It’s our 3rd December in Oregon.  Sometimes it feels like we’ve been here longer and other times it seems like we just moved here a few weeks ago.  That being said, I feel we’re definitely growing some roots now.  I really like where we live and the social circle, while small is slowly growing.

We’ve developed routines, favorite places to eat and shop, and a sure sign of our growing roots is that Mia is known on a first name basis at our nearest Starbucks.

As we approach the end of 2015, I look towards 2016 and some vague plans for adventure.

Loose goals right now include:

• OBRA 2016 Mtn Bike Series
• A trip to Steens Mtn and Alvord Desert
• At least 2 backpacking trips
• A bikepacking trip
  • Hillsboro to Rainier?
  • Smoke n Fire 400 loop?
  • Cascade Skyline?
  • other?

That’s what I’ve come up with for now.

The days are getting shorter and we’re just shy of 2 weeks until the shortest day of the year.  I look forwards to the upside after the 22nd.  Sometimes it feels like I only see the sun from my office window.

The pets tend to spend a lot of time horizontal this time of year too.

Thanks for reading,

-Pete