Scott D. McLean, MD

Every day is a new day, the first day of an epic journey. Today we continue through my gap year, bridging the worlds of clinical genetics and writing.

My wife, Paula, and I spent a few days in Tacoma with family and a graduation. Our brilliant daughter-in-law, Tennessen, finished 2 years of training at the University of Washington and is now a Physician Associate. This week’s photo is Mt. Ranier piercing the morning clouds.

We flew last week to Philadelphia to take delivery of Milton, our 2023 Ford Transit Trail, which has been upfitted by Vanture Customs, the class B recreational vehicle “finishing school.” In April, when it was a mere shell – empty and cavernous – we drove it from San Antonio to Huntingdon Valley, PA, where Roman Darashenka and his crew have done some serious upfitting –  Scheelmann front seats, second-row seats, kitchen with a deep sink, big refrigerator, microwave, induction stovetop, shower, big bed, big storage area, called a “garage” in campervan vernacular. Big water and electrical, solar panels atop, light bar. It drives well, better than when it was a baby. We are putting in the finishing touches and taking it out for a spin. So far overnight in NJ farmland, Winchester MA, and now southern NH – very close to Lake Winnipesaukee. Lobster rolls and gin & tonics last night in Kittery, Maine. Tonight we will be a bit northeast of Albany, NY. The plan is to traverse North America – to the Pacific Coast, then back to Texas.

Writing: The MFA applications are done, except for one which can’t be submitted until next month. Poetry and non-fiction pieces submitted and waiting for agents and editors to come home from the Hamptons and render judgements. Reading to start this trip will include Maugham, Stephen King, and Steve Almond. With a hope for grace and no mechanical odysseys, I might write an essay and some observations.

“The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all the arguments for it, and become blind to the arguments against it.”

from Man and Superman, George Bernard Shaw