Murrs Across America

Stuart and Kate and Jane and Brady-
Your fellow Watershed Committee board members have arranged for you all to stay at the Cannery Pier Hotel in Astoria — (www.cannerypierhotel.com). Ron and I stayed at this hotel last fall and loved every minute of it. Your room faces the Columbia River channel, so you have the chance to watch huge freighters coming/going up the channel carrying oil, wheat/grain, cars, supplies, etc. to the ports in Portland. Be sure to get the ship schedule from the front desk to watch for the ships — the kids will love it! Also, be sure to look for the complimentary choc-chip cookies in the lobby when you arrive!

Justin should be at the front desk when you arrive on Sunday and knows about your journey and that this is your last night on the trip (he’s the one I talked to when booking your room). They know you will have bikes and 2 buggies and have storage available for all.

You are paid and confirmed for Sunday night; however, if you don’t make it on Sunday night, they can transfer the reservation to Monday night, although the room availability is rather slim for Monday night. If you need to change the reservation, call Justin at the # below.

We are all so proud of you guys and so excited to hear the stories when you get home. On this last night of your trip, sit back, relax, and enjoy the huge pride of accomplishment of completing your dream!! You have done what many others only hope to do!

We all hope you enjoy this wonderful hotel!

With lots of Springfield hugs and high-fives!!
Leslie, Bill, Ted, Mike

Earl and Judy are friends of Elaine, Stuart’s mom. Earl sent Elaine this note the other day after visiting our website. (I added a little punctuation, Earl. Hope you don’t mind that I share it here. It taught me a lot, and I thought others might enjoy the read.)

“Hi, WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!!! I wish I had the guts to do that, It certainly sounds like something which would make an indelible impression on your life and create memories which will be with you forever. It does sound crazy, but why should you live your life without doing something which you would live the rest of your life regretting that you never did. Thinking back over my life, I have regrets of things which I have had opportunities which I never pursued because I was to conservative and listened to people who thought they had better insights than I.

“They sound like they have thought this out and have it well planned. OF Course there are dangers, but isn’t life full of what ifs and regrets for things which we have done and for things which we haven’t. What a great time to bond with your children and maybe instill in them something that will be with them for the rest of their lives.

“Life is not just about doing the mundane and never venturing out on a limb. Maybe that’s where I am, full of regrets and becoming an old man who looks back to much.

“Longfellow said it thusly in the “Psalm of Life”: “Trust no future however pleasant, Let the dead past bury is dead, Act, Act in the living present, Heart within and God overhead.”

“Put them in Gods hands and as the hymn writer wrote: “Be not dismayed whatever betide. God will take care of you.”

“What more can we do? The prayer of a righteous man availed much, I may not be all that righteous but they will be in our prayers, and so will you.”
Earl