Considering the fact that I am a long way from "home," am bursting to tell about my experiences, and suck at staying in touch with people today, out of the blue, I decided to start a blog. Currently I am sitting aboard the R/V Clifford A. Barnes at port in Astoria, OR. I am one week into my new "job" as a Research Assistant in the biological oceanography, biogeochemistry, coastal management observation and prediction lab of Dr. Joe Needoba. The lab is associated with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) which is one of the finest Med Schools in the country. Technically, we are a part of the Med School, which doesn't make any sense. We won't be doing any medical research. Besides, they don't get to spend much time at sea.
I am homeless and carless, did I mention that? The homeless issue will be solved soon. I am going to get an apartment in Portland. I am not getting a car--a proposition that I am excited about--, but I am going to buy a bike.
Also, I love the West Coast so far. I "may as well" tell yo what I have enjoyed about the West Coast so far, as well. The people are all very chill and friendly. I believe that "Southern Hospitality" is a bunch of crap, by the way. Experiencing the Middle East for the month of June in Jordan, talking with West Coast kids(a word that I use to mean everybody, in this case), and growing up in small town Alabama qualifies my statement. Not that I have not experienced particurarly inhospitable places in the South, or are bitter in any way. I'm not. There are plenty of nice people in the south... there are plenty of nice people everywhere. Maybe I'll get into that more later, anyway. Back to why I like Oregon.
Because I love my "job." Because my "boss" just took me into his house in order to give me ample time to find an apartment in Portland. Because I will be able to travel anywhere I want to go in Portland for $238 a year. Because everywhere I have been brews their own beer. Because the little towns that we have come to port in along the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon are freaking neat. Because I went on a hike in Astoria that in the first 5 minutes of the hike changed my whole perspective on what a "forest" is. That's what 100 inches of rain will do for you.
Ah, the weather that is another thing. When I got off the plane in Portland it was a scorching 95 degrees. I was confused. It stayed hot in Portland for the 5 days I was there before I boarded the ship. Since I have been on the ship I have been in pants and sweatshits and rain jackets which I didn't originally pack for the cruise because I was becoming accustomed to the 95 degree days in Portland. When Joe found out that I didn't pack any cold weather clothes for the cruise he had to take me back to the house to get the Alabama boy some warmer clothes. It was rather funny. It is cold whenever you on the water, especially towards the coast due to the California Current. It comes from Alaska. It does to the West Coast exactly opposite of what the Gulf Stream does to the East Coast.
I feel like I missed a great chance to blog when I was in Jordan, but I have posted many pictures on Facebook and chances are if you are checking my blog, I am your "friend" on that dandy little time consumer. I will be adding pictures from outwest soon. Once I get off the ship and well-acquainted with the workings of the blog, I will post pictures to my new blog.
This could be a really nice place to ramble. I really like it. For now, I am headed into town for the last night. I think the rest of the crew is having a beer at Fort George Brewery in Astoria. It is so chill. Last night they had a great band playing. I think that this blog might eventually "evolve (the use of this verb is not meant to offend anyone)" into a "what I am going through" not so much of a "What I am up to." I don't know how often I will update, but I imagine that I will update pretty frequently. Cheers and Peace.
3 comments:
First, this is the longest single blog ramble I have ever seen.
Second, what's up with the sentence "It is so chill"? You should replace this with "I am so cliche".
Wow, David. I'm impressed that you actually took the time to keep all of your gal pals and boy toys updated with your adventures! That's so kind of you. =) Hope all is well and hopefully, I'll see you out west really soon!
; Mathieu.
I had to laugh about the weather/lack of appropriate clothing. We went through a similar situation when went we went to Alaska in May; all of the Huntingdon kids from Alabama were bundled up in winter wear, and the Alaskans were walking around in tank tops and shorts. There were a few days that we were warmer, but I think one of the coldest was the day we spent on the water. I envy you for the West Coast - I'm dying to get to Washington for grad school.
Hope you're not homeless for too long, and good luck with the blog (you'll figure it out quickly, I'm sure.)
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