A few things remain

Primarily been in Portland area the last few days.  We made it in time for the Rose Festival, basically just a big carnival along the river.  Really pretty fun, we rode the Scrambler in honor of Mike Birbiglia (a must watch if you dig comedy).  Not bad for a first night.  Checked out Rogue brew pub, still the jam.  Then hit up Powell's bookstore (got the new Augusten Burroughs, so far it is seriously badass - though I need to finish White Oleander still.  It's just so heavy!!)  We also had a quick diner breakfast then went out and killed Multnomah Falls, 10 miles of amazing.  Green and water everywhere.  The orchids were in bloom in the backcountry and not a soul to be seen.  Priceless.

I've been having some tough thoughts lately.  It's been difficult to acknowledge that memories travel with you wherever you go.  Sometimes it feels like I freed myself from chains only to run off a cliff.  I'm nervous about finding work, and anxious about where.  I suppose we have to admit that the only certainty is that it is unknown, and to utilize what we've learned along the way.  But at the same time approach every moment as a new moment and not let the definity of the past tinge the present.  An opportunity, as always, will present itself.  There is a clear difference between simple and easy, and I know that what comes is defined simply but will certainly not be easy.

Alright, some pretty pictures.  Sorry.


This is Dani and Meg.  Meg is the WONDERFUL lady that opened up her home in Bend and caused all this angsty decision process to begin with.  It was a very stellar stay.

Night 1 in Portland.  The pretty lights are the Scrambler.

I have no idea what this sign means but don't ride your bike in holes.

Start of the Falls hike.  This isn't Multnomah, it's just up the road.  It starts our loop.

Columbia River Gorge.

This is primarily all the Falls hike for the next few.  Lots of green.  Tons of water.

I'm pretty sure these were Orchids.  Almost purple, very deep blue.

Columbine.  Tons of these the whole trips.

Tons of orchids.

Top of Multnomah looking down.

Bottom of the Falls.  Pretty ubiquitous photo but still stunning.

Cannon beach.

These suckers are huge - about 10 inches across.

Bryce Canyon?  No, just a sand castle we found.

Ecola State Park.  No camping unfortunately.

Giraffe.  Or a stick or something.

I accidentally made art.

Watched a sunset to the west and turned around to these guys.  Massive elk, take a peek at the last one by the park picnic table.