Life Lessons from the First Days of the First Leg of the Goodbye Cruel World Tour

Apparently, it's never too late to learn something new. Two days on the road for the first leg of the GCW tour have taught me few things. 

So here's the rundown on what I've learned so far, most of which likely falls under the category of "common sense."

Lesson #1: 

Do not return to places where you once had good times with significant others that no longer find you significant. All things considered, it's rather depressing. 

Cape Disappointment State Park, 

a great place to camp with your significant other.

Lesson #2: 

Ultimately, life comes down to choices and priorities. I don't know how much time remains for me -- but , really, who actually does? -- but cancer does force you to recognize that the time's not infinite, so you've got to make choices about where and how you'll spend it. Every choice you make precludes some other option.

Cannon Beach, 

a very pretty spot which I will likely not see again.

Lesson #3: 
Winter is not the season for coastal road trips in the Pacific Northwest, unless you like fog.

The Oregon Coast, 

and one of the clearer spots we found.

Lesson #4: 
A little advance planning can sometimes save you a lot of hassles. 

Highway 101 between Newport and Coos Bay, 

approximately 50 miles south of the last east-west access road and 

about four miles north of the next east-west access road.

Unfortunately, we were headed south...

Lesson #5:
But surprises can be fun, too.

Highway 34 in Oregon from 101 to I-5,

a pretty road and very fun to drive

(hidden so you can discover it for yourself).