Wednesday, 12 September 2001 | Flying, etc.

It was the first thing I thought of when I woke up; first came the images from TV, then came the recognition that my brain didn't invent this story in my sleep last night. And now I'm thinking of my own decision to fly on Thursday, the first day passenger flights resume. I considered driving back, and had even made all the arrangements to do so, mutedly excited about revisiting incredible countryside, watching strange colors and shapes and buffalo pass by my window, chatting about world news with old men and women in lost gas stations and Waffle Houses, rolling down the windows and turning up music, conversing and experiencing. Dreading the pressure to make it back in four days, switching drivers until muscles and eyes demand we pull over, unable to stop in Yellowstone or the Badlands or Chicago except to stretch or to sleep, spending money for gasoline and greasy food. Two outside votes for flying, claiming driving is irresponsible and emotional. Two outside votes for driving, claiming driving is smarter and safer. I hope I'm doing the right thing.

Yesterday I wandered around Portland with Martin and Nate, attempting to find some sort of community or explanation. No one seemed really sure what to do, everything too superficial and forced, yet doing nothing, helpless and pointless.

I've posted some comments about yesterday's events from friends in various places. Have a look.