Day 18 (Sunday 7/8/12)- Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island & an update

 Everyone needs some down time especially after the night of sleep Isaiah got. Unfortunately the problem with small towns (especially on an island) is that there is nothing else for the local teens to do other than bump their bass in the Walmart parking lot all night. Luckily I can sleep through most things but Isaiah had a different experience. When the music finally died away, the leaf blowers started. We spent the morning watching Tinker Taylor Solider Spy which was good...we think. We are still a little too confused by the plot to decide yet. The afternoon was spent researching and then ended with what I had been waiting for all day...a shower. Now that is something to write about. The local pool was great with a small family pool, large pool, hot tub and a sauna! Very impressive for a small town. We relaxed in the hot tub, took long hot showers and enjoyed the evening. Unfortunately the hours posted were not when the staff wanted to go home so we ended up having to get out at 7:10p. It didn't matter though because every minute was heaven. To those that might forget how precious showering regularly is, try to imagine going without. I will mention that with the invention of dry shampoo and clinical strength deodorant it really isn't so bad. For dinner we had a treat (see below).

Since this was a slow day I wanted to take a moment and talk about one of the profound changes that Isaiah and I have experienced. In just a few days we both felt like different people. Those who know me well also know that I have a "type A" personality. I like to follow a schedule, make lists and seem to thrive on stress. Isaiah is quite the opposite and normally very laid back and easy going. In that way we seem to complement each other well. Since the trip has begun, however, we have seemingly changed personalities in some regards. It should be noted here that Isaiah has the hardest job of planning where we are going  which brings a lot of stress. He is good at it but it is very time consuming and tedious. (It's not so bad except when you find out, say, there is no town of any significant size on the whole right side of WA, so instead of having a day or two to figure out what next, you have to decide en route.  Also, it is easier in WA, because we know we are generally going East, but getting into other states gets more complicated directionally) He also does almost all of the navigating which I don't envy in the least. I have had to at times and it was horribly stressful, I would much rather drive. I also have the fun job of writing to you all which is actually really very therapeutic. Now I am the more laid back one taking my time easing into the day and not really stressing over much. What a switch.  -A

Yum

Can you believe we finished it?