Oregon [2/50]

The view from a scenic overlook in eastern Oregon on I-84 after a storm. Not much to it.

Les and I have been through eastern Oregon several times on our trips between Utah and Washington, but let's be honest, eastern Oregon kinda sucks. I have two pictures that I think represent the eastern part of the state fairly well. Add some creepy old buildings from Pendelton or Baker City and that is really all there is to see.

But when most people think Oregon, especially those whose minds go to Cabot before Tillamook when it comes to cheese, they think Portland. And with good reason, Portland is a unique experience.

Les and I have only been there together once, for the wedding reception of his high school friend, Claire. Before attending the reception, Les and I accompanied Claire and her partner Alex around Portland on a few pre-wedding errands, including lunch at a vegan pizza parlor and a stop at a gluten-free bakery. Then we attended the reception at a wine bar in downtown Portland, on the waterfront of the Willamette River. Not much says Portland more than a vegan reception for a lesbian wedding in a wine bar. It was awesome, we were tired, but it was worth the drive.

On the way home from that trip we drove up through Astoria and happened to come across a giant party for the 25th anniversary of the movie, The Goonies. We saw a few sights and then took the long way home back to Ardenvoir.

Of all the signs I've ever photographed (and I had a thing going for a while), this is my absolute favorite. And it's perfectly Oregon.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia, connecting Oregon and Washington. Not really a representative photo of the state but definitely of that trip. But it is on the Oregon side, and I really love this photo.