O is for Oarsome and also for Oregon

Oh Boston! You have defeated Poor Jody.

Yes folks - I'm heading out of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in a couple of weeks. But it's not all bad news. I'm off to another Grand Adventure, on the other side of the country, in the home state of a whole bunch of my relatives.

Some things you need to know about Oregon:

• Oregon's state flag pictures a beaver on its reverse side. It is the only state flag to carry two separate designs.

• Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state.

• Oregon and New Jersey are the only states without self-serve gas stations.

• At 8,000 feet deep Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America.

• The hazelnut is Oregon's official state nut. Oregon is the only state that has an official state nut. The hazelnut is also known as the filbert.

• Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It was formed more than 6,500 years ago. Its crystal-blue waters are world renowned.

• Discovered in 1874 the caves located in Oregon Caves National Monument are carved within solid marble.

• The Carousel Museum contains the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of carousel horses.

• The small village of Bickelton is filled with bluebird houses seen on the posts of every house.

• Tillamook is home to Oregon's largest cheese factory.

I'm particularly excited about the cheese factory and the state nut...