Oregon Back Country Discovery Route

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

~ Robert Frost

Rover roll call was at 4 a.m. this year – a new record for us. Despite such an early start to the day, rover trips are fast becoming how we slow down our summer pace. We spent four days on the Oregon Back Country Discovery Route watching wildlife, listening to side splitting stories, and talking – about anything. Meals and camp prep set our rhythm in between sections of the trail. A beautiful trail, the Discovery Route runs the length of Oregon from CA and into WA state. We meandered a section lacing its way through the Ochoco and Malheur Mountains.

Fuel stop - Sisters Bakery

Learning how to open and close cattle gates.

  

A shepherd and his flock on national forest land.

Ah, to turn around and go back the way you came.

Fire Look Out Tower

The road was no problem, but a tree that might hit the roof top tent must be dealt with.

Pisgah: Highest Peak, Lowest Look Out

As we re-enter civilization, the speed of life once again catches up with me. No more snail's pace of 5-10 mph, but a full throttle 70 mph. All I can manage our first afternoon back is 58 mph - on a two lane country road. Everyone is racing by me. Eventually, my foot finds “fast mode” again on the pedal, and I ponder as I drive.

Why do we so often choose to set a pace that is unsustainable, for both ourselves, each other, and our planet? What is gained by setting a pace that rarely anyone can keep up with, much less enjoy?

Slowly, I'm realizing I'm most happy and useful when I slow down and listen for God's voice telling me which way to go. Each day, many crossroads fly by, and many detours are offered. Is that way a short cut to my destination? Might I get there faster? Will that way save me time? Maybe the long way around is best; though it's tempting to take the short cut. I must slow down in order to hear the question: In our hurry, are we saving time, buying time or just throwing time away?

So often, I act like I'm running out of time, but am I really? Maybe the best use of my time, is the long way around. The long way around is rich with special moments and special people. The long route requires time, patience, and effort, but it opens my eyes to new realities. That's the route I'm looking for.