All Who is the Mole? geckos pay attention: this is the trip of your life
So I got an invitation to practically make the same trip as the participants of Who is the Mole? did last season. As a diehard mole fan and travel addict, you can't help but get down on your knees at such a moment, kiss the ground, and make a gesture upwards (hallelujah, the man with the beard really exists).
The past nine days have been a kind of rollercoaster in the biggest Efteling you can imagine. Oregon is six times larger than the Netherlands and has 230 state parks and 13 national forests. The wet dream of every nature lover. By the way, I wouldn't necessarily categorize myself as a nature lover, but even I was immediately sold. After a busy period of running, flying, and jumping, Oregon made me fall in love with the earth again. The beauty, the history, the culture, the delicious food, and the lovely people. And of course: the WIDM element of this trip. If you've always wanted to travel through the States (do it, do it!), make sure to include Oregon. And if you want to make a television-worthy trip like I did, then you must first check this video and then this will be your route:
Portland
Move over New York, Portland is the place to be when it comes to hipness. The downtown area is compact and easy to explore on foot. Even I don't get lost there, and that says a lot. The best neighborhood in my opinion? Pearl District, if only for the amazing shops and cool coffee spots. Of course, you take a photo at the iconic Portland sign, the famous ‘Umbrella Man’ and the bookstore Powell's City of Books (yes, that bookstore where the participants from WIDM never ended up). Rent a bike, go enjoy sushi (they're good at it) and bike along the water to admire all the bridges. Then of course, stop by Voodoo Donuts, where there’s always a half-hour line, but it’s worth it, trust me. Have breakfast at the Farmers Market and sleep at Hotel Modera or the Ace Hotel located downtown.
Bend
From Portland, I think you're about a three-hour drive away, but MAN, it's worth it. Bend is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes. The hot air balloon task with the numbers at the bottom of the basket? Yep, that was filmed here. If you want to catch another WIDM location, head towards Trillium Lake. Super Instagram-worthy too. Food tip: Deschutes Brewery. The rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bend are also quite nice, by the way. If you want to have an authentic pancake breakfast on a hill, book a room at the Victorian Lane Bed & Breakfast.
Ford Rock State Park (And Moltown)
How COOL people, I was in Moltown! (Those who aren't mole fans will really think I'm going crazy now.) You know, that task with all those little houses where they had to hang nameplates. Well, if you want to go that way, just google the Fort Rock Valley Historical Society. It's a kind of mini-museum and honestly very funny to walk around. The really beautiful photos are, of course, taken at Ford Rock, where our group also took a WIDM group photo for the occasion. Just for the feeling, right.
Pendleton
Hoooowdy how, cowgaaaals. This town is the best ever. Western vibes to the max. EVERYWHERE you look, you see cowboys, horses, and rodeo. At the Pendleton Roundup, the candidates search for money in the audience. For the mole fans: you can also find the underground tunnels in Pendleton, where you can do the tour in the dark with those creepy dolls playing card games. And I can tell you: that stuff is freaky. But cool. But freaky. By the way, you sleep at the Red Lion Hotel.
Painted Hills
I can be very brief about this: in my opinion, one of the highlights of this trip. As if you are on another planet, so beautiful. Just look here and you'll understand what I mean. If you're in Oregon, you simply can't miss this.
Oregon Trail
Unfortunately, I didn't do it, but if you're in America for two weeks or longer: do it. Traveling the famous route by covered wagon (from Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia River) seems like the ultimate experience. Okay, maybe the entire route of 3400 kilometers is a bit slow, boring, and painful for your butt, but a part of it? Hell yeah.
Multnomah Falls
Just over an hour's drive from Portland, you will find the Multnomah Falls. The largest and most famous waterfalls in Oregon, on the side of the Columbia River Gorge. It was definitely on my agenda, but unfortunately, we couldn't reach this side due to the wildfires. Sigh.
Smith Rock
Did you know the story of Kiek who almost died on a mountain? Probably not, but I can tell you: everything is on camera and that vlog will be coming your way soon. It's incredibly heavy and blisteringly hot, but climbing Smith Rock is really a must when visiting this area.
Cannon Beach
Remember the episode where the candidates had to act out each other's names in the sand? That was filmed along the coastline of Cannon Beach. From Portland, you're there in less than an hour and a half, and you reach the city via U.S. Highway 101. Good to know: National Geographic once placed it on the list of the 100 most beautiful places on earth.
You understand: I'm still a bit recovering from all the impressions once I'm home. This was too amazing for words. I seriously feel like a bit of a different Kiek has returned to Amsterdam. In my previous life, I MUST have been an American cowgirl. Can't. Be. Otherwise. If the whole America road trip idea appeals to you, then this is a trip you will never forget. Trust me.
P.S.: I've definitely gained three kilos and I’m not allowed to eat pancakes ever again.
This week, I’ll be going at least twice to Fit For Free to sweat away those American love handles...
Hooooowdy ho!
Photographer: Nienke Zondervan
