Trip to Blind Rehab

Yesterday, I set out for ALBRC with my son driving. We took the scenic route through the Columbia Gorge—a breathtaking drive—and stopped in a small town about an hour from Vancouver, WA.

This morning, I woke up to the scent of cedar and the damp, earthy aroma of the Pacific Northwest rainforest. It amazes me how distinct each place smells. I grew up in Nevada, where the forests had a dry, dusty scent. As I’ve traveled, I’ve noticed how every place carries its own unique fragrance.

This got me thinking of a scene for a story I’m working on:

Imagine it’s 1940, and I’m a traveler experiencing this area for the first time. The morning is cool, with the sounds of loggers maneuvering massive chains of timber downriver to the mill, where it will be turned into lumber. The damp, earthy smell and the voices of the workers bring a sense of comfort. Stepping outside, I’m hit with the most wonderful scent—the air is filled with wet wood, rich earth, and a hint of cedar. I can hardly believe anything could smell this good. Gone is the dry, dusty scent of the forests I once knew. I feel alive, and the future seems full of promise.

After savoring the morning, we got back on the road, heading toward my destination: American Lake Blind Rehab. My vision has deteriorated, and I’ll be learning to make my technology accessible through speech. I’m incredibly grateful for the VA’s support during this challenging time.

In just over two months, I’ll be traveling to Australia, and I’m determined to do it as independently as possible.