Thanksgiving Road Trip
in the R1S Rivian EV
Introduction
Ragnar
Rivian
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, and celebrate with loved
ones, and this year, Julia and I decided to embark on a road trip adventure to
San Francisco to spend the holiday with friends. The journey was made all the
more exciting by our new R1S Rivian EV, which proved to be a flawless companion
for our 1,500-mile odyssey. Packed with plans to reconnect with cherished
friends, explore cultural landmarks, and revel in the joy of the season, we set
off with high spirits and an eagerness for adventure.
The Drive to San Francisco
The morning we left Portland, the weather was crisp and
sunny—perfect for a road trip. Our R1S Rivian, sleek and fully charged, purred
quietly as we began our journey. Driving an electric vehicle adds a unique
layer of planning, with charging stops becoming part of the itinerary rather
than an inconvenience. The Rivian's range and efficiency made it easy to map
out our route, ensuring smooth transitions between charging stations.
Morning
near Ashland
Our first stop was in Ashland, Oregon, where we stayed at the
historic Ashland Springs Hotel. This charming hotel, with its rich history and
elegant design, provided the perfect respite after our day on the road. We
treated ourselves to a spa and massage, which melted away any travel fatigue
and left us feeling refreshed and pampered. Ashland’s quaint atmosphere and the
luxurious comforts of the hotel set the tone for the adventures ahead.
As we continued south, the scenery shifted from the evergreen beauty
of the Pacific Northwest to the rolling hills and vineyards of Northern
California. The R1S handled the varying terrains effortlessly, from mountain
passes to highways. Along the way, we marveled at how the EV technology
seamlessly integrated into our experience, from the intuitive navigation system
to the quiet, comfortable ride that allowed us to enjoy the road like never
before.
Thanksgiving in San Francisco
Arriving in San Francisco, the weather greeted us with cold but
sunny skies—a quintessential Bay Area autumn. Our first stop was Margo and
Tod’s home, where Thanksgiving dinner awaited us. Their home was warm and
inviting, filled with the scents of roasted turkey, spiced cider, and pumpkin
pie. Gathered around the table were Margo and Tod, their children, and their
mom and dad. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter, stories, and
gratitude for being together. Julia and I felt an overwhelming sense of
belonging as we joined in their traditions.
Friends
The following days were a whirlwind of delightful encounters and
culinary experiences. Lunch with John and Diane was a leisurely affair at a
charming vegan café in Berkeley, where we reminisced about past adventures and
caught up on each other’s lives. Dinner with Maeve and Eamon was equally
memorable, at their lovely home in San Francisco’s Castro district. Their
hospitality and humor turned the evening into one we’ll cherish.
Lunch with Stephanie and Rich reminded us of the hustle and bustle in
the South Bay. We caught up with everything going on in their lives and cherished
her amazing recovery. We even bumped into Sahra and Scot at the Ferry Building,
our neighbors here in Portland, who were also visiting San Francisco. We
enjoyed high tea with Jeff and Preethi and learned about their trials and tribulations
over buying a home in France. Finally, our dinner with Joe and Steve was perfect
and filled with animated discussions about Julia, Joe, and Steve’s shared past,
Joe’s book writing experience, and the beauty of human connection.
Exploring San Francisco
In between our social engagements, Julia and I made time to explore
the cultural and technological marvels of San Francisco. A highlight of our
trip was visiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). The museum’s
extensive collection of contemporary art left us in awe, from abstract
paintings to thought-provoking installations. Walking through the galleries, we
felt inspired and invigorated by the creativity on display.
Look
mom, no driver
Another unforgettable experience was riding in a Waymo self-driving
car. As technology enthusiasts, Julia and I were thrilled to see this
innovation in action. The ride was smooth and efficient, and it felt surreal to
watch the car navigate the busy streets of San Francisco without a human
driver. It was a glimpse into the future of transportation, and it sparked
fascinating conversations about how technology continues to reshape our lives.
The Journey Home
After a few wonderful days in San Francisco, it was time to head
back home. But our adventure wasn’t over yet. On our way north, we planned a
stop at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Klamath National
Wildlife Refuge. These natural sanctuaries provided a stark yet stunning
contrast to the urban vibrancy of San Francisco.
When we arrived in Merrill, Oregon, the town was enveloped in a
freezing fog. The landscape was transformed into a winter wonderland, with
every surface coated in delicate ice crystals. It was a magical sight, and we
spent the next day marveling at the quiet beauty of the frozen world around us. Eventually,
the weather cleared, revealing a pristine landscape bathed in sunlight.
Frozen Merrill
At the wildlife refuges, we were treated to a spectacular display of
nature. Bald eagles soared majestically overhead, their white heads gleaming
against the blue sky. Red-tailed hawks perched on frost-covered branches, their
keen eyes scanning for prey. The air was filled with the calls of waterfowl,
and we felt a profound sense of peace as we observed the rhythms of the natural
world.
Reflections on the Road
As we made our way back to Portland, the miles melted away beneath
the wheels of our R1S Rivian. This trip had been a perfect blend of technology
and tradition, of human connection and natural wonder. Our EV had performed
flawlessly, making the entire journey on electrons while delivering comfort,
reliability, and a sense of environmental stewardship.
Looking back, it was more than just a road trip; it was a
celebration of the things that matter most—family, friends, and the beauty of
the world around us. From the lively streets of San Francisco to the serene
landscapes of Oregon, every moment was a reminder of how fortunate we are to
share these experiences together.
Happy
New Year to you and Yours
Julia and I returned home with hearts full of gratitude and minds
buzzing with memories. This was our last trip for 2024, and as we welcome the
new year, we look forward to all its possibilities. The Thanksgiving road trip
had been an incredible adventure, one that reaffirmed our love for exploration
and our appreciation for the people and places that make life so rich.