One thing about living in a place for too long is that you begin to take things for granted. At least I do. I’ve lived in one of the most beautiful parts of the world for nearly ¼ of a century. But after the first few years I stopped exploring; stopped discovering; stopped recognizing. But then along came a life change, a fresh perspective, a new reason to enjoy my surroundings.

When my then future wife moved from El Paso to Portland, she was in awe of the wonder that is Oregon. And her excitement rubbed off on me. Again, my eyes were opened to the beauty, the majesty, the surroundings that I had become numb to. And I’ve spent the last seven years rediscovering my home.

During the past couple of weeks we have been exploring several of the small cities around us. These are places that I have had a very distinct mental image of what they would be like, despite never having been there. But with a renewed interest in exploring and looking and enjoying, it is with great pleasure that I recommend you visit: LaCenter and Battle Ground, WA, Silverton and Mt. Angel, OR… just to name a few. Go for the beauty. Go for the food. Go for the discovery.

I love the Oregon Coast. This past weekend we spent three days with my cousin Sara traveling the Southern Oregon coast geocaching. We spent time in Bandon, North Bend, and Charleston.

The more we travel and explore our state, the more I am convinced that we live in the most beautiful part of the world. There is so much variety and beauty. There is urban connection and rural solitude.

Incidentally, we found our 300th geocache as well.

My wife and kids have been out of the state, and I am playing the bachelor role. So what better way then to hook up with my GeoCaching cousin and heading out to break all our personal GC records.

We went to Lincoln City and went for as many caches as we could in a day… ended up getting 35. Then on Sunday we went to the gorgeous Mt. Hood and went searching for GCs that were in beautiful locations.

This weekend we found 40 caches, set new records, and enjoyed exploring God’s creation (some enhanced or de-enhanced by man.)

My wife and I enjoy GeoCaching. Yesterday we spent the day in the scenic Columbia Gorge of Oregon, and I was impressed again by all the music of nature.

• Wind strumming through the trees
• Water splashing over waterfalls
• Birds singing
• The percussive pops of the trees warming in the sun

And this doesn’t even begin to touch on the sights and smells! What a wonderful, musical world God has made for us to enjoy!