Sat. June 18th

ROAD TRIP

Bonjour Grann,

We got a late start today on account that Papa was grouchy, he said he had a headache. He was green around the gills and a bit shaky. He would probably feel better if he threw up; at least, I know when I've looked as bad as Papa, I always felt better after puking.

Papa stopped at Horsetail Falls,

Horsetail Falls

"HAWRS-tayl fawlz"

Horsetail Falls is a popular 176-foot waterfall located off the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.

after what was a grueling four-hour road trip, for what he calls a learning stop. We spent a long time at Horsetail, and everyone, except Papa, hiked the trail behind Horsetail Falls to Ponytail Falls.

Ponytail Falls

"POH-nee-tayl fawlz"

Ponytail Falls, also called Upper Horsetail Falls is an 88-foot waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area near Cascade Locks, Oregon.

When we got back to the station wagon, Papa was slumped over on the front seat, snoring.


Back on the road, we passed Multnomah Falls,

Multnomah Falls

"muhl-now-muh faalz"

Multnomah Falls is a two-tiered 620-foot waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge, it is the tallest waterfall in the state of oregon.

and Papa thought about stopping; until everyone started complaining that we just spent two hours hiking around waterfalls, while Papa sat in the car sleeping!


My final thoughts before I hibernate for the night. The road noise coming up through the floorboard of our station wagon is lulling us all to sleep. Emma is shattering the rhythm of the road, snoring, sleeping next to Ella on the backseat floor. Milo has the entire back seat to himself, and I've got the cargo hold with Bijou,

Bijou

"BEE-zhoo"

French for Jewel. The name of Thomas' three-year-old black labrador.

which is normally Milo's reserve while traveling. Milo was plugged into his red earbuds all day; Ma mere says the noise is ruining his ears.

Papa is singing along with the car radio, a song about an outlaw and an angel, and our Dieu

Dieu

"dyuh"

French for God.

delivering us from eternal damnation.

I'm tired, Grann; sleep well.