A Proper Oregon Celebration
When I think of home, I think of pine and red alder – of landscapes, of snow-capped mountains, and golden coastlines – Oregon is a place full of magic, with something new around every corner. Our beautiful state recently celebrated its 161st birthday. Over these many years of growth and change, with the pursuit of innovation a constant on the horizon, we decided it was time for a party to celebrate her. We couldn’t think of a better way to appreciate Oregon than in the most Oregonian way possible… by exploring and experiencing all she has to offer. Our journey required weeks of planning, days of driving, and miles and miles of hiking to some of the most incredible views, but, while amazing, these did not prove to be the highlights. Our revelation went beyond the natural beauty we saw and into the hearts of what makes Oregon truly beam – the people.
Perhaps this is not a new tale of our state, most people think of Oregon, and of course, the people are a huge part of it. Considerate humans, (arguably) awful drivers, and classically “weird” people. We could find the reason all of these Oregonian generalizations be considered true, but we found more so that these layers and labels do not define anyone here. What makes our home so wonderful is that it holds these different people across an expanse of environments, communities, and cultures, all with their own passions and outlooks. And with that, it holds an interconnectedness between us that comes to light in the moments and exchanges of genuineness.
While on our journey, our home looked like the stranger patiently spending 45 minutes to help our California girl get down her first run on Mount Hood. It was the locals we met in a Bend taco shop who sat with us for margaritas (our apologies to the wine we represent) and, along with giving us travel tips, just shared in light-hearted and memorable conversation. Oregon looked like the local rancher who drove his tractor two hours on a dark stormy night to rescue us from the muddy Alvord Desert playa.
When we celebrate Oregon, we celebrate the natural, unbelievable beauty of our backyards. When we celebrate Oregon, we also celebrate the people that dwell in every corner, sharing their hearts, homes, and unique adventures with others who cross their paths. Thank you to the people who celebrated with us and cheers to you, Oregon, for being a place everyone can explore and define what our home means to them.
Check out where our celebration took us in our video below!