Things I Miss (pt.2)

Mexico was a glipmse of the simple life I miss. Good people, good beer and the ocean. All that I feel is a necessity in Mexico. Now lets change it up. Up north about 14 hours of driving from Reedley, is a state that is just way too cool. We call it oregon, our neighbor to the north. Some people call it home. I have been there several times and got to soak in some of the culture a couple times. The most recent time was in Portland. A city with a ton of bridges, ton of rain, and a ton of cyclists. The town has a different feel to it that other big cities here in The Golden State. The overcast sky, the intimate streets with a slight overload of traffic and the abundance of people choosing the healthy commute ,rain or shine, on their bicycles. And by the way, a lot of people are in good shape. Larger percentage than we are used to here in the Valley. Only different thing about the people is how they all keep to themselves. Walking by coffee shops and restaurants most people were doing what they were supposed to be doing... eating/drinking. No lolli-gaggin for the Portland folk. I may be completely wrong but that is the vibe I took in. All in all its a fun city. Oh! another thing, Portland has the largest private bookstore in the country. Powell's city of Books, its a HUGE place its the 3 stories tall and the area of an entire city block then also a separate building that only has technical subjects. I went to town on this place. Any subject you can think of even sub-subjects. They will most likely have it. Prices aren't bad either, most of the books are used and still in good condition. 
Portland is a city that I highly recommend everyone to visit, closer than Seattle just as cool and a bit more sunny days too. No pictures in Portland, I was only there a couple days and first day I wanted to see if for myself without camera. Sorry.

Now I have to photos to share of the Oregon Coast. A couple years ago I was in Seattle with family, after those few days there we drove the spectacular scenic route to California along the Pacific Coast Highway. The altitude is the same as the coast in central California but way way more lush, I was up there in March or April. The place was way different than the outdoors I am used to here in the central Sierra Nevadas. Its so lush that moss grows everywhere and makes the scenery look and feel fresh. 

As we began to get closer to California we entered the Redwood forest. Its crazy how the geography is here. the ocean, cliffs, waves and sea wildlife is at the coast, then about 100 to 200 meters away are huge Redwoods and pines. To compare it to something here locally, would be like looking to the high sierras to your right then seeing the central coast to your left all in one spot. That is something that I am not very used to. Its a lot for your eyes to take in but not one bit overwhelming. We stopped in the forest to look for the former tallest tree in the forest, while walking around I noticed how dense this place is. It so dense that enormous hundred foot tall trees grow in the same area. Here is the picture of a huddle of trees sharing the same 5x5 meter patch of land and still being able to grow ridiculous heights for hundreds of years. 

I would love to return to this state with out a time limit and just be free to roam as I please. Its less populated, cleaner air, healthy people and many Subarus and bicycles. This is a place where a week or more would be needed to enjoy which may be a lot of time for most people to give. Though I still think you all should give it a try and visit, or at least read about the state and learn a little something about a place that is better than you think. 

Til next time. 
erick