After exploring the British Virgin Islands, trekking across the United States, and working for a traveling circus (among many other adventures), Georgia native Clint Lewis recently arrived in Portland, carrying with him a million tales from nights and days on the road.
“I was headed to Colorado when everything fell out from under me,” said Clint, who sells Street Roots newspapers. “But it’s just a minute, you know, I’ll be there in a couple weeks and then I can get on. This paper thing’s really helping me out. It’s putting a little jingle in my pocket. … It won’t be but a minute. I’ll be back up and go.”
When asked what he likes about Portland, Clint said, “Just about everything.” While he enjoys the City of Roses, the most captivating place he has visited is Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
“Road Town is the old British town where the pirates used to come in,” Clint said. “Remember Blackbeard? Blackbeard used to park his boat in Road Town. And he would get out, and the reason that they welcomed ’em – or any of ’em – is ’cause they brought the loot.”
Long after visiting Road Town, Clint was traveling through Susanville, Calif., and noticed a carnival. Almost immediately, he decided to work for the traveling crew. It was an experience filled with many humorous moments.
Clint plans to stay in Portland until he has saved enough money to visit his son in Colorado, whom he has not seen in about two years.
Clint sells Street Roots at Oregon Health & Science University near the aerial tram.