Spring Brings Taxes, Hidden Treasures and Cherry Blossoms 💸🧭🌸
How to escape your tax receipts and discover Oregon’s spring treasures.
Hello, Spring Travelers, Treasure Hunters, and Picnickers,
I needed a break. From the relentless tax prep, slogging through receipts and forms, enduring dystopian news in our troubled democracy, and suffering a long, cold, and wet winter. Fortunately, for a brief shining moment, spring sprung, drenching my face in warm sunshine and filling Oregon with beautiful blooms.
The IRS could wait, but I couldn’t. I heard the call of Oregon’s natural treasures, from the delicate bloom of cherry blossoms to the burst of yellow daffodils that pop up in gardens and wild meadows.
It felt as if Oregon dared me: Go ahead, leave your tax forms behind, and smell the flowers.
I laced my hiking boots, picked up our picnic basket, and set off on a treasure quest through the Willamette Valley.
A Scavenger Hunt Through Oregon 🗺️🧭🚗
Trust me, exploring Oregon is more fun than deciphering your taxes.
We joined Senator Jeff Merkley’s Treasure Quest, a giant scavenger hunt across Oregon. The program is simple: Visit 10 counties, snap selfies at designated sites, and complete your journey to earn an invite to the Oregon Treasures Quest Party.
I have always admired Senator Jeff Merkley for his tireless fight for our democracy, Oregonians, and yes, for backing Bernie in the 2016 primary.
This weekend, we discovered four treasures:
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Washington County: A quiet escape with the honks of geese and eagles overhead.
Albany Historic Carousel and Museum, Linn County: It’s one of those places that I dream of sharing with my granddaughter someday.
Monmouth–Independence Trolley, Polk County: This ride takes me back in time, and we're coming back this summer for a fun vacation in Independence by the river, staying at a dog-friendly hotel.
Salem Capitol Grounds, Marion County: The cherry blossoms were in full bloom as we explored, enjoyed the lively farmers market with families and dogs, and picnicked by the Willamette River.
Our Picnic by the River 🧺🧀 🐕
Our picnic was perfect: soft wraps filled with tender, herb-seasoned chicken and crisp greens, a flavorful pasta salad, and a plate of cheese, apples, and pears to round it out. Fizzy mineral water and citrusy sodas added a refreshing touch, the cool bubbles complementing the laid-back vibe, and a toast clicking our mugs with some Oregon white wine. Around us, people laughed, dogs tugged at leashes, and the park buzzed with spring energy.
As always, my partner prepared a delicious picnic, but the real gift was spending time together, relaxing, refreshing, and renewing. We explored the Salem Riverfront Park, the bridge with river views, the Eco-Earth Globe, and cherry blossom-lined paths. It was the perfect spring afternoon, close to home but filled with adventure.
Renewed and Rewarded by Spring 🌿🌼🌞
I feel super after my treasure hunt and picnic with my partner. The weight of tax forms, cold rain, and endless news cycles has melted away. Now, I’m renewed by the beauty of Oregon, refreshed by the warm sunshine, and ready to embrace what’s next with an open heart and a sense of adventure.
Enjoy the ride, travelers. Life’s too short to let taxes rain on your parade.