Friday EV Trip

I slept in and felt a bit better. I decided I needed a change, and staying home, cleaning, paying bills, writing, and arranging things was not for today. I wrote the blog and did the dishes (got them in the dishwasher and ran them). I still see ants, and more spray was applied to areas not for eating. I have seen none in the kitchen (?!).

I found and made an everything bagel from NYC with cream cheese (thanks, Joyce). I had that with more IKEA coffee and a banana. I finished the blog at about 10:30, published it, cleaned up, shaved, and dressed. I went with a dress shirt and a sweater vest. I boarded Air VW the Gray, the EV was charged to 100%, and I headed to Hood River, Oregon. I planned to head there with Deborah in a week or so and wanted to try this out.

It was a partially cloudy day, but the lack of rain or wind made it a pleasant trip. The sunlight, while fleeting, was lovely. At first, I thought I had taken the wrong spin around Portland, but I soon realized that the Columbia Gorge was like driving to the airport, PDX, and then not going there. Traffic was easy, but I did find the EV complaining that I was too close to other vehicles, and it complained about my lane following. I did one lane change at high speed with only a few feet free as merging traffic was not given any space. Yikes! I also saw someone slam their brakes behind me in slow-moving traffic. Never quite understand that; this is Portland, and we don’t suddenly go fast.

I arrived at Hood River with a 65% charge. This means I could turn around and make it home without a charge. Perfect. This is something to learn, and I soon search for a charge station. There is a fast charge at the city parking lot. I tried my iPhone and ApplePay, but the car stopped charging soon after. I waved a credit card, and now it works. Forty-five minutes and at three times the usual rate in Beaverton; wow! I walk up the hills of Hood River.

Hood River is high above the Columbia River, suggesting a good plan to avoid inundation. I-84 is between the main street, and while there are some places, including a hotel, near the river, there are no homes there. I walked up a block and found a gaming, collectible card games, and Warhammer store, where I bought a paintbrush. I try to buy something when just looking. I did not see anything I would not find in Beaverton other than a nice $4 paintbrush not from Warpaints or Warhammer.

Next, I learned that Trillium Cafe was closed for a remodel. This sent me to Hood River Brewing Co. near the parking lot where the EV was charging. I could track the progress on the VW app. There, I paid separately for a beer, a pint of their ale, and a sandwich. Each is pay-as-you-go. Makes sense for a tourist town. The bartender was friendly, did IT, and currently works in AI. We talked a bit about Python, and the bartender was pleased to have a picture taken (pronouns were not discussed). I forgot the name I was given, and I hope the bartender will check out the blog and send me a note to update this. I gave the bartender one of my cards.

With the EV charged, my beer and an excellent sandwich consumed, and a friend of the bartender meeting me, I headed out. I pointed the EV West and returned the way I came. It was an excellent visit to Hood River.

I stopped at Multnomah Falls, using the left exit on I-84. I parked in the usual place, walked under the highway, and under the railroad bridge that would give any model railroad builder or train enthusiast a happy moment. It looks perfect, and the plaque says 1909. I approached the falls and bought a mint mocha to lighten the cold. I just looked at the falls from a hard bench and did not offer to take anyone’s pictures. I often walk the trail to the bridge, but with my balance issues and cough, testing my climbing skills on Friday seemed unwise. I soon returned to Portland and then Beaverton. The charge was 65% when I arrived, showing a reassuring consistency.

I cleaned the toilets. Next week, I will spend a day cleaning and finishing a few things I started. I organized some of my figure painting but didn’t pick up a paintbrush. I put away the dishes. Boring, I know.

I charged the car again during the day to learn the process. I set the car to 100%. I was tired from the drive and walking, but I felt good. I decided to read and relax today. Later, I decided on Wonton Soup and fried rice for dinner. I was hungry. I took Air VW the Gray to the local Stir Crazy and picked up dinner. I ate all the soup on returning and charging the EV again (I later unplugged it with 100% charge) while watching more Babylon 5. Season 2 has been a mixed bag as we focus too much on the new commander, but the Techno-mages storyline was good and sounds like many of us now: “We are dreamers, shapers, singers, and makers.”

I head to bed early and, after a shower, read. I am back to reading Canadian-based murder/crime mysteries. I manage to nod off, but the door to the backyard is banging in the light winds. I grab a flashlight and, in slippers, robe, and PJs, find and close the gate in the Oregon mist around midnight. I returned to bed with damp PJ cuffs as the grass was wet, but soon, the new bed and I found peace and I slept. No dreams are remembered.