My original plan had been to criss-cross the country to see every amazing sight America had to offer.
That plan worked well for several months.
I had bought an RV and sold my house so I had funds and mobility. I always enjoyed driving, so I don’t mind spending my days on the open road. I got to meet a lot of interesting people along the way. My plan was derailed when I stopped in Portland, Oregon, because after a few days here I lost any desire to leave. I don’t want to be dramatic and call Portland a paradise, but for me it was damn near perfect. Was there a woman involved? Well, maybe that had something to do with it, too. I fell in love with Hope just like I fell for the city of Portland. Hope is the day manager at one of the many excellent cannabis dispensaries in Portland. I picked her cannabis shop out of pure luck, and it changed the course of my life. A couple of days later I went back for more cannabis, and mentioned that I was about to move on, and wanted to take a shot at asking her on a date. We went to take in a local Portland punk band the next night. I stayed around Portland for another week, just for another date. There was always something fun to do in downtown Portland, and so many great museums and art galleries, too. Before long, I realized I was here for good, both for Portland and for Hope.