On Tuesday, September 10, 2013, Frank woke at 0545 hours and
drove Big White south from Olympia, Washington to Portland, Oregon. We arrived
on its north most outskirts around 0745 and wound our way through its
mind-blowing traffic.
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| French Prarie & Santiam River Rest Areas |
On our way to Eugene, we stopped at the French Prairie rest
stop. It provides restrooms, picnic tables, drinking water, vending machines,
a public telephone, a kiosk and historical marker and a travel information
gazebo. What surprised both Frank and I the most were the number of people
seeking a ride and panhandling for food or money. We spoke with several of the
other travellers and they explained that once you arrive in Oregon state begging at the rest areas is common practice.
At Santiam River rest area, south of Salem, we were
approached by two young women and a young child begging for money. I spoke with
one of the young adults named Alicia.
“How did you get to this point in your life?” I said.
“I don’t have a husband and the fathers of my four children
don’t give me any money,” she said.
I thanked her for her answer and asked what her plans were
for the future.
“I’m registered at college in Eugene and they said I’d get a
place to live with my children. For now, we’re living in a cheap motel,” she
said.
“I’m sorry to hear about your predicament and will pray for
your strength,” I said.
I handed the young mother some money and left to board our
motor home.
We arrived in Eugene early afternoon and had a conversation
with our welcoming relatives about the condition of the population living in
their area.
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| Occupy Eugene ~ courtesy of Wikipedia |
They explained that there are a lot of homeless
people living in Eugene. The weather apparently appeals to them. Also, there is
an active group of Occupy Eugene protestors gathered daily at the corner of
Eighth and Oak Streets.
Most impressive about Eugene is the local government’s
eclectic way of handling its citizenship. For example, some of the residents
have adopted the boulevard at the front of their homes. As we explored our
surroundings with Frank’s nephew and his wife, we came across locations where
pumpkins and other useful vegetables grew robustly on city property. The
fragrances of fruit wafted from the trees and mingled delightfully
with the chant of songbirds. Large frisky squirrels scrambled from tree
branches to rooftops to scope out the best food sources.
We laid our heads down that evening and enjoyed a restful
sleep.
Tip No. 2: Be the first to say hello and open a conversation.
Tip No. 2: Be the first to say hello and open a conversation.
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| Eugene's Occupied Boulevards |
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| Brown-eyed Susans |
