Oregon at First Glance
Jhana McCullum
Roseburg, Oregon
When I first traveled through Oregon, I was totally amazed at its beauty. Even along I-5, its splendor overwhelmed me. I saw hawks floating on air waves high above rugged peaks, a clean blue sky and trees that stood tall and proud testifying of greatness. The air was cleaner than any I could recall. I found no smog, overfilled roadways, honking horns, endless crowds; just a great stillness that echoed in my heart. Patches of snow lay about, yet fruit trees were fully blossomed and dancing in a gentle breeze. The whole of Oregon touched my soul and stole my breath away – I cried.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, I joined the Navy in 1965. I traveled throughout America – Atlantic to Pacific, mountains to valleys, farmlands to cities and national forests and parks. So many wondrous sites, each with its own splendor – but Oregon never stopped calling me, so I moved here in 1978.
Oregon is unique, its history is still new, its cities fresh and clean, yet it remains wild and large as life. Oregon is peaceful, inspirational and shares its beauty with all. Oregon still is what the rest of America once was!
