Jogging, Hiking, Cycling, in Oregon

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By looking at a map, it appears to me that Oregon is about 1/2 the size of California. But the population here totals 5.5 million, which is about the size of Los Angeles. If you've never been here, it's hard to realize the vast open areas often divided by cities of less than 10k. The three largest cities have less than 200k people. It's hard for me to imagine that if every man, woman, and child of my city went to Dodger Stadium, there would still be 45,000 seats left.

Few of the Oregon born ever cross the State's borders, even to just take a peek at what's out there. If they do, it's usually to Idaho or Canada, but certainly not to the heavily populated areas in California. And those that do venture out, seem to return here.

The people here are athletic and healthy. A large percentage exercise regularly, not at gyms, but by cycling, jogging, or hiking as a part of their regular everyday lifestyle. I've heard that Portland has the highest percentage of people that cycle to work in the nation, even though it rains a lot.

Thousands of people tour the length of the Oregon Coast year round by cycling Pacific Coast Highway, or walking the Oregon Coast Trail. There are thousands of Local, State, and Federal campgrounds, some having a thousand campsites each. And in the summer, they are always full. Everyone loves the outdoors. They spend their time fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, beach combing, and mountain climbing when ever they can.

And it seems that many attend church, or is a volunteer of some sort, somewhere, even the teenagers. They don't seem to have the wants that the people I grew up with have. For the most part, they are simple. Little make-up or plastic surgeries, few fancy cars or homes, or extravagant vacations. They are liberal though, but I respect that most of the time. They love nature, animals, and their neighbors for the most part. And most live a quiet, simple life. Many seem just to give away much of their stuff to the needy.

I guess there are other places across America like this. I sure hope so. It's a nice place, and I don't miss the life I once had. Just my family and friends, I guess. I have been blessed to have been led to the Thought Dock.
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