The spirit of Central Oregon has to do with two related qualities: a spirit of adventure, and a high degree of resilience. This region attracts people who are willing to take a chance on themselves, to take risks. Maybe those risks are found at a poker table, maybe they’re found in an entrepreneurial venture, maybe in something as fundamental as trying to grow a crop in a fickle and challenging climate. If you’re going to be a risk-taker, it pays to be resilient, because you’re going to take some hits. In these pages, you will find stories of people who have faced great adversity — and made something inspiring out of it.
