movement, movement

I’m a big fan of three day weekends. Usually I plan a trip of sorts, but this one ended up being just as good with making it no further than Portland. Blaine’s brother and sister are in town at the moment and we spent several days last week while my friends Bryan and Beth were in town just hanging out with mixed company. Friday was the last day Bryan and Beth were in town so we wanted to do something super fun and preferably outdoorsy. The Frangers suggested finding one of the local “ice caves”, which we proceeded to do, only to realize that the supposed ice-lined walls and floor were only a characteristic of the caves during the winter and spring. No worries, though, they were just as thrilling with the white water droplets and squishy cave-goo that lined the walls instead. 

What I found most surprising about the lava-tube-formed cave we explored was its resemblance to fairy-tale style caves. Round ceiling, flat floor. All the way to the end. The only thing we didn’t find was a dragon or the afore-mentioned ice. 

I have typically believed myself to be much more chlostrophobic than I was exploring that cave. Even at the one moment where we had to crawl on stomachs through the floor-goo to get to the next high ceilinged area. 

If you can achieve a non-chlostrophobic mindset in a cave like this, nothing compares to the peace and silence of a whole deep into the earth. Everything disappears, especially if you were to switch off your headlamp for a moment. It turns out that it was a very relaxing time that I got to experience with some great friends. As they say, “wouldn’t give it up for the world”.

Next day, I drove Bryan and Beth to the airport at 5am, though it was no big deal. Parker and I spent a few days hanging out and even drove to Longview to see an e-friend who we had yet to meet. Time hanging out with Parker is always quality. Saturday morning was crapes day, as seen below: