Robin, it's funny how often I forget just how lucky we are in this corner of the world. Mountains, desert, the ocean, deep forests, miles and miles of wilderness and a wide array of lakes and rivers. The one place that always brings it home, even though I paddle there more often than anywhere else, is the Columbia River Gorge.
Yellowcanoe, I've made the same mistake online between our coasts as well, most often when lusting after some lovely classic used canoe. Our market out here is thin, too many kayaks. It's been a few years since I was lucky enough to visit your corner of the states, but I must say it is a beautiful and inviting place. If I couldn't live in Portland, I could move to Portland just as well, if you know what I mean.