we were on the hunt last weekend

and it was successful. It took many hours in the car navigating to different suburbs of Portland and making drive-bys of our top picks for houses found on Craigslist. Love that GPS and mobile broadband! Would not have been as nearly as efficient without them. We saw so many places that it got to the point where I couldn't tell them apart anymore. The next challenge is the move.

"It's like a bridge into the unknown." -Matt. His comment made me laugh.

On the clear days, we could see Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.

Everyone we told that we are moving to the area warned us about the rain and lack of sun in the winter. This could have an effect on me, but right now I am just happy to have the never-ending hills and mountains of green terrain, huge fir trees and easy access to rivers and lakes. The summers and falls will be beautiful. Even though the ocean is 1.5 hours away from us, I consider this close to the beach.