Enamoured with Oregon

So the hubby was away on a golf trip this past weekend and I finally got a chance to sort through the hundreds of photos we took on our recent road trip down the Oregon coast. Although it wasn’t that long ago, I already miss our time there and would go back in second – I was that impressed.

Never once have I come back from a trip thinking that I could move away from Vancouver (in British Columbia, not Washington state). Okay, maybe I have had such feelings before. There was Thailand, beautiful, exotic, adventure packed Thailand with its white sand beaches, clear blue waters, colourful wats and culture and of course the food. Who could forget about the delicious and cheap (added perk) food? We often joke about selling all our worldly possessions and just pick up and move to Thailand. I think we would survive for some time there on the proceeds from the sale of our condo. But then reality sets in and our bubbles burst. What would we do there when the money runs out or we (God forbid) get bored with just enjoying ourselves? I suppose David could work in the golf industry teaching or running a facility. But what would I do? I don’t think biotech is big in Thailand. And then there’s our family. They would be so far away… Thailand, sadly, is out of the question. In recent years, Maui and Cinque Terre (Italy) have also captured a place in my heart. Both seemingly very different places, though less exotic than Thailand, are beautiful and rich in culture in their own rights and both boost a slower, more relaxing pace of life. If it weren’t for the high cost of living and lack of job prospects, we might be experts in the hula or gelato making right about now.

And that leads me back to Oregon, my latest obsession. Oh where to begin? How can I convey to you my love of Oregon? Beautiful Oregon is much like Vancouver, but better, with its gorgeous coastline of fine, sandy beaches.

Oregon is a nature-lover and hiker’s dream, with combined hundreds, if not thousands (someone correct me if I’m wrong), of forests, parks and mountain ranges scattered throughout the state.

You will never have to worry about not having a place to sleep, so long as you have a sleeping bag and a tent.

Although for most of the time that we were there, the coast was marred by a constant haze that obstructed our views, there was still beauty all around us.

The Oregon coast is a kind of place to get lost and lose yourself.  It’s a place for exploration and a place where you never know what you will find.

There is an endless array of things to do on the coast from visiting historical sites, looking for sea lions and whales (we were only successful in seeing the former from afar), learning how cheese is made and taking a stroll through quaint little towns full of character.

If you are seeking something to raise your heart rate, you can go for a spin on an ATV at the amazing sand dunes.

And if you want some space to clear your head, it’s not difficult to find a private beach all to yourself.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more lively atmosphere, the big city isn’t far away.  Portland is eclectic and full of art and culture.

And finally, there’s all the good food, from the readily available fresh seafood to the abundant food carts and trucks offering yummy affordable eats.

More perks of Oregon?  Tax-free shopping and its proximity to family, which would be just a short train or car ride away.  I see no negatives with Oregon thus far. 😉

Have you, too, fallen in love with Oregon after this glimpse into my trip?

As I conclude this virtual trip down memory lane, I am beginning to realize that I have fallen in love with Oregon, not just for its beauty, activities and food, but also for the endless possibilities it represents.  This road trip has taught me, as cliché as it may sound,  that it’s really not about the destination, but how you get there.  So, why not just hit the road and see where it takes you?