Time to say goodbye

I've been living with friends the month of July and August. They've all completed their AmeriCorps term and are leaving this weekend. I have been looking for a job since May. I've been fortunate to have all sorts of random things that fell into my lap that kept me busy until just a few weeks ago. I've been on the job hunt for a few months now. I love Western Washington. It is so beautiful. The people are nice. I feel at home. Despite all this, my career is a big part of my life and having one that is fulfilling is something I'm not willing to sacrifice any longer. I've been offered bedrooms at friends homes if I want to stay, but...I decided it's time for me to move on and try some new things.

I'm leaving Port Townsend today. I'm headed south to Mt. Rainier first and then Mount St. Helens. Then Portland to see/hike parts of the Columbia River Gorge, and Central Oregon to see relatives. Then to Crater Lake and the Redwoods. My path after that is very much up in the air. My friend and I were looking at the map last night -- I hope to make it to the Grand Canyon, and then parts of Southern Utah to see Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands. I'm hoping to I hear from some of the jobs I've applied to and will continue perusing websites and applying. I'm hesitant to go far from the west coast since I don't feel quite ready to leave --- and don't want to drive all the way back if I get a job over here. But, we can't plan out everything in life so I'll just have to wait and see what happens and "cross that bridge when it comes." If I haven't heard from any jobs after I get down that way, I'll probably start heading east, through Arizona and New Mexico, taking Route 40.

Looking at certain parts of the map is overwhelming, seeing areas of traffic or complete barrenness makes me feel quite anxious. If I do end up back in Pennsylvania, which right now, it's what I think about to keep a little sanity, I've got people there who will be waiting for me --- and I envision my bed at my mom's and that's comforting. I was thinking last night, I could just blow through like I did before and I'd be there in 4-5 days...but instead, I'm forcing myself to do something uncomfortable...yet adventurous. I'll learn something right? Here I go...