Bend, Or

Day 22

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

One of the seeds of this trip was this idea to explore different cities. What really made one city different than the next? As someone who has lived in one area most of their lives, what do I desire from a place I call home? One day in Bend is all I needed to know that it is a place I would enjoy living. From the friendly people to the river raging through the middle of town. There was something special about this place. So, maybe not soon, but I have a feeling I will be back here one day, perhaps to stay.

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Bend, Or

Day 23

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Spent the day out playing in nature. I chatted it up with some of the local wildlife and mountain biked some amazingly fun trails.

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McKenzie Bridge, Or

Day 24

Friday, June 15, 2018

The internets told me of a great waterfall and a giant blue pool that was about an hour’s drive away. I probably should have saved it for my way to Portland, as it was along the way. But the day demanded something special. And so while my bike and I did almost slide into a frigid, raging river, my leg torn up and a bloody mess, I count the day as a complete success.

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Portland, Or

Day 25

Saturday, June 16, 2018

A goodbye to Bend, and while circumstances did not allow much time with my friend Lorealle while there, it was nice to see her nonetheless.

Now, it was on to Portland where some of my oldest friends showed me around town. And I finally was able to explore the mind-blowing, one-city block cathedral that is, Powell’s Books.

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Portland, Or

Day 26

Sunday, June 17, 2018

A relaxing Sunday spent taking the rail around town, and nerding out at an enormous gaming store. Portland is definitely battling it out for amazing places that I would love to eventually explore on a more permanent basis.

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Portland, Or

Day 27

Monday, June 18, 2018

There was something wonderful about my childhood, every one of my friends was close by, easily accessible. Eventually, we grow up and have that one asshole who moves away. Then another, and more and more as we all grow in different directions. Proximity will always be a factor when it comes to connections, but sometimes we can overcome that. If we want we can keep those connections alive and thriving. I am happy to count Curtis and Rene as two of my good friends who do not happen to live close by. For now.

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Portland, Or

Day 28

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

A long time ago, my grandmother created a character so lil’ Dean would have someone to play Dungeons and Dragons with. These days, and for the past few years, I have been lucky enough to play DnD with a close group of friends. Life can be a desperately lonely experience, and I have learned to never take for granted the power of good company and shared experiences. Thus, I was thrilled when Curtis invited me to partake in some might and magic with his (other) friends and their DnD adventures.

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Next Week on Dean Runs Away!

Battered, but not broken, Dean entered Portland for some good ol’ fashioned rest and relaxation, but rumors of midget river pirates are in the air. How long will Dean lallygag around in Oregon before heeding the call?

Continue the adventure into Week Five to find out!

Explore Week Five →