Goodbye Longview

Dear Longview

You were a peculiar town to say the least. We thank you for being a central hub to the surrounding fun areas. We have done more things in the last three months than we have done in the last five years. We made a promise and commitment that we will be more active, eat healthier, and go explore every weekend. Thanks to you, we kept that promise and are happier for it.

We joined Mint Valley Racquet and Fitness Club where I rediscovered my passion for tennis, a sport that I have barely played in the past 10 years. It is here that I met Don and Fred, two retirees and they accepted me into their tennis gang. They gave us insights on good exploration locations and how to retire early. Technically, I am retired, but not a millionaire like they are. It is a funny dynamic in Longview, the rich live on top of the hill while the others live on the lower ground. It is almost like the Kings and Queens on the hill are looking upon their lower ground peasant neighbors.

Our two favorite places in Longview were the Mint Valley Club and Lake Sacajawea Park. We would describe the Lake as a more scenic Lake Arlington. We spent many nights walking and running around Lake Sacajawea.

Your selection of eateries ranged from McDonalds to Jack-in-the-Box which were always busy. During the tail end of our stay, when we closed our kitchen, we explored the local eateries of Fuji Japanese and a El Charrito Mexican Restaurant. Good thing we discovered those at the end, cause if we knew about the good food, we would have gone out to eat way too much and gain the freshman fifteen.

Work at Columbia Rehab was a daily challenge, as I experienced working with chronic pain patients, severe obesity, and a myriad of patients everyday.  Quirky coworkers kept me entertained daily.  I will miss carpooling with Dawn, a wonderful PTA, with an awesome sense of humor, and also a newby at Columbia Rehab.  Staff and patients alike were very friendly and welcoming.  

You gave us the opportunity to travel to local hot spots within a two and half hour drive. We were able to explore Mount Rainier NP, Mount St. Helens NP, Seattle, Long Beach, Portland, Battle Creek, Astoria (Goonies!), Cannon Beach, Seaside, Tillamook, Columbia River Gorge (SUP), Hood River, Mount Hood, Bend, Smith Rock S.P, Olympic NP, and Crater Lake NP.

We thank you again for being our first host city and perhaps our paths will cross again in the future.

Martha and VP