I could have left school during my end of the day plan period, instead I stayed and got ready for Monday. I knew I had to get home quick, walk Lucy, then head out again for Rocket’s vet visit and transfer to his new owners. Yes, it was a rainy Friday afternoon, , but how bad could the traffic be?
Really bad, I thought as I merged onto Highway 26 after navigating the suburban roads that got me there. I quickly began to rethink my master plan. If we kept crawling along at less than 10 miles an hour I’d never be able to make it. I could just go straight to the vet, though that would probably get me there too early.
I kept driving in my lane and noticed that today, the other two lanes were moving faster. Although the lane I was in would take me my preferred route, I might have to take an alternate, I thought. I could change lanes and drive through downtown. As we continued to crawl along, I started checking my driver’s side mirror. Suddenly a space appeared and I moved into the lane to my left. Just one more lane to go. Another space, much larger, and I was driving the speed limit again.
I manoeuvred through the Pearl District, crossed the Broadway Bridge and then… flashing lights in front of me. A fire truck was sideways, blocking access. A big accident? I couldn’t see as I turned and took the detour.
I got home a little later than I’d hoped, but not as late as I feared I’d be. Poor Lucy, got a “hello”, a poop walk, and dinner. then I was out the door.
As I started driving towards the vet, another journey that required highway driving, I worried about the slow traffic I’d encountered on the way home. Fortunately, it was smooth sailing South on I-5. For drivers, going North, it was a different story. They were at a stand still. I filed that info for the trip home.
Everything went well at the vet. The new family was super excited. The daughter of the owner, who had been keeping Rocket was weepy.
I took an alternate way home to avoid the I-5 traffic jam. It looped me back to Highway 26, which, two hours earlier had been slow. By the time I returned to it, it was clear sailing home.
I remember I-5 and the sometimes crazy traffic frim the years I lived in Portland (and Battleground,Wa). Glad you got to the vet on time and had a smooth trip home.
It always seems the more in a hurry you are the more things work to slow yo down…traffic congestion, hitting all the red lights…accidents. Glad you weren’t too late getting home and the rest of the afternoon went well.
Traffic, always a challenge when you live in a city. The good thing is you know the roads well enough to reroute yourself. Glad it all worked out for the best.
Too bad you couldn’t have dictated your Slice of Life post while you were delayed in traffic!
You know the area so well! I always seem to get lost when I try to reroute. Getting through traffic is an art!
It is a rare occurrence to be stuck in traffic here or in slow traffic. Has to be an accident. I get antsy if I have to wait for a car passing by at the end of our lane. We jokingly call it a “traffic jam”! BUT IF there is somewhere to be and I am a little late, you can bet your boots there will be a slow driver ahead of me, and there’s NO safe places to pass where we live.
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Your traffic dilemma made me appreciate my 3 mile straight route to/from school – no traffic (except passing turkeys) no traffic lights. It sound like you are quite proficient at maneuvering your way – good luck.
That’s life in the fast lane – right? You’re struggling to complete a task, and boom! a literal road block! I’m happy for Rocket, but sad for the foster. Animal lovers have such big hearts. Thanks for sharing!
Ugh, I feel you through this post. I always feel like when I need to get somewhere quickly or am running behind that I get stuck behind the slow truck, etc. 🙂 I hope your return was smoother.
Your Friday traffic problems made me appreciate the fact that I no longer commute from Forest Grove to my home in NE Portland. Highway 26 always seems to be brutal on Friday afternoons. Even when you are not in a rush, on Fridays you just want to be home!
Commuting can be nerve wracking. It’s frustrating when traffic is slogged down and you have somewhere to be.
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