Nevada / Utah 2024

Saturday      April 27     travel day, Philadelphia to Las Vegas

Sunday        April 28      Las Vegas

Monday        April 29     Meow Wolf / Springdale, Utah / Zion National Park

Tuesday       April 30     Zion National Park    

Wednesday  May 1        Bryce Canyon National Park

Thursday      May 2       Kodachrome Basin / Chimney Rock / Devil’s Garden / slot canyon 

Friday           May 3        Torrey / Gifford House / Goblin Valley State Park / Price / Park City

Saturday       May 4        Park City

Sunday         May 5         Park City

Monday         May 6        Salt Lake City 

Tuesday        May 7       travel day, Salt Lake City to Philadelphia

The story begins with our kitty, Stella. She went missing on Wednesday April 24. We had a late afternoon flight scheduled for Saturday the 27th. That day our minds were not on packing or planning; it is on our missing kitty. 

We have posted online, searched the neighborhood, contacted organizations, and notified neighbors. On Saturday morning, we cover our town with flyers in a light misty rain until we have none left. It is an hour and a half before we have to leave for the airport, I look outside once again, and there she is snacking on the food we left on the side porch. I yell out to Dana who is in another room, Stella! After 42 hours, she is home and looks just the same, as if she never left.

With joy and relief, we pack up the car. Stella wants to go right back out but we say, ‘no way’ and lock her in. It’s ok, our daughter will be home to mind the kitties while we are away.

Saturday 27th

Our flight was the best kind - uneventful. We land in Las Vegas at about 9:30 p.m. and get to the car rental by shuttle. This is our first time renting from Easirent. The person checking us in asked for my car insurance card. Who carries that with them? We have been traveling for over 20 years, and never have we been asked to provide our auto insurance card. I asked what my options were and there were only two - 1. provide my insurance card 2. buy their insurance. Out of desperation and frustration I looked at old emails on my phone. And out of pure luck, my insurance provider had sent me an email with a copy of my policy. Whew, glad that was taken care of, not sure what I would have done if I didn’t not have that. The next issue was with the vehicle option. I had rented a Jeep Compass and received a Chevy Blazer. I wasn’t too happy, but I know it says ‘or similar’ in the fine print. I looked over the vehicle and found someone had keyed the rear passenger side pretty badly, and the fuel gauge showed about an eighth of a tank. When I brought the issues to the attention of the Easirent employee, he said not to worry, they don’t charge for scratches and that I didn’t have to fill the fuel tank upon return. This was new to me, and I was skeptical, so I took pictures of everything. 

Sunday 28th

Our first day in Las Vegas. We are staying at the Horseshoe Inn for 2 nights. To get outside we walk through the Paris Hotel and once outside I begin taking pictures, the first of about a thousand. Our first highlight is brunch at Lago, which boasts a James Beard award-winning Chef. We are there early because we are hungry, and we are seated in the front row on the patio with a view of the fountains. It was a fine brunch on a beautiful day capped off with their largest dessert - an ice cream sundae topped with cotton candy.

After the meal we made it to Flyover. We chose the Iceland trip. There were only 4 other people there and we were escorted in low light to our seats. After the lights go out, the ‘flight’ begins! The screen is not visible and fills your forward view. The seats pitch, tilt and seem to hover. It is a very convincing effect. Along the way ‘travelers’ are hit with mist to simulate atmospheric conditions which add to the illusion. The first few seconds really impacted me with a sense of wonderment about how beautiful our Earth is. After our first flight, we were offered a second flight for just $10 each. We took them up on the offer and ‘flew’ over the Canadian Rockies on our second trip.

After wandering around looking at the sights and shopping we headed towards Beauty and Essex for dinner. I had never heard of it, but Dana said it was highly recommended. Hidden behind a door to a pawn shop (mostly filled with guitars and jewelry) Beauty and Essex is known for their unique sharing plates. 

After dinner we drove to the Neon Museum. It is an outdoor museum filled with old neon signs from famous Las Vegas hotels. As the sun sets, the signs reveal their full allure.

The main event of the day has now come - ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil. We walked to Bellagio and had a little trouble deciding which entrance to use. Bellagio is a huge property. We are about 20 minutes early so we decided to get on the snack/refreshment line. That's when I realized how service away from the Northeast always seems slower. Time is ticking away and there are only 2 people behind the counters. As they announce the beginning of the show, I purchase my goodies and seek Dana out in the dim light of a packed house. 

