Leaving Portland - headed toward Yellowstone - through Idaho

As we drive through the states, I begin to think about the many times I have flown over (in a plane, of course) and looked down upon Oregon, California, Wyoming, Idaho, Texas, etc., marveling at the complex patterns of land - weaved together like a beautiful, colorful, textured quilt and remember the many times I wondered what it would look like on the ground - in the middle of the quilt. Today, I know and these land patterns continue to amaze in ways that make it difficult to reveal through words. The best I can do is to continue providing photographs and to encourage you to diversify your travels in order that you too may see the majestic and sometimes surreal landscape of this country.

We continue to meet extra milers and fall in love with various communities and the people who inhabit them. Portland is a fun, active, and diverse community of smiling faces. People are typically extremely healthy - riding bikes to work and play, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, walking - well, anything that spells exercise and fun.

We left the relaxing beach house on the coast and stayed two days in Portland with Bruce and Cathy Kuehnl. I was able to meet delightful Lisa Green, Bruce's right hand in his business, EEO LOGIC, after talking on the telephone for several years. We met neighbors and what was interesting was that we met them naturally. The community in which the Kuehnl's live includes people who still walk outside their homes on a regular basis (several times a day!), talk, enjoy cocktails, and offer a helping hand when needed. They drop by just to say hello or to greet the new neighborhood puppy (or meet the people who have parked their huge RV on their quiet street). We met interesting and energetic friends and neighbors (I even found a soul mate with Mindy), ate at interesting and eclectic restaurants, shopped at the downtown farmer's market (unbelievable fresh fruits, veggies, cheeses, etc.), walked the streets of a community fair, and toured the Columbia Gorge waterfalls and countryside. I had no idea Portland had so much to offer. They seem to have the best of all worlds - the active downtown life of a large city with an active nightlife - and then also beautiful parks, trails, waterfalls, and rivers to enjoy within 30 minutes of the city. It truly is the best of two worlds.

We walked around downtown Portland with Bruce and Cathy and had dinner with a couple of my friends from Ankara, Turkey, Mike Neff and Tim Watkins. Tim brought his girlfriend Wendy, who is a Professional Physical Trainer - who can perform one-armed push-ups (yes, I was and am impressed). It was good to share time with my friends from Ankara. Cathy was kind enough to invite everyone, along with several neighbors, over for home-made fruit shortcake (and the fruit was fresh picked) and drinks. Everyone had a good time laughing and talking about old times (seems we do that more and more as the years go by and we have more to laugh and reminisce about...). It feels good to remember.

We were enjoying the diverse population and environment of Portland so much that we stayed an extra day - thanks Bruce, Cathy, (and Ash the cat who thinks she is a dog and Cypress - the sheepdog who thinks she is a cat) for taking us under your wings (and paws) and showing us the special place Oregon and Portland hold on our map. It was great. ~ Peace ~ Carol and Ke