Feeling Like Lewis & Clark Trekking Across The Pacific Northwest Frontier!…read more SITREP As I barreled up Northbound I-5 - immediately adjacent to Salem, OR - this *NOTICE* appeared at the side of the road. If you *blink*, you would have missed it. [Fact is, the sign barely registered on my mind until I was already PAST it. It took me the next exit 4 miles up, to turn around and go South until adjacent with it, and THAT next exist was not for another 2 miles further South. So that was an extra 8-miles to make that U-turn. And there was in fact another similar sign on the Southbound side, except it was on the LEFT-hand side of the Southbound freeway - not making it very efficacious nor safe to snap a shot of it. The Northbound side at least had the right-side gravel turnout for the quick photo-snap.] THE SETUP It is a very unusual sign from the standpoint that it isn't actually informing you of a destination that you are most likely to be driving to in your car (in this instance most likely "Portland" which is the stop I was planning on) nor like it's counterpart sign immediately adjacent on the other side of Southbound I-5. EQUIDISTANT BETWEEN THE EQUATOR & THE NORTH POLE That is not to say you couldn't drive to the Equator, since after traversing several country borders (and Drug Cartels, and Militia Death Squads), highways and roadways DO exist that would take you to the Equator. However, you would need an ice-cutter to get to the North Pole. At it's most basic level, this sign is just a fun, true novelty, imparting to the curious, a motivation to know more about the geography of this world we live in. 45TH PARALLEL The 45th parallel north is a circle of latitude 45 degrees north of Earth's equatorial plane. Crossing, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean, the 45th parallel north is often called the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. But true halfway point is actually 16.2 kilometres (10.1 mi) north of 45th parallel because Earth is oblate: it bulges at equator and is flattened at poles. At this latitude, sun is visible for 15 hours, 37 minutes during Summer Solstice & 8 hours, 46 minutes during Winter Solstice. Midday sun stands 21.6 degrees above southern horizon at the December Solstice, 68.4 degrees at June solstice, and exactly 45.0 degrees at the two Equinoxes. THE LOWDOWN It is true random fun to see marking of a large geographical concept at the side of the highway, and is something that just makes one realize how insignificant they are when placed on a planetary scale.

Throughout the year I have to say that living on the 45th parallel averages out to 3 stars. Had…read moreactually spent the prior 21 years a couple of degrees farther north before the last 4 here. Summer is amazing, sun rises early and sets late, plenty of time even after work to get in at least 15-20 mile bike ride before dusk. Unfortunately winter is the exact opposite. Seasonal Affective Disorder kicks into high gear and so many require oral Vitamin D and/or a trip or 2 closer to the tropics during this time just to keep the doldrums from overtaking us. If you can survive the dark and dreary winters, however, the summers and the gorgeous scenery make it so worth living here and even farther north.

Amazing library for no public funding and all volunteer ran. For a public service/free it's an…read moreamazing and much needed in our community. It's a shame more people didn't support funding.

My ten year old son and I went today, visiting from Sheridan. We were attracted by a geocache and…read moredecided to go in and check it out. When I started inquiring about a library card, and not being from the area, I was met with disapproval when mentioning my son potentially visiting on his own. My son and I were excited to provide him an opportunity to develop his independence in a place that I assumed was supportive of independent learning and was child friendly. I can't express how disappointed I am that a library, of all places, would turn away a ten year old without adult supervision. My son loves libraries and can get lost for hours while I'm there, so it's very disheartening to know that he's not welcome unless I'm with him. What ever happened to supporting and encouraging kids to grow? One of the volunteers suggested I was looking for child care/a babysitter. Just overall a very disappointing trip.

In Salem for my birthday roadtrip, and wanted to do local things. I was told that the Capitol…read morebuilding was closed while under construction, but I could try to get a tour of the Supreme Court building instead. It's the oldest structure on the Mall, and looks great for its age. The experience did not disappoint! After going through security, I approached the beautiful staircase. Hanging glass sculptures of feathers went up each side, leading to glass wings on the third landing. I peeked into the law library and that's when the education began. Emily, the Lawyer/Librarian who gave me a most excellent behind the scenes tour, made it quite memorable. From the architecture to an intricately carved donated wooden chest, to the women and men making a difference in Oregon's politics, I learned so much. Seeing the handwritten notes inside the Courtroom drawers was a highlight. This visit absolutely made up for missing the tower tour at the Capital Building. I can go back when construction is finished.

Beautiful place to visit and enjoy the flowers and sun. My favorite is when the cherry blossoms are…read morein bloom. It's a must see!!!

Closed for construction. I walked the perimeter and it looks like an interesting building to tour…read moreeventually.

This place is old and falling apart. Outside stairs are rusty and unsafe looking. We were there to…read morevisit, and I am in a power chair, so you are supposed to ring a bell to notify staff you are there. When I reached up to press the bell, it fell off the wall and just dangled there, broken. The phones in the visitor area were largely out of order as well.

No, I didn't go to the slammer. I did however go to the OSP Car Show to benefit the children of…read moreincarcerated inmates. The Show has been going on over 42 years now and proceeds go to fund inmates children to go to a two week summer camp with other kids whose parents are incarcerated. The inmates look forward to this every year and entry is $45.00 (they have to do a background check) and you get notification you are in about 1-2 months before the show. They provide you with an orange shirt which is your to keep, have a great raffle with some pretty cool prizes with some actuallybeing made by the inmates. They also feed you breakfast and lunch (pizza) as you are in there for the duration (about 8 hours). If into classic cars, worth looking into the most unique car show in the state.

This group has done a great job at information for the community . Tammy and Jacqueline have proven…read morethat they care.. Karen T