Back from Oregon, hotter than the dickens with no immediate relief in sight, Real World, Nebraska in July style.
It was an eye opening trip, some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. I’ve ever seen. The ocean on one side, mountains on the other, the Umpqua National Forest in the middle. Crater Lake, breathtaking in scale and hue. Great seafood, great beer. Friendly people. My dear sweet Alli gives it two thumbs up and is looking forward to starting school there in September. Another thing that we saw in abundance that was new to her; hitchhikers. We saw more thumbs up in a little over 500 miles of driving than I’ve seen in the last 20 years combined. And that’s cool. I did a lot of it as a young man and it reminds me of a simpler time and the better side of humanity. A true expression of freedom, the connection of open road and open mind. Relying on the goodness of others, something there is just too little of these days.
Some photos from the trip:
Pre died the same month I graduated High School. I took the time to visit much of his hometown including his high school and favorite training routes.
I also made it out to Pre’s Rock on Skyline Drive in Eugene, the site of his car crash.
There are monuments and plaques all around Coos Bay commemorating the town’s most famous native son.
The rugged coast is dotted with secluded little inlets like this, perfect for a picnic and a picture.
The native wildlife also contribute to the natural beauty of south central Oregon.
A hike up to Fall Creek Falls rewarded with a nice cool soaking of tired legs.
Crater Lake has some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Awe inspiring hardly does it justice.
This trip is a memory Alli and I will always share. Time together, the root of happiness, the type of trip every parent and child should make at least once in their lives.
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