Bitches Always Trippin'

Dear Oregon, You’re All Nuts…All of You

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I came back from Ashland on the 24th of September. I haven’t had a chance to share about my trip until now. It was a lonely adventure. I was afraid. I laughed, I cried. I got contact high.

The shuttle driver picked me up from the airport, and told me that where I’d be staying was the fringe part of town. I was headed to a yoga festival at the hot springs/trailer park…a fucking trailer park. But, I didn’t know that until I got there.
As soon as the shuttle arrived at the hot springs, I yelled, “What the hell did I get myself into?” I didn’t mean to say it out loud. It just came out. I think I was having an out of body experience.
There were dread-locked-hippies everywhere…and, kids walking around with raccoon tails hanging off their asses. Although this was a yoga festival, it seemed like everywhere I turned someone was smoking pot. Not to mention the religious smorgasbord: fairy worship, goddess worship, Hinduism, witchcraft, tantra, and what-not… The Hinduism made sense, but not the way these folks were doing it. It seemed like everyone was sort of picking and choosing what they liked from each religion, and adopting it, as long as it didn’t interfere with anything.
Incidentally, I’m not sure what was up with the polyamory. I happened upon more than one cuddle puddle. I couldn’t be less into it.
I thought I was going to get away with being a cheapskate. The plan was to go to the market for a bag of apples and some nuts, and then see what else I could find. I ended up eating three meals a day at the festival, spending $10-15 each meal. I just gave up. The market was too far to reach by walking. The food was so good, though. Kale salad, gluten free organic pizza, tofu scramble for breakfast, ginger lemonade, raw cacao treats. Yum. I hear Oregon has a lot of really great festivals, and the food is amazing. I’d love to check out Beloved.
It rained for most of the time I was there. I took four yoga classes in four days. I could have stayed home to do that. The plan was to take four classes in a day, not four classes for the whole trip.
The highlight of my trip was a ceremony I participated in at the Mikvah. It was really beautiful and edifying. Clothing optional. I should say, I was alone during the ceremony…except for the harp player.
In any case, I, also, made some connections… I had a great conversation with a lady from Bend who shared her travel experiences with me. She set out to do a year abroad, using an around-the-world ticket. She ended up spending two years on the road. I have been playing with the idea of doing this. It’s a very real possibility for me. However, this trip to Oregon made me realize that I really don’t want to travel alone anymore. It was really lonely, once I left the festival.
In any case, it was an experience….

I had plans to go white water rafting, but the trip was cancelled. I went to see a play, at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and I fell asleep during the performance. I had a senior moment. I can’t watch plays in the evening. I always end up falling asleep. Matinee shows are the only way for me to go.

I went to a Mexican restaurant, and I discovered Caldera. I love this place. They serve their own beer, and you can take bottles to go…which I did. I ordered the beer sampler. It was perfect. I had a blast talking to a couple of people who work for the U.S. Forest Service. They had some good stories.

I’m in love with Ashland. I have to go back. Hopefully, I can bring someone with me, and stay for a bit.