More Thoughts from Eugene, Oregon

While I had been to Oregon twice before both trips were to Portland. The first was for a race that took place in Portland and while I was there Smitty drove up so we spent some time together. The second time I only flew into Portland and drove to Vancouver, Washington for another race. This was my first extended trip and I fell in love with Oregon, a truly beautiful state. It was a fun trip that included a half marathon that finished on the historic Hayward Field Track, some beautiful training runs with Smitty, some beautiful meals on the river and a chance to watch my first World Championship track meet because the World Junior Track and Field Championships were taking place while I was in Eugene.

Historic Hayward Field

Meeting Celebrities - Lauren Fleshman & Mary Cain as well as Mascots

Track Legends - Steve Prefontaine & Bill Bowerman

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Great place to walk for a pre race stretch!

Smitty & Denise's Beautiful Garden

The Race that was the Catalyst for this adventure!

I was leaving to drive home the next day so after some time to clean up and rest up we made the best of the rest of the day with a trip to a pizza place on the river for lunch, a trip north to visit the Smith's friends who own a vineyard and the day ended with Smitty and I playing cribbage, something we hadn't done in over 45 years. So while the years have passed, the connections remain.

A final walk, a final game and the next morning I was on the road bright and early. I had to be back home for an appointment the next day and the day after that I was leaving to housesit for my nephew in Laguna Hills for 11 days. I didn't know what kind of adventures the trip to Southern California would bring but those will be shared in a new blogs because this will be the last post for this one.

If you are interested in continuing to follow my story, the new blog is available at - runningreadingreminiscing.blogspot.com