I knew nothing about Cirque du Soleil going in, other than the shows usually contained acrobats and clowns. Neither is my cup of tea. The show started off slowly and gradually picked up into an almost incomprehensible overload of stunts, antics and side shows all going on at once. The floor opens and closes throughout the show to allow people to either ‘walk on water’ or dive into it from the ceiling. I tried to make some sense of the storyline but failed due to the dangerous stunts drawing my attention. I leaned forward in my seat for a good while, totally engrossed in what I was watching. And it ended too soon. I wanted more. It was amazing and if I have the chance, I will see it again. I actually felt sad when the final curtain was drawn - which I’d like to try to describe. The curtain was animated with precise manipulation by a means I could not decipher. The final red curtain did not just drop from the ceiling, it ‘flew’ forward into place from what looked like a basket from a hot air balloon. 

Monday 29th

Breakfast at Cafe Americano. We sit at the bar, eat breakfast, and plan our day. Dana does not want to miss seeing Meow Wolf before we leave Las Vegas. Have you ever heard of Meow Wolf? This is the first time I have heard of it. Meow Wolf is located with 2 other buildings on Area15, which does not exist. Dana, my navigator guides me to it but I cannot decipher where to park. I cannot see the front door and the signage is lacking. The front entrance, which is 2 doors under a large white triangle painted onto the surface of the building, is hidden. Two statues of red dogs on pedestals guard the entrance. Quickly upon entering I seek out an employee and begin to let her know my troubles in finding the entrance, to which she responded by saying, “yes, that is the idea, we don’t exist.” OK, I chilled out after this bit of information because I wanted to see what other surprises this place had. It didn’t take too long. The place is something like a mall, but each ‘store’ offered a fun mind-expanding activity. We explored 2 small gift shops, rode Haley’s Comet (which glides along the ceiling) and explored Omega Mart for a few hours. Omega Mart is not easy to explain, but I highly recommend experiencing it. You start off in a very strange store where you can actually buy things. It is hands on, so you are encouraged to interact with anything you find. While you are doing so, the intercom talks about people who go missing and that you should ‘free your mind’. And that is just the beginning. Once you enter the freezer, a short corridor leads you to another area much larger than the store itself. Inside there are multiple levels to explore which offer a whole new world of sights, sounds, and clues.

We could have spent a day there, but we had reservations at the Bumbleberry Inn in Springdale, Utah. The drive would be close to 3 hours. Before we set off, we shared a piece of red velvet cake we bought out of a cake dispenser located in the hall between the Horseshoe and Paris hotels. We should have bought two!

Before getting to Springdale, we stopped at the Rib and Chop House in St. George, Utah where we both enjoyed expertly cooked filets. We had to make a quick decision about where to eat, and the Rib and Chop House was right off the highway. It turned out to be an excellent choice!

We arrived at the Bumbleberry Inn in Springdale at night and just had a little time to explore the town.

Tuesday 30th

Springdale has a population of almost 3000 people. The shuttle is running inside town and takes visitors to the Zion National Park Welcome Center. The Bumbleberry is at stop 5 and 1 mile away is the Zion Visitor Center which is stop 9. Inside the park, there is another shuttle (both shuttles are free) to take visitors to different points of interest and trailheads. The Inn offers vouchers for breakfast at Porters. After breakfast we head to our first hike - the Watchman Trail. It is a little over 3 miles, plus we did the loop at the summit. Along the way we saw a deer, a golden mantled ground squirrel and a Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay. It was a relatively easy hike for us even though we are not very active, although I did sign up at my local rec center a month before our trip to try to get some cardio training. After the hike, which took us about 3 hours, Dana wanted to explore the town, so we walked back to our hotel, stopping for ice cream and souvenir shops. 

Our next hike was the Canyon Overlook. To get there you have to drive through the Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel. There is a sign before the tunnel entrance to remove your sunglasses and put on your headlights. My sunglasses are prescription. The tunnel was very dark, and I immediately leaned forward in my seat to try to see better. Dana knew I was having difficulty but was afraid to take her eyes off the road. We only saw 2 other cars in the tunnel, so extra light or a guide to follow was not available, but we made it through. The first parking lot on the right was for compact cars only and we had a big ole Chevy. The next lot on the left, which held about 5 parking spots was full. I ended up making a U-turn and driving through the tunnel again! Then another U-turn to get back to where we were. This time I pulled over into the tiny lot and just as one car was leaving. What luck! The Canyon Overlook trail sign says it is 1-mile round trip, but it seemed longer. It was full of thrills, and when I say thrills, I mean a little scary. My eagerness held my fear at bay, and I was hiking at a quick pace. My thoughts focused on Dana a few times because she is not fond of heights. She said, ‘don’t ask, just keep going.’ Along the way we had to walk across a tiny bridge attached to the mountainside. The hike had a huge payoff at the end - an epic view of a valley, the type you usually see only in movies. On the way back, we were honored to see a family of big horned sheep. They climbed straight up the mountain about 15 feet in front of us. Once they gained the high ground, about 20 feet above us, the male walked to the edge of a cliff and stared at us while the female and babies stayed behind him. 

