The Oregon Trail

If you didn’t love Oregon Trail when you were in grade school then you either never had the chance to play it or sniffed too much glue. For those who understand what sort of special place that game holds in my heart –it was the sole reason I went to school on certain days-- I can’t tell you how excited I am that I am actually on an expedition sort of like the Oregon Trail! Sure, we probably won’t catch malaria or die of heat exhaustion, but I beg anyone to argue that enduring farts from my two fellow travelers in a stuffy car, no less, isn’t at least on the same level-- if not much worse. Really though, things have been good so far – definitely a lot of beautiful scenery in Oregon.

We visited Crater Lake today, on the recommendation of some people at Starbucks in Medford. We asked them if there was a “can’t miss” place in Oregon and they told us there, so unwittingly we went. Crater Lake is best described as an extremely beautiful girl with no substance. You know, that girl that is just breathtakingly gorgeous that you just look at and say (to quote Lil’ Jon): “YEAH!” But when you finally get to talk to her, you realize that she is boring as hell and stupider than a pile of rocks. Well, that how I would describe Crater Lake: extremely beautiful, but not really fun. I think we all decided it was “can miss” (I hope no native Oregonians are offended).

One redeeming thing about the visit to Crater Lake had nothing really to do with the place, but what we did there: we exercised. Prior to the trip we actually talked about staying in shape as much as possible and that we thought it would be interesting to just stop somewhere beautiful and run there. I had doubts about this idea coming into fruition, but we actually ran for a good amount of time, at Crater Lake National Park. We definitely have a long way to go on our trip – both in distance and in physical condition, but it looks like we are on the right Trail.

On Friendship

I’m sorry Epictetus, but I suppose we’ll have to agree to disagree. On the topic of friendship I’d have to say I agree with Aristotle. See, I was looking through some old papers on my hard drive and I stumble across an assignment I did in a philosophy class a while back.

It said that Epictetus held the notion that close attachments, namely friendships, were a danger and that we shouldn’t have them. He felt that inevitably, no matter how loving a relationship may be, it eventually ends. Therefore, investing so much time and effort into building these relationships, which are temporary and ultimately out of one’s control, is foolish. Aristotle, on the other hand, felt that these relationships were vital to having a fulfilling life. He argued that reaching this level of friendship with others brings one closer to attaining happiness and to living the good life.

There is no doubt that sometimes I side with Epictetus, especially when I get am let down by a close friend, or at least somebody I thought was close. In the end though, I would have to say I agree with Aristotle. One thing I pride myself in is the friendships I have made throughout the years. The outpouring of support that my friends have shown me in the days leading up to this trip has been amazing and it affirmed my belief that Aristotle is right. So this serves as a good place and time to say a BIG THANK YOU to all those who have given their loving support, words of wisdom, money/gifts, and their prayers.

As the trip begins I have had to leave some of my closest friends behind, luckily I have two of my best friends with me – Chris and Mike. Aristotle would be so proud.

I am no longer a virgin

...to the world of blogging. So here it is, the first entry of many more to come. It wasn't as great as I thought it would be. ;)

-Ray