Day 17 - Hood River part Deux

Sometimes you gotta just let yourself freak out a little bit. The past days have been an emotional blur and I kind of lost track of what was going on for a second there. I know, without a doubt, that this lifestyle is exactly what I want, what I need , but there are bound to be times where I start self-doubting and second-guessing. Especially during these early stages.

Adjusting to the van life has been a little interesting, in various ways, but that’s not it in the slightest. I am just so far from everyone I know and love. I miss people and I feel as though as the years go on, I am slowly disappearing from the lives of my loved ones. Living on the east coast is hell for me, as I have proven to myself time and time again, and I don’t have the resources to go visit people. There is a solution and a goal I can work towards, and I will; the current loneliness is just having me in my feelings.

I wrote a lot this week, so I guess at least my internal conflicts have sparked a necessary bit of productivity. My second night in Hood River I camped out of reception, and then my dumb ass cleared my Safari data, and I just didn’t find the motivation to find my keys or type on my phone since. I still haven’t found my computer. So, as soon as I get sick of sitting in this bar are and charging chargers, I hope to spend the night sorting out the van; something much needed in general, but mainly to find that silly little computer thing.

My second day in Hood River was just as amazing as the first. I woke up a little late- I first checked the time at 6:10, when Walmart asked me to be out of the lot by six. I don’t think they noticed, or cared if they did, but considering how strict this town is about overnight parking- I don’t want to bury any bridges with the seemingly single place you can car camp at legally within the town.

I drove right to the skatepark- the whole half mile down the road. My plan for the day was to do more exploring- but instead, I ended up mostly skating. I haven’t been skating recently due to my injuries- before that, I was spending a winter in the Northeast; aka freezing cold and roads full of snow and salt. Before that, I was in deep grieving and spiraling rather than properly handling a loss. So, I really haven’t skated in close to a year now. I’m absolutely ASS as a result, but I’m hoping that with some consistency it starts coming back to me.

Skating is so, so, so good for both mental and physical health. It checks off so many boxes; exercise, creativity, community, individuality… it’s just such an important tool for so many. I think it’s difficult for the average person to comprehend how beneficial a tool it is for so many people- the typical public view of it is just a loud nuisance. I know people who have used it to escape addiction. People who have used it to escape and cope with troubled home life. People who have made careers out of it. People who have landed careers outside of it, but would have never gotten there without the path skating took them on. I have unemployed homeless friends who skate and I have friends who are airplane engineers, neurosurgeons and olympic athletes who skate. It’s a vast and diverse community, connecting people from all over the world and helping so many people from all walks of life. Myse…

I returned from a coffee run to find that the crowds had arrived. I decided maybe it was a good time to take a break from skating, so I went out to eat to explore more. The parking by the park is free all day from 7am-10pm, so I set out on foot. As it turned out, I had already walked essentially all of downtown and the main waterfront. But it was still nice to walk it again and to start getting my bearings. I expect I will be spending a lot of time here this summer since I took two jobs 45 minutes away, and there is no better way to learn a place than by walking.

After a solid five or six hours of aimless wandering, I found myself back at the van. I charged my phone, at some kimchi, and skated for a while more. I noticed someone walking around the van, so I walked over and ended up making a friend. It turned out her sister used to have a different G20 and she was fascinated with them. She recommended a little camping spot just outside of town, and so I followed her there and spent the night hanging out with her and her friends and charcuterie-ing. I genuinely wish I could stay here a bit longer, but my first day working the gift shop is two days out and I need to do an oil change tomorrow before the work week starts. Back to reality

no idea what this building is but I love it

Keep it pushing everyone. And never be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling. That’s easier said than done- I’m well aware. But it is important. You’re never alone, and the world is a better place with you in it. Unless you’re a complete POS. If that’s the case, don’t read my stuff. Lmao. Keep on keepin’ on, or whatever they say. Hugs and shit 🖤