Day 8 - The great Jubilee/Benedictine/48-state Pilgrimage of 2025!

It was hard to leave our dear Benedictines in Jerome, knowing we would not again see any of them on this side of the veil. Still, after sharing morning prayers, Mass, and breakfast (including some wonderful discussion with Brother Selby) it was time for our goodbyes. We also bid farewell to Brother Luis. There is a MSOW location at a parish in Columbus so, who knows, God's path is funny sometimes. We packed up and headed out on our next day of adventure. 

First, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise, ID. It took a bit of perseverance because, arriving after morning Mass, everything was locked up tight. Traveling always reminds me of how blessed we are here at home to have churches that are mainly open all day. How sad it was to have to walk down the street to fetch the secretary to let us in (but how kind of her to do so on another 100 degree day).

Definitely worth the wait. The monks at Assumption had clued us into the "canvas ceiling" here. Seriously, the secretary pitched it as being "like a covered wagon," a nod to the pioneers but, seriously, the ceiling is painted canvas. It's really quite odd - canvas where you expect to see stone/drywall/etc.!

Doesn't look like it but up close, definitely canvas!

We lit a candle for our favorite almost -11-year-old!

I promise, he stalks me - thank goodness!

From one of the kids cameras...kind of cool

We crawled back into the car to start our nearly 6 hour trip straight up Interstate 84. About an hour into the trip we were all grateful to check off our 47th state - we had made it to Oregon!

They were quite lacking in the giant, "Welcome to x State" signs we're used to.

Pressing on, we slowly made the drive North and West along the Columbia river. It was a beautiful drive - you can imagine the things Lewis and Clark would have witnessed along these same banks 200+ years ago. 

We were feeling a bit worn out from the car and then the landscape gave us a break. The rest of the trip, we looked straight ahead to our lodging for the night...Mt. Hood!

It would get even more spectacular as we went off the highway and onto the road leading up the mountain. At that point, we had 16.9 more miles up the mountain until we could settle for the night at Timberline Lodge. 

We were blessed to have a mostly clear day to see all the beauty of the area.

The lodge...again, if you're a hiker or love to be outside, this is your place. For me, I was just happy to get some dinner, get some sleep, and keep pushing West. Of course, our outdoor children took in all the sights!

These came with our charcuterie so I was good ;0)

This one - she will be a park ranger somewhere.

These three just wanted to swim 6,000 ft up a mountain (they didn't last long...the hot tub was better)

If you're wondering if you've seen this place somewhere before, it's entirely likely. 

They used the facade in a fairly famous movie (in the winter...when there was a lot more snow). Thankfully, there were no odd twin girls at the end of the hall or a toddler riding a big wheel. Also thankfully, the kids haven't seen it so they weren't too creeped out.

Even if they were, it was ok because we were all in the same room. Yes! This lodge has one room that has 6 bunk beds and a bath in one room. I have method to my madness. It was step one to acclimate to the downsizing we'd have to undertake tomorrow night. 

For tonight, we have beds, and food, and beautiful surroundings. We are blessed!