The last four days have consisted of a series of ups & downs – long hills and cooler weather.  Portland was a terrific stop and due to a the TV interview and trip to Adidas headquarters, the distance covered was lower that normal yesterday. We entered Washington State – feels terrific!  Also have a special visitor coming to join the run for a few days.  Wonderful to have Aunt Carla & Kyle along!!

Jun 7th, (Day 44)
total distance 37.4 km / 23.24 miles

start: Heritage Tree Park, Portland, OR
stop: NE 249th St, N. Vancouver, WA
total distance achieved to date: 2031.8 km / 1262.5 miles

Went through Portland in early morning traffic dressed as Poseidon. Jackie Labrecque from KATU TV did an interview at the south end of Steel Bridge. Thank You Jackie and the folks at KATU. Had some fun chats with people along the boardwalk who recognized the costume right away. Portland is a perfect city for running and cycling, plenty of cycle / running only lanes. Took a side trip to Adidas Headquarters to thank them for developing a shoe out of recycled ocean plastics. Thank you Portland for the warm welcome and interest in the Ocean Rescue Run cause!

Later, ran through Vancouver, WA, stopping at NE 249th St. Took a vehicle trip from there to Big Fir Campground where we could shower, clean the van, do dishes.

Jun 9th, (Day 46)
total distance 64.8 km / 40.26 miles

start: Castle Rock, WA
stop: South of Bucoda, WA
total distance achieved to date: 2166.6 km / 1346.26 miles

Was wonderful seeing Carla and husband Kyle this morning. They arrived after sleep time, so after a short visit, we planned the day’s route.  Traveled through farmland mostly for the first 1/2 of the day, past Napavine and on through Chehalis and Centralia.  Mostly rainy day, some lightening and hail. Found a beautiful park for dinner, dry out & sleep, despite being beside train tracks – with a busy, all night schedule.

Jun 10th, (Day 47)
total distance 66.1 km / 41.07 miles

start: South of Bucoda, WA
stop: Parkland, WA
total distance achieved to date: 2232.7 km / 1387.33 miles

Beautiful misty morning to start the day, began at 7 am. Ran through Rainier & Yelm on to Parkland, WA. Great trail run from Tenino to Yelm. The run is now just 10km south of Tacoma, and should be through Seattle by end of day!!

To raise awareness on the effects of plastic waste in our oceans and funds for waste management solutions in Raja Ampat, Friendly Drifter Co-Founder David Pennington continued the Ocean Rescue Run on June 2nd, 2017 in Reedsport, Oregon and plans to finish in Vancouver, Canada. The route was chosen to connect ocean coasts, remove international boundaries and bring attention to this global issue.  “Some of our western technologies, plastic culture and production have had serious negative impacts on the environment, all over the world.  I feel we have a responsibility to create solutions for areas ill-equipped to deal with the waste issues.” states David. Last year David ran from the US/Mexican border to Reedsport, Oregon – where the run was suspended due to an infection in his foot. Beginning where he left off, the Ocean Rescue Run will comprise of approximately 2700 km / 1740 miles. If you have the means and wish to participate please visit the Go Fund Me website.  Additional details and more information on our program can be located on our Home and Participate pages.  News and articles can be found on the Media link. Thank you!