Five Truths About Oregon

Only in Portland - A coffee cup stuck in a mirco-beer cup in a bicycle water bottle holder on a bike chained to a tree in downtown Portland.

There are five truths about Oregon. I was reminded of them in a recent trip to Portland and the Oregon coast in my RV.

Truth #1: Oregon is the definition of green.

As I drove down the Columbia Gorge going from the high plains of eastern Oregon into the mouth of the Gorge, the green begins to overwhelmingly emerge and swallows you as progress deeper into the green bowels of the state. It is so GREEN it makes you want to puke.

Truth #2: It always rains in Oregon.

Sometimes you cannot tell its raining, but trust me, it's raining. Then there are times when it is clearly raining. Rain, soggy, wet, moist and mud. Rain is ever-present in Oregon.

Truth #3: Oregonians cycle.

Oregonian cyclists are everywhere. On every street corner, on the shoulders of the roads, in the coffee shop, on MAX..........everywhere. And remember Truth #2.

Truth #4: Micro beer is king.

Oregonians make great micro beer. You will be thrown out of a beer-serving establishment if you say "I'll have a Bud." There are as many choices of micro beers in Oregon as there are combinations to order your latte at Starbucks. Oregonians are probably so good at brewing micro beers because of Truth #2.

Truth #5: Wine is queen.

If micro beer does not cover your alcoholic tastes, Oregon wine will. Oregon makes great wines, particularly pinot noirs. Take a trip down the highway 99W corridor through the Willamette Valley tasting wine and you will see what I mean. Again, this probably has something to do with Truth #2.

Cheers,

Dale