. First stop: Trader Joe's, which we don't have in Delaware. Got some good organic soups and fruit, and a couple indulgences too. Then onto Home Depot to check out the wood flooring options for the beach house. (We're ripping up old carpet this coming weekend, then putting down engineered wood floors two weekends after that.) Then onto Michael's to see whether I could find some colorful posters for my white walls. I didn't like any of the choices, so think I'll see whether there are any art supplies at the beach house to make my own. Then I drove around awhile, learning the layout of the town, admiring the fall colors. I finally found the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center run by the Bend Park and Rec Dept. and in the same quarter of town as my apartment. I signed up for 3 months, and went back this afternoon for an hour's swim. They have both a 50 meter outdoor pool which is under a bubble for the winter, and a 25 meter, warmer, indoor pool. The outdoor pool was chilly at first, but just fine after a couple laps. The swim team practices in one half of the pool, and open lap swimming was in the other half--I had a whole 25 meter lane to myself for most of my hour. I'm gonna try to go everyday, now that I have a chlorine resistant suit that won't disintegrate so fast. It feels so good! I may even try to go to COMA, the Central Oregon Masters Aquatics, which is a coached workout for adults. One of the hospitalists I met last week belongs to it, and it sounds like a lot of fun. I have never been, and probably never will be a competitive swimmer, but I would like to improve my strokes.
Tonight I'm headed over to the McMenamin's St. Francis School solo to see Eat, Pray, Love, and sit on a couch in their movie theatre while eating dinner. Rob and I stayed there when we traveled around Oregon after Bryan and Charlotte's Memorial Day wedding. I've read the book, but think it'll be fun to see the movie. Besides, I think the story sort of speaks to my solo adventure for these 3 months. Tomorrow, I head to Portland to visit my sister, Karen, and have dinner with her and cousin Judy. Then I plan to visit my friend Connie, before driving down to Springfield to pick up Bryan, Charlotte, and their friend who made their wedding cake so we can spend the weekend at the beach. Life is good.
I really enjoyed the movie Eat, Pray, Love. I think it is in part because I read it and also because im also in a period of change as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found the swimming pool. That's something I haven't seen too much of in nyc! Sounds like that inch of snow is just the beginning! Do the car rental companies have roadside assistance? It seems like in a place that gets snow they might be more prepared!