The trip began via craigslist ride share. Inexpensive, but uncomfortable. My boyfriend and I spent most of the ride crammed into the back sit while our driver listened to talk radio and ate Jack in the Box. He finally let Paul drive outside of Portland. It wasn’t an opportune shift; the sun was rising.

We arrived in Wallingford, Seattle at 9am greeted by our very enthusiastic friend Wally. He was undeterred by the fact we hadn’t slept; he made us huge frittatas and shuttled us out the door for the most active day on absolutely no sleep in our lives.

We started on foot. And Stayed on foot for a very, very long time. About three miles and two frisbee games later we arrived at Lake Washington. “Wanna rent a canoe?” Wally asked. I love boats, so of course I acquiesced even though every bone in my body was already aching. Regardless, it was a great idea. We picked up the boat by UW campus marina and paddles our way to the popular local beach and got out to swim.

Our endurance test wasn’t over. After returning the canoe we walked back to Wallingford, stopping for a pitcher of beer on the way. We were taken to a barbeque thereafter (also a long walk!) where we fell asleep on a couch.