Residential Designer by Trade who also blogs about various topics. Just came back from a 6 month solo road trip which took me through 30 states and two international countries. Seeing the USA by road is amazing. It's so diverse in natural beauty and climate. Traveling solo allows me the freedom to go where and where I want without compromise. It's a sense of accomplishment to be able to travel in the company of none.

Horseback riding Sauvie Island Oregon

I love Portland, Oregon: The beauty, the culture, the diversity, the architecture, the people, and the recreation. I could go on and on, gushing about it. It’s one of my favorite US cities. In 1990 and 2002, I briefly explored Portland, but not in detail. This time it’s different. On my…

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Portland Oregon: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

After leaving Parkdale, Oregon in the Mount Hood Valley, I book a Japanese influence apartment on Airbnb for a couple of nights in the Boise area of Portland. It’s close to the interstate and in an older neighborhood. The tree-lined street is steep. I find a parking space near the house.…

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Mount Hood, Oregon: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

Historic Route 30 Columbia River Gorge: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

6 Month Solo Road Trip: After spending two weeks with Mark in southern California I say goodbye and I drive the long road trip to Bend, Oregon for a doctor’s appointment. From there, I drive through the beautiful Hood River where cherry trees are in full bloom. For a week…

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San Clemente CA: 6 month solo road trip

San Clemente Pier

After leaving Redondo Beach we head south towards San Diego to the town of San Clemente which is between Los Angeles and San Diego. At the last-minute I find accommodations on Airbnb and find a private suite in San Clemente. It has instant book which is awesome. The owners are out-of-town but…

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Redondo Beach: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

I’m apparently a compassionate person because I could have said hello, nice meeting you, have a nice life, hope it all works out for you, and goodbye to M, but I didn’t. Instead I let him stay with me for two weeks in the Redondo Beach area. I feel guilty…

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LA bound: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

Point Vicente Light House, Palos Verdes, CA

In the midst of a 6 month solo road trip I change my city and state profile on okcupid to see if there are any guys I would like to meet. I change it to LA, California. Of course there are many handsome dudes messaging me. One in particular stands…

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Spencer Butte, Eugene: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

A trail wanders through Spencer Butte Park

March 10, 2015, I book another Airbnb  in the College Hill area of Eugene, Oregon for a couple of nights. The owners converted their garden shed to a guest cottage in their backyard. It’s on a quiet street in a well-kept neighborhood of Arts & Craft style homes.  The white paint wood…

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Eugene Oregon: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

Savannah Oaks on Mount Pisgah

March 8-11, 2015, Eugene, Oregon:  I book the “Round House”on Airbnb for three nights. I love the unique properties on Airbnb. This is one platform where you can choose accommodations which aren’t run of the mill. The house is in an older neighborhood of low-lying ranches and small art and craft-style homes,…

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Koosah Falls: Solo Road Trip

Koosah Falls, Oregon

Sunday, March 8-14, 2015, My solo road trip is not just about self discovery but a search for a reason to stay. I like Bend since it offers many activities but I’m not thrilled with the high desert aspect. I’m searching for lush greenery, sun in the summer, snow in…

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6 Month Solo Road Trip: Bend, Oregon

  March 4-7: In The Company of None: Joys of Traveling Solo Now that I’m the nomadic wanderer, searching for a reason to stay I’m checking out Bend, Oregon. I research it and the sun and fun seems plausible. Bend is the Gateway City to outdoor recreation. Located east of the Cascade…

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