Oregon by far has been one of the most beautiful states I have ever seen. From the state line the highway is weaving and winding through mountains, parallel to streams and revealing many mysteries around the next bend. Home of the Oregon Trail, many of the highways follow the original route taken by settlers all of those years ago and its apparent by abandoned homesteads where many tried and failed to make a life out here.
The signs of attempted industry are out here as well, as we turned a bend and found this factory. Everytime I see these structures I think, “There’s a story there.”
Being on the road, you get to see many strange and interesting things. One day I saw a lone calf in a field and feeling for his situation, began telling the tale of how this poor calf came to be so alone and lonesome. By the time I finished, James looked at me and said, “You just told that calf’s story.” As a result, we’ve developed a little game we call Story Time. At any time one of us will point at something we see and spontaneously tell a story about whatever we see. We’ve had a few interesting results out of this game so far.
But back to the industry. Along the road there are a number of gas stations, odd ball road side stops that have all together been left to the weather, a result of developing traveling technology and the busy traveler not needing to stop as much as they used to. It’s quite sad, actually because I’m endlessly fascinated in the mom and pop roadside stand. What they don’t have in variety, they make up for in character. (a perfect example of this was in my Idaho post)
Having made our way to the north end of the state, the view breaks out into tree-filled mountains with the breathtaking Columbia River. There’s more life this way, with a resort, camp ground or cabin every few miles and I don’t blame them with such an incredible view. While you drive by, if you look, you’ll notice a tiny waterfall every few miles coming off the mountain; Just one of many small and beautiful things to add to the grandeur of the place.
This part of the country seems to get so much rain that there is green everywhere. This electric green moss grows on all the trees and old walls they can find, and open land becomes home to the largest ferns I’ve ever seen, next to the ones my Grandmommy keeps on her back porch on the farm.
Part of the way through the trip, we came down a steep mountain and I got a glimpse of what God must see as He looks down on us.
Then we make it to Portland, mecca of civilization in all this wilderness. Stopping for a bite to eat, we decide to test the local fare by visiting a pie place called Shari’s. Best. Food. Ever. (James’ words). The waitress was incredible, the food delectable, and the pie was heavenly (I had the smore galore. SO decadent!) They had strawberry lemonade with chunks of strawberry floating in it that was so delicious AND they offered free refills. The soup and sandwich were hearty and melted away any chill the weather provided. Don’t take our word for it, just check out their website.
Our views of Oregon were far from over as we got a new load taking us to Washington. We got to back track a little bit the way we came, getting a real second chance at more beautiful shots of the Columbia.
Next time, Soaking Wet in Washington!
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