Day 13: Back on the Road
It was sad to check out of my hotel in Cedar Hills. I had grown so comfortable there that, honestly, I could have stayed permanently. But I had accomplished what I needed—rest, recharging, and enough time for all my Amazon deliveries to arrive. Now it was time to move again.
Today’s destination: the other Long Beach—this one in Washington state. Crossing back into Washington again, another shift in scenery.
Before heading out, I wanted to give Ashley a little refresh. The rain had left water spots, and she just didn’t look her best. I found a self-serve car wash in Beaverton and, to my surprise, the exact same amount of time I spent spraying her down with plain water that cost me $54 in Vancouver only cost $12 here. A much better deal, though still just a rinse.
The drive via Route 26 was beautiful—towering trees, winding stretches, smooth and even pavement. Somewhere along the way, I pulled over at a rest stop to test out my new Starlink for the first time. I wanted to see if I could connect from the forest. But no luck. It just wouldn’t hook up. Maybe “user error,” maybe I was doing something wrong. Either way, it was a letdown.
What really bummed me out, though, was a delivery mishap. Before this trip, I had ordered a travel car carrier for Max, scheduled to arrive at a Nordstrom in Portland. The cruel irony? As soon as I left Portland, the item was delivered. By then, I was already halfway to the coast, too far gone to turn back. Just bad timing.
When I finally rolled into Long Beach, WA, I checked into a beachfront hotel. Parking wasn’t assigned, so I scoped out a spot facing the ocean that was a bit tucked away—perfect for keeping Ashley safe from door dings. The hotel itself had a bit of a mildew smell, but the staff made up for it immediately with warmth, a free room upgrade, and even treats for Max.
After settling in, I headed to the hotel restaurant for a late lunch. And wow—it exceeded expectations. I ordered wild grilled salmon, a cup of clam chowder, and a fizzy, girly drink while watching the waves crash from the restaurant window. Pure bliss. Afterward, Max and I both crashed in our room, drifting into a long nap that felt overdue.
We woke just in time for the sunset. I tried to make it to the distillery next door for the free tasting that came with my stay, but it had already closed. Instead, I leashed up Max and we walked down to the beach. The sky turned golden, then pink, and I snapped a few photos as Max sniffed the salty air.
On the way back to the hotel, I noticed an elderly man in a scooter struggling to get up a curb. It looked like trouble—and sure enough, the scooter tipped, sending him sideways. A small group rushed over, myself included, to help. But lifting him wasn’t easy; he was heavier, and the people trying to assist were pulling him up like you would a friend—not the way you properly support an elderly person.
And then, out of nowhere, came this incredibly tall, handsome man. He must have been 6'4", confident but kind, and he asked if he could assist. We all stepped back as he moved in, positioned himself correctly, and with one strong, careful motion—like a bear hug from behind—he scooped the man safely back into his scooter. Just like that. Problem solved.
I caught myself glancing for a wedding ring, LOL, but before I could even blink, he was already walking off, climbing into his white SUV, and driving away. A fleeting moment, but one that stuck with me.
It reminded me of something else too—how people in Oregon and Washington often strike me as more helpful, more approachable, than folks in California. Maybe it’s the slower pace, maybe it’s the community vibe. Either way, I was grateful to witness it.
Long Beach welcomed me with ocean air, kindness, and a reminder that good people show up when they’re needed.
