…the Big Stump!
So far, since arriving back in the US, I’ve been hard at work, trying to integrate myself back into the US. Most of this energy has been focused on the job search….updating my resume, finding jobs to apply to, etc. But there’s lots of other stuff to do as well such as look into my health insurance options.
Yesterday, my cousin’s deli was closed and she decided to go to Portland to visit with an ex-coworker of hers who was in town visiting his brother. I decided that it was time that I took a day off as well so I went with her.
We started off with a stop to Suavie Island which is in the middle of the Columbia and the Willamette rivers. We were there to look for hawks, which we were told were quite abundant in the area. Alas, we were not able to find any though we did see a cat and some sheep. Not quite as exciting but it had to do.
Next we went to Forest Park, a large park in Portland. In fact, it’s the largest urban forest in the United States, covering 5,100 acres. We decided to take a hike to the Big Stump. Now. It’s time for a little honesty. All my travels over the past year have been leading up to the point. The quest to reach the Big Stump! But not anyone can make a pilgrimage to the Big Stump. First one must purify one’s heart and mind. Hence the purpose of all my travels the past year!
Reaching the Big Stump requires a 6+ mile hike roundtrip. We set off about 2:45. I was worried about whether we’d have enough time to make it to the Big Stump given how early it gets dark this time of year. The trail was also quite muddy which slowed us down considerably. Eventually, we drew near. But somewhere we took a wrong turn. And by the time we backtracked, there was no way we could make it to the Big Stump and make it out before darkness. Alas, my quest has been delayed. I don’t know when I’ll have another chance to try and reach the Big Stump but I know that someday I will fulfill my life’s destiny
In case you’re wondering, here’s a picture of a fellow pilgrim who was able to successfully complete the pilgirmage to the Big Stump! Note the look of pure joy on her face.
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