Day 5 took us from the trees and streams of eastern Oregon to the rivers and mountains of the silicon forest. We packed up our campsite for the last time and headed out under clear blue skies for the final leg of our journey. The scenery was amazing and we even had time for a quick swim in the Columbia River during our lunch break. By early evening we entered Portland to celebrate with friends new and old. Words cannot sum up the meaning of this trip for all of us. A new beginning in a new place with such promise. Now it is our job to work together and turn that promise into paradise. Hopefully soon, the efforts of each of the individuals on this trip will help make your Internet experience better.

Thanks for following along with us on our journey.

Entry into Oregon. The journey today, from the mineral water of Hot Lava Springs to our new home state, marked a crossroads for many of us. Like the pioneers before us who covered this ground on the Oregon Trail, blazing their way through unknown lands, so to do we blaze new trails. instead of rolling hills and mountains, we forge new trails on the Internet to bring a new existence to the citizens of the web. This last evening of campfire and camaraderie in Red Bridge state park, caps a fantastic journey and adventure from the Prairie to the Forest.

This is how we roll

Today was a slightly less eventful day. Ha! We traversed the plains of Wyoming, after waking up in the middle of a field far off the Interstate. The stars from the night before still dancing in our minds. Since the convoy had been pushing so hard the last few days, the decision was made to make it a short day and let the travelers and guides relax. Relaxation took place in Lava Hot Springs, ID. Mineral water, geo-heated, pool of greatness. Folks hiked in nearby hills, while others lounged at camp, and in the springs. As some explored the two road town, a faction was sent to the local supermarket (super meaning the size of an apartment). That stocking trip managed to clear out multiple sections of the store, especially the meat department for the evening meal. The night kicked off with another great performance by Black Swan, followed by an Aussie delicacy, brown gravy, with meat and potatoes (and carrots, to improve your vision). Plus tonight we had the special treat of a peach cobbler dessert. Thank you Tommy. We restfully press on towards Oregon tomorrow.

At 5AM folks awoke to what they thought was the neighbor's alarm clock constantly being snoozed over a 45 minute period. They later discovered it was Sontag's inability to wake up at the first sound. Once up we partook in a breakfast feast of a wide assortment of cereal, fruit, toasted bagels and breads, and egg scramble. Some people were even adventurous and tried the Aussie Vegemite. On the road by 9AM we headed west towards Denver. About 100 miles in we experience our first bout of wagon trouble. A radiator hose blew on one of the Uhauls causing a spectacular display of steam and smoke to pour out from under the hood. Quick thinking by the multi-talented Aussie guides and heroic efforts by Chad (picking up supplies at the truck stop), we were up and rolling within an hour. Before the service crew was even close. Quick lunch break and back on the road towards Wyoming. All was well until a well camouflaged interchange caused a missed turn. About 30 miles later we realized we veered off the trail. Setback = 1 hour. A change in itinerary that would have had us stop early was canceled in favor of pushing on. Until we learned that no RV spots were available in the planned destination. After a quick discussion between Mick and Luke the decision was made to pull off into the bush. In preparation for the bush excursion, we made a pit stop at a truck stop. Some folks took showers and cleaned, while we loaded the RV's with water. A few folks were sent to scavenge for firewood in a land of no trees. This hunt for wood culminated in the Aussies pulling a 12ft railroad tie out of a ditch and whipping out the chainsaw to get it to fit in the trailer with the piles of broken pallets. Shortly thereafter the fearless bunch of explorers had circled their wagons a few miles off the main trail in a barren field.

Camp was setup. A fire was started. A feast was prepared. With music from the band we wound down our day devouring steaks, salad, potatoes, and fresh corn.

Tomorrow brings a new day and long journey to central Idaho.

Good night.

Long before the sun came up the day began with gathering food and supplies for the journey. We met in the shopping center parking lot at I-44 and Yale at 7AM in the rain. After running back to the Uhaul store to pick up an extra trailer, we were on the road by 10:30AM. Rain carried us all the way through Oklahoma and part of Kansas to the clear blue 5PM sky near the Eastern Colorado border. One slight brush with the law. The Kansas State trooper pulled along side us for a few minutes and decided it wasn’t worth pulling over 11 vehicles on a busy Interstate just to give one ticket for going 5 miles over. The warning was heeded by all in the convoy. No further incidents. Until after an amazing dinner of tortilla soup, Black Swan lit up the campsite with a “quiet” jam session, and the cops showed up on the last song to inform the neighbors were complaining. The cop was very cool in that he let the band play out the last song. What an ending to the first day of the journey. Good night to all.

Lessons learned thus far: Any time we stop, it takes at least 30 minutes. When stopping for gas, an hour. Truck stops are good for bargain clothes shopping (its a wee bit chilly). Cashews, beef jerky, and candy bars, do not equal a healthy colon. If stranded on desert island, bring Aussies.