PORTLAND

Oregon isn’t modest with its beauty. Other than the Pacific Coast Highway, Oregon offered some of the most scenic drives thus far. Everything is so very green, and the temperature is cool and comforting (though the locals claimed it was too hot, it was perfect for us Florida girls). 

We explored Portland, a city very proud of being as weird as it is. It is in fact very weird and quirky, in every way, and I absolutely loved it. 

We went to Powell’s bookstore (the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world) and spent hours and way too much money there, though I do not regret it one bit. Five floors of books of all kinds. Heaven it was indeed. 

Another place we ventured to was Multnomah Falls, a gorgeous waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge. It was a 45 minute bus ride from Portland and we met some of the kindest people who indulged us with their own adventures and offered advice for when we attempted to conquer Washington. Once we got there, surrounded by breathtaking views and perfect weather, we knew we could’ve spent forever there. We sat in the shade with the sound of the waterfall rushing not too far from us with our newfound literary treasures from Powell’s, sipping on freshly squeezed lemonade. A well deserved break I would say from constant travels. 

♡ Shelbie

We stayed with Shaun while in Portland, an amazing hook-up organized by Zac and Majo, and the best part of Oregon, in my opinion. Shaun is a fiery, kind-hearted, free-spirited woman who welcomed us into her home with open-arms before she even knew our names. I was nostalgic, reminded of the strong-willed and independent women who have inspired me throughout my years, who have shown me what it's like to be loved without even trying. Shaun reminisced about her own wild days when she was our age, exploring the world, making mistakes and having no regrets.

We talked about our lives, our beliefs, our ambitions, and our pasts. It was invigorating to be in her presence, I felt emboldened and encouraged and inspired by the way she carried herself and the way she viewed the world and it's people. She taught us one of her family's card games, and we played it late into the night, kept Shaun up past her bedtime, and laughed so hard we had tears streaming down our faces.

I was already blown away by the gorgeous landscapes in Oregon; sheer cliffs, crashing, deep blue shorelines, mystical evergreens that swirled into the sky far above your head, letting sunlight filter through into your own private wonderland. It's nice to know it's inhabitants are just as beautiful.

Lau x