Day 283 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Burglary in Progress
Yesterday’s rest day got a little interesting around 4pm. I ran to the grocery store which was next to the vet that Petey needed to visit for another urinary tract
infection. As I was walking across the parking lot with two plastic grocery bags and a pot of mums for Casey, I witnessed two guys chasing another guy holding a canvas basket about the size of a laundry basket in both hands as he sprinted out of the parking lot.
The chasers yelled, “Stop” and “Security”. A burglary was unfolding in front of me. I was somewhat helpless with my hands full and an injured leg, but I noticed a beat up maroon car, which had briefly squealed its wheels, pull out and drive toward the suspect. I thought, “Oh good, the long, strawberry blond haired, blue eyed guy was going to help catch the burglar, but he turned out to be driving the getaway car!
All I could do was give the two chasers his description as I heard them speaking with the 911 operator. The burglar had stolen $150 worth of merchandise from a beauty supply store, including Crest Whitening Strips! I guess he was a shoplifter with a getaway vehicle whose license plate wasn’t covered and was therefore turned into the police. Hopefully the Portland police are better detectives than the ones in Dallas who couldn’t find the burglars that stole my shingles despite having the license plates and VIN numbers to the vans they used to steel things from my home construction site!
Mount Hood National Forest
So after a nice dinner with the family and breakfast the next day, I slowly set out toward Mount Hood. It was a rainy Sunday, and I have become a fair weather hiker as of late. I know if I lived in Oregon, I wouldn’t have that option if I ever wanted to do something outside, but I’m on the home stretch, I think I’ve hiked for 300 days in a row.
In addition, I had a bit of a headache, so instead of hiking, I drove through Sandy, stopped at Wildwood Recreation Area briefly, and then found a campground in Mount Hood National Forest where I parked VANilla and after a nap, read a book. It’s an old book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I also couldn’t resist snapping a photo of a fellow camper’s site. The person put up a hammock and tied a coconut bar and a purple lei to a post outlining the parking space. Until tomorrow…ETB
Map of My Road Trip Across the USA
Learn more about my road trip across the USA, or click the link below for the interactive map.
