We Borrowed Our Daughter’s Car

The Palouse region of Washington is known for its rolling hills of green and interesting barns. It’s also where our daughter, Rachel, lives. This is a chronicle of our morning visit with her.

Our goal this morning is to photograph barns. Our daughter had to work for a few hours, leaving us stranded. Luckily, she offered to lend us her car. As a parent this feels odd. Usually it’s the child who borrows the car (“Dad, may I have the keys please?”). A quick thought passed through my mind as she handed me her keys – turnabout is fair play. She said, “please take care of my baby.” Oh, I’ll take care of her baby. We set off for the morning with our tourist map, cameras, and a Subaru.

Our First Stop

On our way to our first stop, we saw a barn. Normally, we wouldn’t stop for such an easy target but this barn had a horse peaking out of its stable. I hit the brakes, leaving a little rubber patch. How many times had she done this with our cars? I parked on the side of the road, partway in a ditch.  We should be able to get it out – its a Subaru.

This barn is about as cliche as it comes – red paneling, horse, and fence.

Our Next Stop

Again, on our way to our first stop we came across an idyllic scene consisting of a creek, rolling green hills, a red barked tree, and a bridge. We parked the car on the side of a highway that had a very small shoulder. Hopefully, it won’t get hit by a passing truck, It’s a tough car – it’s a Subaru.

The only thing missing from this scene was a deer bounding through the field.

Our Next Stop

We left the safety of the highway for some gravel back roads. We are finally on our way to our first stop. After a few miles of gravel and dust, we found the abandoned house. We left the car in a small field of grass – a nice respite for the Subaru.

The barn was more interesting than the house. I really like the patchwork colored roof. We are now miles from any real civilization.

Our Second Stop?

We traveled the gravel road for awhile until it transitioned to just a dirt. The dirt road seemed safe. A mile or so later the road transitioned into partial grass. Obviously, it was a road less traveled. As we proceeded the grass got thicker, the road slowly disappearing before our eyes.

We came across some beautiful wildflowers next to a recently plowed wheat field. There was nowhere to park other than in the road itself, if you could call it a road. We got out of the car to notice Rachel’s Subaru was completely covered in dust. Had she ever returned our car cleaner than when she got it? I knew the answer to that question. 

Beautiful Lupines lined this newly plowed field. I like the patterns in the field.

The Trek Back

Knowing we had pushed the limits of safe driving, safe parking, and safe parenting, we decided to head back to the hotel. Maybe we can sneak in a car wash before meeting up with Rachel. Maybe not. We got back onto a real road and started to make our way back.

We then saw a nice looking yellow biplane flying low over the green fields, dusting the crops. What’s a little crop dusting to cover a fully dusted Subaru? We ditched the car on the side of the road and positioned ourselves for a few shots.

Instead of a wash, a cropdusting may be better. All the pathogens will be removed. The car (shown above) is now clean, in a sense.

Back to the Hotel

We were now late.  How fast can this baby get? We peeled onto the road and got the car up to 60 when we saw another nice looking barn. What’s another few moments? How many times was she late getting home? Curfews are for losers, so I was told.

Another nice barn, this time with cows.

We arrived back at the hotel without a moment to spare. We delivered her baby back to her, used, abused, and quite dusty. She didn’t seem to mind a bit. Can we borrow your car again? I got that look.

Remember, it’s all about the light!