A Midsummer Day’s Dream: Reveling in the Languid Majesties of Oregon

In the languor of a summer's day, when time itself seems to stretch and yawn beneath the golden sun, there lies an opportunity—a chance to surrender to the indolent embrace of Oregon. This state, where mountains kiss skies aflame with twilight hues and rivers murmur ancient secrets, offers a panacea for weary souls seeking both tranquility and wonder. Here we shall embark on a journey—not by speed or fervor—but through sylvan meadows and under brooding pines, discovering what divine idleness can yield.

**1. Drift Amongst Libraries of Trees: Hoyt Arboretum (4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland, OR 97221)**

Begin your odyssey at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland—a sanctuary where over 2,300 species of trees from six continents stand as living libraries. Wander these verdant aisles without haste or intent; let each tree share its whispered stories written across centuries-old bark. Reflect upon William Blake’s musings that The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the Eyes of others only a Green thing that stands in The way. Sit with your thoughts upon one of many benches lovingly placed amongst this thriving arboreal congregation.

**2. Sunlit Reveries at Cannon Beach (Ecola State Park Entrance Road & Ecola State Park Rd., Cannon Beach, OR 97110)**

Next drift westward until you meet Cannon Beach—where Haystack Rock rises like Neptune’s own monolith against endless azure waves kissing silver sands. Stroll barefoot along shores painted by Turner himself! Meditate on footfalls erased gently by each caress from Pacific tides—an eternal reminder penned nobly within Ecclesiastes: "All streams flow into the sea yet it is never full." Absorb these sublime vistas while pondering transient verses etched anew with every ebb and flow.

**3. Pause Under Whispering Pines: Crater Lake National Park (Crater Lake Hwy., Klamath Falls OR 97604)**

Your pilgrimage must include Crater Lake—the caldera-born sapphire gem cradled within Mazama's ancient embrace—as Keats himself might have conjured ...for ever warm/And still to be enjoy’d". Allow yourself moments uncounted beside waters more profound than our mortal imaginations dare dive deep enough...a natural ode!

**4 Tea Break at Sylvia Beach Hotel Library Room (267 NW Cliff Street Newport OR 97365)**

Saunter down coasts towards Sylvia Beach Hotel whose library-themed rooms evoke echoes heard ’round literary salons past! Spend lazy hours here rifling Hemingway next Melville whilst casting eye out windows overlooking wave-churned seas...quoth Whitman singularly fitting amid such scenes; "I too am not a bit tamed/I too am untranslatable."

**5 Glimpse Timelessness Overhead Upon Painted Hills Unit - John Day Fossil Beds National Monument(2147 US-26 Mitchell OR97750):**

Let whispers continue guiding till they lead unto ochre ridges archiving epochs untold within Painted Hills' undulating contours meld seamlessly blending into an Impressionistic tableau stretching horizon boundless henceforth invoking Romanticists long gone who'd marvel & imagine grand lore behind strata visible plain view--Stanzas inspired awaiting contemplation--

Amid all splendor finally remember Emerson subtly advised relish 'Each single hour joyous'. Take heed friends discover deepest truths possible only through eyes open widened wonders wilds Oregona holds shares willing traveler yearning worlds constant flux yet eternally serene gentle soul reach finding solace simple pleasures nature bountiful gifts adore treasure infinitely beyond measure indeed...

Discover More:

- **Hoyt Arboretum:** [www.hoytarboretum.org](https://www.hoytarboretum.org) Twitter @hoytarb

- **Cannon Beach:** [www.cannonbeach.org](https://www.cannonbeach.org)

- **Crater Lake National Park:** [www.nps.gov/crla](https://www.nps.gov/crla)

- **Sylvia Beach Hotel:** [http://sylviabeachhotel.com](http://sylviabeachhotel.com) Twitter @SylviaBeachHtl

- **John Day Fossil Beds NM/Painted Hills Unit:** [www.nps.gov/joda/planyourvisit/painted-hills-unit.htm](https://www.nps.gov/joda/planyourvisit/painted-hills-unit.htm)

Revel slowly my kindred spirits rest easy find enchantment losing oneself beauty untouched unfettered endlessly captivating Oregona...