Oregon

After finishing up my season in the Canyons, I flew up to Portland to visit some friends from Japan and explore a bit in NW Oregon. It is an absolutely gorgeous area, especially in the summer, and I am quickly growing fond of the city--so much so that I am considering moving there at some point next year. Lush, beautiful neighborhoods, great parks and riverside boardwalks, progressive, uncrowded, super-bike friendly, hip and weird, excellent music and food, and wonderful access to everything I enjoy outside...hiking, cycling, fishing, snowboarding, kiteboarding, the coast, even some great hot springs within an hour or two drive.

Below are some photos



The Hawthorne Bridge, spanning the Willamette River



Mountain wildflower in a meadow, below Mt. Hood




Mt. Hood, peering down on our afternoon alpine idyll



Afternoon on the Oregon coast



On Eagle Creek, a rainbow beneath the dripping rocks



Old Man's Beard in the sunlight and evergreens