Yes, it’s been exactly one year since I was laid off from what I know now, though didn’t know then, my final chapter of traditional employment. While it took me a month to recover from my surprise and frustration, I know now how much I’ve gained. And how fortunate I am, something not everyone feels in their post work era.

Russ and I are taking the week to reflect in some of our most beautiful places; hiking, thinking, reading. And yes, if you know me, you understand writing settles my brain. It’s no surprise that my sleep, blood pressure and mood have improved, slowly at first, during the past 12 months. This we know: workplace stress impacts us, and sometimes we don’t even realize how much until we’re “out of there.” For years I’ve pushed back on organizations relying solely on worker resiliency to keep them safe, productive and healthy at work. In my own “n=1” this assertion fails – I am a highly resilient person. And yet, all those things that we know making work tough (poor supervisory relations, lack of psychological safety, misunderstanding job duties) personally impacted me.

But…I have moved on

And as Russ and I headed out of town, I was reminded of a trip from my past.

This week we are reminding ourselves to let serendipity rule. I embrace the joy and freedom of time, a sad rarity for many. And as it always does, it too showered me with connections: from fellow author Sandy Cereghino who shared bits about the ghost town Shaniko, an employee at Betty’s Books in Baker City (who shared biz concerns with the loss of so many BLM and USFS community members), and Dave at Cornucopia Lodge. More about Dave later.

After heading past Mount Hood, we opted to drive 216 to Maupin followed by 197 and 97 to the ghost town of Shaniko. Before entering “town” we pulled over to take in – all visible simply by craning our necks – a tip of Mount Rainier and full views of Mounts Adams, Hood, Washington, Jefferson and the Three Sisters. While the town of Antelope is better known by some as the once home of the Rajneesh, Shaniko’s heyday was spurred when in 1900 it was built as the terminus of the subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad (Columbia Southern) from Biggs Junction. It was known as the wool capital of the world. But by 1911 an alternative route linking Portland and Bend diverted traffic and Shaniko began to decline with rail service ending in the early 1930s. It was first called a ghost town at the 1959 Centennial Exposition in Portland.

Onward we continued through the John Day Fossil Beds and Painted Hills as we made our way to the towns of John Day and Prairie City. It’s a good region to travel with a geologist!

Another trip I will make sure not to pass through the town of John Day on a Sunday so to be able to visit the Kam Wah Chung Interpretive Center (and hopefully someday a newly built visitor’s center.) The Kam Wah Chung original building is recognized as a National Historic Landmark honoring the company as the best and earliest known example of a Chinese mercantile and herb store in the U.S.

After a night in the special Prairie City Hotel, Russ and I were ready to revisit the Strawberry Mountains, a spot we backpacked with our own kids just as I did as a child. We were saddened to learn of the significant cuts to USFS staff supporting this region, like in other areas.

“Where am I goin’? I don’t know

Where am I headin’? I ain’t certain.

All I know Is I am on my way.

When will I get there? I ain’t certain.

All that I know Is I am on my way!”

I first saw the musical Paint Your Wagon at Lincoln High, hoping I too might get cast in one of those old musicals I know so well. Later, we (disappointedly) watched the movie after hiking with our kids up a drainage used during the filming of the movie (the one where Clint Eastwood sings). For decades I’ve hummed about the wind Maria and a wandering star.

So back to Cornucopia and Dave. Cornucopia once was a thriving gold mining town, most buildings now long gone. Never heard of it? Just 16 miles north of Halfway Oregon, tucked up in the Wallowa Mountains.

Dave and his partner operate the Cornucopia Pack Station and support the operation of the Cornucopia Lodge. Dave knows all things about living off the grid, and his ability and knowledge impressed us. Although the lodge wasn’t fully open for the season, Russ and I were quite happy to “rough” it.

When I told Dave how my writing and life outlook honors the serendipity of connection, he initiated an impromptu high five. (I promise!) No, not everyone would understand.

And then we hiked. Even staying a second unplanned night, before we head off to camp for three more days accessing the Wallowas from the Imnaha River. Our hiking compatibility is something Russ and I have shared over our decades together. Yes, his love of maps sometimes tests my patience when I just want to get going, but I have to admit he always knows where to go, trail or not. And that I appreciate!

And now we’ll leave Wi-Fi, cell and hot showers for a few days of camping. And more wandering. Not sure where I’m going but with a guy who loves his map, no need to worry.