Wednesday May 1st

Breakfast at Porters with our free voucher. This is our second time here and once again we ordered 3 plates and once again our server warned us that our voucher was only good for 2. Hey, we are foodies! After filling up, we were on our way to our next destination, Bryce Canyon National Park, just 2 hours away - although frequent stops for picture taking makes it a wee bit longer. We stopped at our hotel first, Ruby’s Inn. It is located in Bryce Canyon City which has a population of about 332. We stopped for lunch in Tropic at I.D.K. Barbecue. It was surprisingly excellent. The brisket was cooked for 16 hours and had the tell-tale pink smoke ring. It was the best brisket I ever had. I believe the chops out west are better than what I am used to on the east coast. 

Our first hike in Bryce Canyon was at Mossy Cave. It is a 1-mile hike that is easy to do. The highlight of the hike was getting down a small hill to get up close to the small waterfall. We are early in the season, so all of our hikes had few other people around. I remember looking at the land and getting this feeling that things weren’t random. The trees, rocks, and vegetation seemed to have some purpose or pattern to it. 

After that small hike we had a snack at The Canyon Diner, which boasts ‘hot and fresh made pizza’ once again surprised me at how good it was. I guess there is no room for subpar restaurants!

Thursday May 2nd

Our day started with a breakfast buffet in our hotel, Ruby’s Inn. Our second hike in Bryce Canyon started at the Navajo Loop trailhead located at Sunset Point. After reading conflicting reports we decided to start at Sunset Point and finish at Sunrise Point. ‘This is the way.’ The Navajo Loop trail starts off with a steeper decline than the end of the trail, so it is easier and more gradual to get back to the stop at Sunrise Point. I do not know the total length of the hike because we did a combination of the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden trails. I would estimate about 3.5 miles. It took us about 3 hours. I would say the hike had a moderate difficulty level and the number of views and change in landscapes makes it one of the best. 

At night we drove to Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. We were done hiking for the day, and it was the ‘golden hour’ for picture taking, so we just walked up to the points and tried to capture the scenery with our cameras, which once again I realized is not possible to capture everything the eye can see.

Once it got dark, we took a little drive out to reach the furthest point, but it was a really quiet dark road. We turned around and went back to Bryce Point to see the stars. There was no need to go to the furthest point out, Bryce Point has very little light pollution and the night sky was full of stars.

Friday May 3rd

On recommendation we drove to the Kodachrome Basin. Our first stop was Chimney Rock. Yeah, just a tall giant rock in the middle of nowhere but picture taking time was quite fun. Next stop was a little out of the way but totally worth it. After 10 miles of washboard road, located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante there is a hidden gem called Devil’s Garden. It is a natural playground with soft sand, plenty of hoodoos to explore, and silence except for an occasional wind. On the way out I had to stop and take pictures of the cows wandering around on the sides of the washboard road. Utah was proving to be nothing like I had imagined.

We had reservations for 4 p.m. at Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah. It’s quite a feat to plan something weeks in advance and to be on time. The restaurant enjoys one of the highest Zagat ratings in Utah and was selected as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022 and 2023. And you can taste why they achieved such ratings. I had beef with polenta, beets, Brussel sprouts and mashed carrots. For dessert I chose something out of the ordinary - pepita praline pie, which was excellent and would pair with just about any meal.

After that fine meal, we went to a small slot canyon located about 11 miles away off of Burr Trail Road. At this point we were a little weary of hiking, so the short walk into the ‘slot canyon’ was very welcome and offered a great backdrop for photos.

Our final destination was less than an hour away at the Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey, Utah. I took many pictures and videos along the way. We were on scenic route 12. Torrey has a population of less than 300 and the area has a backdrop of beautiful deep chocolate-colored mountains and hills.

Saturday May 4th

Dana and I explored the area around Torrey. We went to the Wild Rabbit Cafe for breakfast and then headed to the Gifford House and Museum known for it’s pies. There are many other quick stops in the area. Including a free-to-pick orchard. This area is one of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen in the U.S. Just my style, orchard trees with a backdrop of red/brown mountains. 

