For someone who rarely repeats a vacation destination, it does seem odd that Eric and I have now visited the Oregon coast three times. Once in 2010, then in 2020 amidst COVID and hurricanes, and now in 2023. We have zero ties to this state and don’t know anyone who lives here (other than social media acquaintances). So what keeps bringing us back?
Travel destinations are emotional
Where we travel is deeply tied to our emotions, at least for Eric and I. While cost often determines whether or not we end up going, the initial desire for a specific destination always begins with some emotional need. Looking back at the time periods that we’ve visited Oregon, all three of those years were times of significant change. In 2010 we had moved back to Louisiana and both had new jobs. You know what happened in 2020 and our trip this year follows my retirement from libraries and precedes two epic trips that will be slightly out of our comfort zone. Which brings me to the next reason we keep choosing Oregon.
Oregon is our comfort place
No doubt about it, the Oregon coast is our happy place. We can fly to Portland or Eugene, easily leave the city and quickly arrive at the coast. In Oregon, my hair can be as frizzy as it wants to be, I never feel compelled to wear make-up and I can wear the same clothes every day and no one will notice (or care). Actually, if they do notice they’ll probably high-five me for not being wasteful. Which leads me to another reason we love Oregon.
Oregonians will save the world
I seriously believe that if everyone on the planet lived like most Oregonians, global warming would not be an issue, there wouldn’t be giant islands of trash in third world countries and the oceans would still be clean. Do you remember Earth Day celebrations when you were in school? You know, the one week a year when we all learned to Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose? Most Oregonians (at least all the ones we’ve met) practice this every day — it’s a normal way of life. And I don’t mean the “plastic NEVER touches these Botoxed lips” kind of thinking you see on the west coast. I mean the kind of living where people live in small homes with vintage furniture. Where the haute couture is old and repurposed. Where the Airbnb rentals have hair dryers that were used in the movie set for Grease. Lest you think this is just those liberal city folks, not so fast. Southern and eastern Oregonians are just as practical and have an even deeper appreciation for simple living. Which brings me to my final note.
Oregon is a fascinating microcosm of America
The culture wars are always on display in Oregon and it seems like everyone is an activist for something here. I find it fascinating to eavesdrop in a cafe or restaurant and it’s always fun to see how quickly road signs and bumper stickers change the minute you start driving south or east. While these opposing viewpoints may be frustrating to some, I find it refreshing that Oregonians care. Nothing scares me more than apathy.
Eric and I spent a lot of time reading on this trip, partly because it rained EVERY DAY but also because we had time. Time to create, to let our minds wander and time to just goof off. We squeezed some hikes in between the rain and discovered several new favorite trails (which I’ll share in the next post). It was cold, stormy and almost perfect except for the day Eric nearly died (which I’ll also share in the next post).
Until next time…
