I talk to Portland residents all the time who have never been to Mount Hood, The Gorge or The Coast!!! (live, restaurants)
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This site shows how much CITY parkland per person is available in some of the major metro areas (doesn't even count the coast or the national and state parks): Parkland per person in the United States
There are oddballs everywhere, and plenty of variety of folks. Not sure if it's fear that's holding them back.... Could be any other number of things.
However, for the most part, Oregon has lots of outdoor space in which to play. People just aren't crowded together like in some places - but to declare that people are just cowering fearfully somewhere instead of being outside, for the most part... that assessment really surprised me.
Half the people in Oregon, based on some survey results (?) claim to meet the CDC's requirement for activity which is what? Adults? Children? Telling the truth? What does this mean? Outdoor activity? Shopping at the mall? Walking due to lack of a car?
Most AMERICANS do not get out and exercise. The Portland myth, however, claims that there are all of these people out and about in the woods all the time. That is simply not true. Most of the time no one is out. It is muddy, wet, cold, dreary and sometimes downright dangerous.
Most people will not go into the very large Forest Park. Even on a warm and sunny day you can travel far and wide and see only a handful of people. Most people barely make it to Washington Park and when they do they go to the unnatural Zoo with its gift shop and vending machines.
It is a NW problem. FEAR. Abject fear of the unknown. Fear of strangers, fear of the new, fear of everything. I have never seen such fear. When people say that NWers are cold, I know this comes from FEAR. This is why Portlanders spend so much time indoors in a controlled atmosphere where they need only deal with family members they have known all of their lives. It is both sad and obnoxious.
"I have noticed that it seems that Oregon has more citizens who have been born here and never left than any other place I've lived."
My point exactly. Oregonians are insular. They do not wander outside of their tiny comfort zone because they might have to do something new and, horrors, talk to a stranger who might talk back.
Dude, seriously? I'm on the beach every day - the dog isn't going to walk himself. I'm often not alone, in spite of the winter and in spite of the rain and cold. I have yet to meet an unfriendly soul out here.
It's as anecdotal as your post, but I can back mine up with photography - what have you got?
One of the wonderful things about Oregon is the diversity of scenery and geography. I have lived literally all over the USA from Texas to Minnesota and from New York to here, and many places in between.
For me and my family, Oregon is THE BEST. This state has everything from desert to mountains to plains and beautiful valleys, rivers everywhere, and of course the Pacific Coast! It can't be beat. The only other part of the country I'd ever care to live in aside from Oregon is far North state California up above Sacramento. And I'm not dying to relocate there.
I don't think the fact you've met people who haven't been around a lot of the state or features right outside of Portland is something limited to this area. I met tons of folks when I lived in Arizona who'd never seen the Grand Canyon and didn't care to. Several said "Eh, it's a big hole! So what?" When I lived in New York I was in a little town just an hour north of NYC, but I met many longtime residents of this town who had never visited the City! Even just taking a cheap, short bus or Amtrack trip in to check it out. Thats odd to me.
There is still a LOT we haven't seen in Oregon yet. First think on the list is Crater Lake. Looking forward to taking a trip down there.
Have you visited Joseph, Oregon yet? I think it's the prettiest region of the state...
I know you weren't addressing me, but this is yet another region of the state I really want to see. The whole Wallowa area...Joseph, Enterprise...can't wait to get there.
I know you weren't addressing me, but this is yet another region of the state I really want to see. The whole Wallowa area...Joseph, Enterprise...can't wait to get there.
Tried to post a quick reply to concur that Joseph and the Wallowa mts. are next on our list as well... especially June 1, and 2nd for the huge art fair Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts
Well, for1500, are you taking polls of the people you do see in parks as to whether or not they are native Portlanders or Oregonians? How many natives vs transplantees do you meet in the popular places?
Also, I am curious, if you think Portlanders are so awful why are you living here? Or are you living here? Your profile doesn't say.
I think the reason the word "troll" was suggested to describe you is that when someone comes on a forum and has the kohones to insult the people there in a negative manner, it is considered to be trollish.
There is a large difference between giving an opinion by observation and giving facts. The former will be looked upon as your ideas and may create argument or debate but will not require verification. The latter will require proof because you are claiming your observations as facts.
In others words, opinions are not facts.
You talk about others "getting in a huff " when someone's opinion differs from yours or they try to show another point of view, well all I can say is "Pot, meet kettle." Because you yourself certainly get into a tizzy when anyone disagrees with you.
I suggest you open your thought processes a bit and not come on so narrow-minded.
I have noticed that it seems that Oregon has more citizens who have been born here and never left than any other place I've lived. Doesn't mean they haven't traveled... My two cents.
But a very strong percentage of Portland is still made up of transplants.
Half the people in Oregon, based on some survey results (?) claim to meet the CDC's requirement for activity which is what? Adults? Children? Telling the truth? What does this mean? Outdoor activity? Shopping at the mall? Walking due to lack of a car?
Most AMERICANS do not get out and exercise. The Portland myth, however, claims that there are all of these people out and about in the woods all the time. That is simply not true. Most of the time no one is out. It is muddy, wet, cold, dreary and sometimes downright dangerous.
Most people will not go into the very large Forest Park. Even on a warm and sunny day you can travel far and wide and see only a handful of people. Most people barely make it to Washington Park and when they do they go to the unnatural Zoo with its gift shop and vending machines.
It is a NW problem. FEAR. Abject fear of the unknown. Fear of strangers, fear of the new, fear of everything. I have never seen such fear. When people say that NWers are cold, I know this comes from FEAR. This is why Portlanders spend so much time indoors in a controlled atmosphere where they need only deal with family members they have known all of their lives. It is both sad and obnoxious.
"I have noticed that it seems that Oregon has more citizens who have been born here and never left than any other place I've lived."
My point exactly. Oregonians are insular. They do not wander outside of their tiny comfort zone because they might have to do something new and, horrors, talk to a stranger who might talk back.
You actually were starting to make a reasonable argument, with some fair points raised, then you took a wicked curve. Should have quit while you were ahead.
Dude, seriously? I'm on the beach every day - the dog isn't going to walk himself. I'm often not alone, in spite of the winter and in spite of the rain and cold. I have yet to meet an unfriendly soul out here.
It's as anecdotal as your post, but I can back mine up with photography - what have you got?
You actually were starting to make a reasonable argument, with some fair points raised, then you took a wicked curve. Should have quit while you were ahead.
No, it is fear which appears on the surface to be coldness. Fear of strangers, of new things, of new experiences is endemic to Portland. Seattle appears to have the same problem. It must be a NW issue.
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