Oh, Oregon!

While on our trip to Oregon, I documented some of our daily excursions using my iPhone and an app called, 8mm. After editing and throwing in some music by Mumford & Sons ("The Cave"), you might see why I have fallen in love with this part of our country over the years.

And this video is just a taste. There is so much I did not capture with the lens of my camera, and there's even more I have yet to explore at all.

There is always more to explore.

Rejuvenation in The Beaver State

I am convinced that we breathe easier in Oregon.

Walking through lush forests and along mighty rivers, standing on the shore of the Pacific Ocean and even crossing over open farm land - I felt rejuvenated with each step. It's difficult to leave such an environment once you're given a taste of it. I think everyone should experience this part of our country at some point in their life - sooner rather than later.

One of my highlights from the trip was when my family and I hiked the Fort To Sea Trail. We had beautiful weather (though I honestly think any Oregonian weather is perfect - rain or shine), and I think part of the reason it was so memorable is because of the variety of terrain we encountered. The trail runs about 6.5 miles from Fort Clatsop to Sunset Beach, passing through forests, pastures, rivers and sand dunes. It was pretty neat to imagine ourselves as Lewis and Clark seeing the Pacific for the first time after such a long and difficult journey. Can you imagine the emotions they must have been experiencing?

The entire trip was an adventure, and even though it's nearly 100° here in humid Atlanta, my soul feels more alive and refreshed than before.