Cat’s Out of the Bag

Jill's Journal: The secret is out. This probably surprises no one but us, but we have fallen in love with Oregon. It’s not Maine, but what can possibly be as grand as Maine? With Maine, we fell instantly, madly, deeply, crazy, head-over-heels in love. Oregon has been different. It’s been a slowly-building appreciation that has gradually turned into love.

Oregon is an awfully nice substitute for all the glory and wonderment of Maine. We have enjoyed it tremendously.

We came into the state with no expectations and very little knowledge about the 10th-largest state. Now even the kids can rattle off random facts like Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are the three states that once made up the Oregon Territory. Some of British Columbia was originally part of it also, but was ceded to England. Oregon officially became a state in 1859, not long before the Civil War. It is said she entered the Union to help balance the slave vs. non-slave states.

Enough of that. But after all this time, we sort of feel like “locals.” Proud locals, at that.

We’d thought it would take us somewhere between four to six weeks to cover Oregon and then we’d move on. Instead it’s been twelve weeks and we’re truly sad to go.

Plus we’ve finally gotten used to not pumping our own gas. We’ve certainly gotten used to not paying sales tax. We’ve grown accustomed to the natural beauty, the friendly people, the mild weather, and the easy-going lifestyle. And Madelyn, in all her wisdom, really likes the Tillamook yogurt and other dairy products here. (“These are the best we’ve had so far; we should move here someday.”)

Who knows what the future holds for us and we certainly have many more foreseeable years of traveling left, but Oregon goes on “the list.”

*Disclaimer: We haven’t been to Montana yet! We’re pretty certain we’re going to love Montana.