A Short Introduction to the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwestern area of the United States encompasses the states of Washington, Oregon, and to some extent, western Montana and the Idaho Panhandle. These areas are further broken down into the Coastal area and the Inland area. For example, Seattle,Washington is a coastal area, while Spokane, Washington is an inland area.

You cannot talk of the Northwest without mentioning the 2 explorers Lewis and Clark. Others have done in depth studies of their adventures exploring this particular area, so I won't needlessly repeat a long tale of their explorations here. There are endless amounts of books, articles and documentaries you can search for if you'd like further information.

There are a full range of features here, from deserts to mountain ranges, from lush green forests to large urban centers. The rural areas grow bountiful crops, like corn, wheat, and the ever famous apple from Washington State. The larger cities are vibrant and pulsing with nervous energy. The smaller cities are part rural, part urban, with all the resulting tensions and conflicts as they find their place in the great Northwest tapestry. The small towns, while not exactly Mayberry, RFD, do exhibit the traditional values and neighborly kindness from long ago days, when life seemed simpler, and the rush of life did not exist.

The lakes and streams are a bountiful source of fish. Trout and bass are the main catch of avid fishermen, and the fish stories have to be heard to be believed!

OK, OK. Enough of the "official" (read:dry, boooooriinnggg!) info. Now you can read about me!

My Story

I myself live in Washington State, surrounded by beautiful, majestic mountains. After moving from a large city in California, it was quite a shock to adjust to a small, close-knit rural area. My parents decided to move after realizing we weren't getting anywhere in California. We were losing our house, falling behind trying to pay the astronomical payments to a house that wasn't really "home".We wanted something.....more. So we packed up and moved one autumn, and have never regretted moving here.

But no McDonald's, no Burger King, no movie theaters, etc,is something of a culture shock to a "big city" person! The fair here has no rides, except the restored, century old carousel, and no midway. Ours is a true "country" fair. Local artists at their booths display their wares, bluegrass music and squaredancing are on the center stage for the day. 4-H clubs are a major force in the young kids' lives, and you CAN get totally lost less than a mile outside of town if you have NO idea of where you're supposed to be going! But it has grown on me, and now I get antsy if I have to go to the "city" and stay too long. A few of my stories are here,along with some from my friends. Also are some of my friends stories, things you certainly won't hear from any of the main, dryly official, sites about the Northwest!