My American experience

Hello Everyone, 

My time in the great U.S. of A. is nearing its conclusion, at least for the first part of my trip. In a little over a week I will cross the border back to the True North. If I'm not mistaken, they stamp your passport with maple syrup instead of ink. Looking forward to it.

In my time here, I've visited an armory, eaten delicious bbq, and yesterday I saw a bald eagle yesterday, majestically soaring above the Columbia river, separating Oregon and Washington state. It wasn't carrying as assault rifle or eating a hamburger while driving a pickup on an aircraft carrier, but it still counts. I can tick that box on my American bingo card.

I am currently in Hood River for a couple of days of biking. I like to think that this town, from my experience so far, encapsulates some of the best qualities of America. It's a gorgeous spot, nestled in rolling green hills with snow capped mountains in the background. Still a functioning port on the river, trains come and go (loudly, the park where we're staying isn't far from the tracks). 

But they have also reinvented themselves, no longer relying on a single industry or employer. There's a vibrant tourism sector with spin offs in craft brewing, bike shops, cafes, etc. It's a tribute to the famed American entrepreneurial spirit.

It's easy enough to read negative headlines about the direction of this country, and not to discount any of those, but it's still a great place. I just don't need a hat to proclaim it.

Wes