I loved living in the Pacific Northwest. Beauty on display everywhere. The mountains, the ocean, waterfalls, lakes. The trees. The smell of pine and flowers in the air. And the cities with so many fantastic things to enjoy. Portland was at our doorstep. Seattle to the north. San Francisco far to the south. But that was over 15 years ago. Each city had their problems back then, but they were fairly isolated.
Planning a vacation to Seattle? Portland? San Francisco? I wouldn’t. Not anymore. Not unless your visit is an elite one. Sheltered from the new reality. A much better Pacific Northwest vacation would be to fly in, rent a car, leave the city, and experience the beauty outside.
I hope the leaders of these once spectacular cities address their issues. The issues killing their cities. Killing their citizens. People left to die.
On a much brighter note… our appreciation for the paradise where we live is all the stronger. Waiting for Spring.