Waterfall Wednesday - Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of those places you take all out-of-town visitors when they come to see Portland. I’m taking my visitors this weekend and I can’t wait to see it again myself. As my time in Portland comes to an end, I’m thankful that this staple feature is nearby and that I could just drive out and see it and the many other waterfalls within an hour of the city. I did not take any of these natural wonders for granted, and plan to be back as often as time allows. Cheers!

This is the first time I saw the falls - December 2012.

Framed by fall color in November 2021

A view from the top down, the first time I hiked to the top back in September 2022

Late summer trickle, first day of fall Sept 2022

Spring water back in March 2024

#ForestFriday - Deschutes National Forest

I recently visited the Deschutes National Forest and walked along the river. It was busy, but still peaceful for the most part. Go far enough one direction, and the people thin out. The smell of pine, baking in the sun, was beyond amazing. I can’t wait to get back!

Tuesday Truths

Here are some more of my “truths” or opinions or whatever you want to call them. You didn’t ask for them, but I’m providing them anyway.

• Being cold is better than being hot. Always. I’d rather have to add layers than be miserable and sweaty.

• Freshly ground coffee is better than any other form of coffee.

• I love the sound of a vinyl being played, but the whole concept is just pretentious and snobby now.

• Mornings along a river in Montana are superior.

• Earl Grey is the superior caffeinated tea.

• iPhones are no longer innovative and are now just a money grab. (and that’s coming from ME “mr. new phone every year”)

• Being overly cautious seems as dangerous as not being overly cautious - you just have more anxiety.

• Children do not belong at breweries, distilleries, or bars. I was raised in a bar, I would know.

• The outdoor places are overrun by snobby assholes who can’t say “on your left” when biking past you. Prove me wrong, I dare you!

#WayBackWednesday - Multnomah Falls #WaterfallWednesday

I know it was just the beginning of March, but I wanted to share some photos from Multnomah Falls when Megan was in town. The falls were roaring and the snow was snowing. Have a great Wednesday.

#ForestFriday - Crater Lake NP

I now live in Oregon and I’m so excited to be two hours closer to the gem known as Crater Lake. Enjoy some photos from my visit last fall when I went down on a whim:

#MondayMotivation - Perfect, even when it's not

Things are perfect right now, even if they’re not. I have debts I wish I didn’t have, people are gone who I wish weren’t, and plenty of other stressors that matter only in a moment. I have great friends, a solid roof over my head, a cool city around me, a beautiful state out and beyond, and a job that will get better as I continue to acclimate.

I was driving along the coast (the Oregon Coast) on Sunday and I realized, this is a DREAM COME TRUE. I’ve wanted to live in Oregon since I first drove through in 2008. I remember one morning, on the 2008 road trip, waking up to the fresh smell of sea air and lush trees and thinking I want to be here someday. I applied for jobs in Oregon from that moment on, with nothing landing. Fast forward to 2024, and now I’m becoming a resident of the state and I live less than two hours from the splendor of the Pacific Ocean.

Things will work out, level off, and become kind of normal in the cycle. LIfe keeps moving, so it’s always perfect in that moment. I do believe that you can’t appreciate the good without a little perspective, not saying we all need tragedy or anything, but a little perspective goes a long way.

Driving through the snowy coastal range, having to take it slow and be patient (not my strong point), made getting to the coast even better. Despite the constant rain and snow, the experience reminded me of the times before. It felt fresh, smelled good, and sounded familiar.

Get through your shit however you do, but know there are good things out there for you. Trust the journey.

Come visit me in Oregon and I’ll take you to the coast and we’ll get a flight of ice cream from the Tillamook Creamery. Pairing the ice cream with the fresh sea air will solve everything.

#ForestFriday - Umpqua National Forest

I visited Crater Lake National Park back in October but a secondary highlight was spending time in the Umpqua National Forest. Oregon forests are spectacular with huge trees, waterfalls, and plenty of trails. Enjoy a few photos including Whitehorse Falls, Salt Creek Falls, and Clearwater Falls. Happy Friday and have a great weekend.

#WBW - Multnomah Falls

In September of 2022, I hiked up to the top of Multnomah Falls. The trail was a series of switchbacks with great views along the way. Enjoy a few photos!

#ForestFriday - Tillamook State Forest, Oregon

Back in 2013, I visited the Tillamook State Forest for a minute or two on my way from Portland, OR to the coast.  I visited the Tillamook Forest Center and learned a little about the area, took in the sights from a fire watch tower (replica?), and enjoyed the sound of the Wilson River trickling through.  Here are some photos, enjoy!

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**Excuse any grainy or poorly lit photos, they're from a 2013 smartphone.