Photo Essay: Portland, Oregon

Or, Asheville on Steroids

TGIF

Columbia River Gorge ©Gemignani

Every city has a vibe. The first time Joe and I visited Asheville in 2003, we walked down the street and turned to one another and said almost in unison, “We’re moving here.” We also both felt a nostalgia, like we had returned to the Greenwich Village of the 60s. Once we did move in 2007, we discovered we were only two of many who had similar experiences.

I’ve heard claims that it’s the large crystal deposit below the city that attracts souls of a specific vibration. That also explains why it’s one of the woo-woo capitals of the world. Asheville is considered the third largest energy vortex in the nation, after Sedona and Mt. Shasta. I’ve been reading extensively about this phenonemon, and I’ll share more about it in another post.

We had a similar experience our first time in Portland, OR. We weren’t moved to get a physical residence there, although we agreed we certainly could live there very happily. But just as Asheville had evoked the peace-and-love stirrings of our youth, Portland flooded us with the same good energy vibes of Asheville, only this time in mega doses. It is a much bigger city, after all, so there’s more of whatever quality or energy it is that stirs the soul.

Our first visit was just a walk through downtown as we passed by on our way up the Pacific Coast to Washington State in December 2016. There was no way we weren’t stopping, even if just for coffee—which is what we did. That’s all it took to fall in love again, and when we had a free weekend between housesits on New Year’s Eve weekend, we headed back for a three-day stay.

Cold, inclement weather kept us inside much of the time, but we were fortunate to connect with dear friends of dear friends for dinner one night. Scott and Jamie immediately became our new dear friends, and they were gracious enough to invite us to come back anytime and stay with them.

We spent the winter and spring in Washington (see series on Seattle and Pacific Northwest). June began our trip down the coast, and our first stop was Portland and the home of our new friends.

Longtime residents of the city, our hosts were excellent tour guides. In addition, Joe found Scott was a fellow photographer who shared his penchant for wandering around weird places, and they both disappeared periodically for short intervals. Here’s a sampling of what Joe got from those walks with Scott:

Two Women Chatting ©Gemignani

Amusement Park ©Gemignani

We spent a day at Washington Park International Rose Test Garden. The roses were in full bloom and the fragrant air held us in a spell. Many people with cameras were busy clicking away, but Joe waited until he found the “one.”

Rose Bud ©Gemignani

Another day brought us to the breathtaking views of Columbia River Gorge (top image) and Crown Point Vista House.

People at Crown Point Vista House ©Gemignani

View of Crown Point Vista House ©Gemignani

Inside Crown Point Vista House ©Gemignani

This area of the Columbia River also boasts many scenic waterfalls, but we had to leave without a visit. Although the thought of returning without Joe breaks my heart, the energy of All That Is calls me back to the West Coast and tells me there’s more magic to be discovered.

A quick side note: A few weeks ago, Scott and Jamie visited Asheville and I met them for dinner. And guess what?? Not surprisingly, they felt enamored with the vibes here, too, similar to Portland.

We are not alone.

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