If I didn’t have such an affinity for the ocean, trees, cooler temperatures, mountains, a bare minimum of diversity, and job opportunities, Eastern Washington would be a great place to live. I’m joking (sort of). I lived 8 miles from the Eastern Washington border in Idaho for four years during college which helped me form a pretty uncompromising opinion of the area. When I moved away, I couldn’t think of a single reason why I would ever need to come back, which didn’t sadden me in the least.
Five years went by and my uncompromising opinion remained uncompromised. Recently, for the first time since I left, I drove back through Eastern Washington with my girlfriend to visit her family. Turns out that a five-year break, a cursory interest in geology, and having a great person to adventure around with was all I needed to find enjoyment in the region. I still have a pretty unbreakable plan to never live anywhere near the area, but I can now say that I don’t dislike everything it has to offer. Small steps.
Thorp / Shelterbelts / Windmills / Petrified Wood
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