Scenic Routes and a hootenanny

Catherine
Catherine
Jul 23, 2017 · 3 min read

July 22

As you can tell from the title, today took a turn for the unexpected: I wound up in Idaho at my very first hootenanny. Apparently, that is another word for “shindig.” See, Mom and Dad, I am learning things on this trip! But first, let me make sure you know how I got out here.

I left Seattle and the MacAulay’s this morning (5 star hosts, and I was very sad to say bye to Henley) to meet Karen, a PT at SRC/PENNAC/UW, who I got in touch with through Olivia. Once again, it goes to show just how small the rowing world is, and how willing people are to connect when they know of mutual friends (or sisters). Then I got to see an old friend (as in, I’ve known her for a long time, not that she is elderly; she is my age), Abby, for brunch. After two very nice visits, I was on my way to Pullman, WA. The mountains got a little closer and a little more grass-covered on my journey, and the drivers definitely got more frustrating the farther east. I’ve learned now, apparently Idaho drivers are not the best… I had a very interesting experience with one red subaru. Driving behind me, she (I thought it was a woman, can’t be sure from one glance though) tried to pass three cars at once. Spoiler: it wasn’t successful, and she had to cut in front of me to come back safely into the lane. Then once in front of me, she kept putting her hands in the air (the universal what are you doing buddy gesture), swerving to the left to try to pass, and of course, tailing. After several minutes, or at least two songs on my playlist, she zipped out and sped around this slow driver into the highway ahead. Then, once I also passed the slow car and caught up to her several minutes later, she kept speeding up and slowing down, almost to a full stop at one point like she was turning (but with no turn signal I might add). I’m telling you, some people are just not cut out for this whole driving thing. And I can say this, because I’ve been driving for almost 7 years now, so I really know what I’m talking about.

But back to the hootenanny. I arrived in Pullman, and I’m staying with my former rowing coach and now just friend Corrie. Two of her friends had gotten married the week before, and were having their wedding reception tonight, and said sure, of course Catherine can come! So we moseyed on over to Troy, Idaho, where we ate BBQ, drank beer, and sang and danced to the live band. If I was looking for new experiences, I think I found one. The reception was in the backyard of the bride’s parents’ house. They had cleared the garage to make room for food, and cleared the farm equipment to make room for a dance floor. It felt like I had stepped into an old country movie! Certainly different than Saturday nights at Princeton, but I got to meet some fun people and drink some local cider, so what more could I ask for??

Until next time,

xoxo

Catherine

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