During my flight back to reality I had time to reflect on my days spent on the Oregon coast for “The Goonies” 30th Anniversary. The trip, in my eyes was an absolute success. My wife and I traveled across the country from Portland, Maine, to celebrate one of the greatest films ever made, recapture some true childhood nostalgia and maybe even find some “Rich Stuff.”

The weather, though not very Goonie-like, was terrific. Not so much as a single drop of rain fell during the entire trip. The hotel we picked was great. The location was central, the beds where comfortable, and they even offered free breakfast.

The Rich Stuff was plentiful. How amazing is it to be able to stand in the actual house from “The Goonies,” line up a doubloon at Cannon Beach or pose in the jail cell? How much fun is it to watch the movie in a theater, go bowling at Chunk’s bowling alley or find that newest Goonies-gear for your collection?

How can you even begin to describe to someone the feeling you get when Haystack Rock first enters your view? The goose bumps you feel when you drive on the road to Ecola State Park? The excitement of meeting Chunk in person? All of this and more represents the “Rich Stuff” that I found during my trip.

These experiences make up an exciting piece of Goonies fandom, but they do not represent the real gems of the trip. The truth is, the real treasure I found in Astoria was the people. The people made this trip a success.

Never before have I experienced so many people from so many different walks of life and different parts of the world come together and show unconditional love for one another. Strangers made into family by a common invisible bond. The people fostered a wonderful environment, where everyone was free to be who they really were, free of judgment and embraced for their idiosyncrasies. A group of outcasts that through their shared love of a movie, overcame great obstacles to make an event like this happen.

Need a place to stay? A ride from the airport? A ticket to an event? Another Goonie will have your back. I am proud to say I was a part of such a great selfless group of people. Without the people, my movie quotes would have waned silently in the night, my Warren Field pyramid would have been pretty weak, and most importantly — this event would never have happened.

Watching “The Goonies” on a 40-foot screen is an awesome experience. Watching “The Goonies” on a 40-foot screen with 2,000 other Goonies was magical.

I would trade all the rich stuff in the world for the treasure that is my fellow Goonies. I love you guys. Thank you all for making my trip so memorable.

Rhad Davis

Portland, Maine

On Jun 9, 2015, at 4:18 PM, Rhad Davis wrote:

Hi there

It was suggested by some in the Goonies 30th anniversary Facebook group, that I should forward this piece in consideration for publication. It has received a lot of praise among Goonies fans who say it seems to echo their feelings.

You have my permission to use any or all of it. Thanks

-Rhad Davis

Portland, Maine