Having dear friends in Portland and a daughter living there for too many years, let me explain the meaning of the sign in your blog post, Andy. The “Thanks you” is for leaving the state, and the ”Come back soon” pertains to the following decade.

Oregon is a great state for wine, beer (especially!), the environment, scenery, skiing (night skiing on Mt. Hood is fabulous), beer, the shore, organic foods, farmers markets, beer, books (Powell’s Book Store – best in the world), bicycles (Bike Friday is made in Eugene), Shakespeare, whitewater rafting and did I mention beer?  Ummm – limited production Rogue ales!

However, locals would rather that you didn’t move in so that they can keep ALL that to themselves and not have it ruined by carpetbaggers, especially those from Southern California. Despite that attitude, they are a friendly bunch!

Portland’s World Forestry Center is a great destination for those lucky enough to have time to explore the city. I also highly, highly recommend Portland’s Japanese Garden. It is the equal of the Anderson Japanese Garden in Rockford (visited during the 2010 Tour), and was created by the same Japanese landscape designer. The small but lovely Chinese Garden in the center of town is a nice place for tea, of course.

All of the above should be enjoyed by anyone on the Tour who has time. Speaking of time, gotta get to work!

Al Gilens, Gladwayne, PA