Day 1

As we write this mike and I are sitting in our tent drinking a beer somewhere along the Oregon coastline. We ended up taking more time leaving this morning than we had initially planned. Actually got into the truck and drove away around 1:00pm. I think the shock of leaving seattle and pretty much stepping into the unknown has yet to fully settle in but, after a tear or two leaving town this afternoon, we are livin it up. It was a really strange feeling driving away from what, up until that moment, had been our home and not really knowing  what was going to happen, what our exact route would be, or even where we would sleep tonight. Got to the Oregon coastline after it was already dark and after passing what must have been at least a half dozen campgrounds that were still seemingly closed for the season we pulled into the one we're at now (Carl G. Washburn Memorial Campground) at about 9:30. As we were setting up our tent i was hearing some rustling in the bushes and shined our flashlight in there to find a good sized raccoon looking back. No biggie, he seemed to mind his business while we were doing our thing but is also now perched (in his nest?) in a tree pretty much above our heads.
We plan on going to the redwoods tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing more of this coastline... but in the daylight when we can appreciate it more.
Here's hoping that no kamikaze raccoons bombard our tent tonight. More tomorrow on Day 2 of our cross-country adventure.
P.S. Carolene & Jaime - we wish we could call you to let you know we actually DID leave but we have no cell service! We'll call you soon (you too Graham Cracker).
P.P.S. The beer we're sipping on is a crummy one ironically named Hamm's. It's definitely no Rainier (pronounced rain-yay for those of you with class).