Forest Fire and Gridlock (Part 1)
I cannot think of two less desirable pairs, but this is what happened to us on the drive home. After countless hours and over 100 miles of total gridlock on I-5 we made it to a motel. About 2 pm in the afternoon, thinking hours ahead, but only 30 miles ahead on the freeway, I calculated we would reach the town of Roseberg, OR about 8 pm. So, I searched for motels, called a few and found one with a room available. I took it but insisted on paying for it over the phone. We made it in about 9 pm but the room was still available. At check in, the clerk said, “Boy, are you lucky you paid for this room in advance”. “We are sold out and have turned away dozens of people. The manager said we could not give away your reservation because it was paid in full.” I just thought to myself, not lucky at all.