Monday, January 12, 2009

Oregon, My Oregon!


Howdy from my home state. I've been in Oregon since Thursday. Visited with Grandma on her birthday and spent a day with the folks. Now I'm reveling in some retreat time on the coast. I had to hit up a couple of my haunts and get a little work done, but now, after a bit of a road trip, I'm currently writing from Astoria at the absolute northwestern tip of the state.


I think the last time I was here was about 25 years ago on vacation with the family. Since then they've filmed a lot of movies here, one of which is a guilty pleasure of mine, The Goonies. I'm happy to say that I found "The Goondocks" and some other locations. (Here's a pic of me at THE house.) I also hit up the Astoria Column which was nearly buried in a bank of fog. And I was happy to find a former Bumblebee Tuna packing plant. Back in the day, I think I toured this place with the family. Well, now it's a multi-use facility with offices, coffee shop, and a Rogue Ales Public House. Back when it smelled like tuna, my cousin got sick here. Now it just smells like beer and chowder and Kobe Bleu Balls. Much better.

I'll do a little more work tomorrow along with maybe a visit to the breathtaking Cape Perpetua, and then I'll hit the road back to Lebanon on Wednesday. Then Mom and I will hit the road to Seattle for some time with Aunt Pam and Cousin Cori and her little big man, Weston.

Take care, all. Peace and love!