I checked out of my Airbnb in Vancouver, WA and crossed the bridge back toward Portland. I wanted to stop in the Pearl District and find a dog-friendly spot for brunch. A few years ago, I’d been to this amazing farm-to-table restaurant with outdoor seating and incredible food, and I thought maybe I’d stumble upon it again. If not, I had a backup in Slabtown that I’d bookmarked.

I woke up early to check UPS tracking for my Costco order, and sure enough—it was scheduled to arrive today. At 9:30 a.m., I called Costco to ask how long it usually takes from delivery to processing. The woman told me UPS comes around 10:30, so to check back then.

I’m heading to Astoria, Oregon today, but before I forget—I realized I never mentioned the scariest bridge crossing of my life yesterday. The Astoria-Megler Bridge. When I first crossed it from Oregon into Washington, I must have blocked it out from fear and a bit of PTSD. And now, here I was, about to face it again—this time hopefully conquering the fear.

After two quiet days in my Airbnb cocoon, it was time to move again. Honestly, I barely left that tiny house. Other than walking Max for potty breaks and saying hi to Ashley parked outside, I spent my time curled up binge-watching Netflix, letting myself just be. Travel doesn’t always need to be nonstop adventure; sometimes it’s about pressing pause and giving your body and mind a chance to rest.