Our next stop was Goblin Valley State Park, about one hour and 20 minutes away. Along the way we stopped in Hanksville for gas and a quick bite to eat. Outlaw’s Roost was highly recommended, and we ordered tacos there. They were excellent! I started to think that any restaurant not up to par in these small towns were quickly out of business and only the best survived. For gas we stopped at Hollow Mountain, where the mart is literally built in the side of a mountain.  

Goblin Valley is a state park, you are allowed to fly a drone after a quick form and a $10 fee. We arrived in the heat of the day, and we felt it. I wore my hat. There is a fairly large parking lot and after that, you are on your own to explore the area. I spotted a large clearing and headed right for it. I took a few drone videos that look like I’m on another planet. I felt like a little kid. At one point a family was heading towards the area and I was ready to tell them I am a new ‘pilot’, but they detoured once they saw the drone. I also took pictures; the place is surreal. You can see snowcapped peaks in the background of a landscape that could be mistaken for Mars.

In the late afternoon we set out for Park City, Utah, about 4 hours away. This would be our longest drive. The first leg of the journey was on 24 East. After a small town called Green River, we turned northwest onto 191N/6W. Although this area was almost devoid of towns and places to stop, it was very memorable. We wish we had a geologist to explain how all the landscapes formed and what the mountain ranges were made up of. We passed through areas where as far as the eye there were mountains all of the same color. Then after a bit of a drive you would enter another area where the mountains were a different color. This lasted the whole drive. 

For lunch we stopped in Price, Utah. The town looked a little run down, but we found good eats at the Tangerine Eatery. Once back on the road, the landscape kept up its steady change of mountains, hills and colors. As we approached Spanish Fork there was a large wind farm right along the highway and the mountains changed to green. Not green with trees, but vegetation. They reminded me of the rolling green hills in Europe. As we pushed closer to Park City, we started to see snowcapped peaks. We drove through Provo and Heber City. They reminded me of coastal New England towns. They looked like nice places to visit, if only we had more time. At one point I was stopped at a red light and as I viewed a snowcapped mountain filling up my windshield view, Dana said it was 73 degrees out! 

We arrived in Park City at around 9:30 p.m. We unloaded our luggage and went for a walk down Main Street. We had the town to ourselves because although Park City is home to two world class ski resorts - this is the off-season.

Sunday May 5th

 We had breakfast near a ski lift at a place called The Bridge. Afterwards we went souvenir shopping. I bought 5 t-shirts after announcing I don’t need any more at the beginning of the vacation. In the afternoon we walked through a small park and went to Ritual Chocolate which is based right here in Park City. For dinner we went to the High West Saloon and sampled some of their whiskeys. They are Utah's first legal distillery since 1870. One of their offerings was called ‘Campfire’ and that is exactly what it tasted like - liquid campfire, and that is a flavor we enjoy. 

Monday May 6th

In the morning it snowed! It looked like Christmas time. We stopped at The Eating Establishment for breakfast and then did some more gift shopping. The snow didn’t stick so it was clear by the time we left for our final destination of the vacation - Salt Lake City. The ride there is only 40 minutes. After checking in we took the free shuttle bus to Tony Caputo’s Italian deli. It boasts the country's largest selection of craft chocolate. I spent more money on chocolate than I did for lunch!

 

Our next stop was downtown at the Gateway, the centerpiece of Salt Lake City’s downtown area. It is a collection of shops and eateries with an indoor/outdoor mall-like feel. 

For dinner we tried Afghan cuisine for the first time at the Afghan Kitchen. It had one of the highest ratings online for the area. The outside didn’t look like much, but inside was cozy and the food was excellent. We explored the city with a carefree drive and then I met up with a friend who moved out there many years ago. We talked about the good old days when we were in a band together while Dana shopped in the ‘9th and 9th’ area.

We wanted to see the Tabernacle, but it was covered in scaffolding for renovation. Instead, we visited the Cathedral of the Madeleine. It was nighttime and we had one more stop for the evening, TF brewery, highly recommended by another friend who had recently moved into the area. I tried their stout named ‘Mary’s Dry Irish Nitro Stout’ and it was the smoothest nitro beer I have ever tasted. 

Tuesday May 7th

We stayed at the Plaza Hotel which is conveniently located just 11 miles from the airport and there are shuttle stops right outside the main entrance. This is our last day of vacation, so we have breakfast in our hotel restaurant followed by a short drive to the airport. 

Oregon 2018 trip report

Oregon 

August 30th Alaska Airlines gets a thumbs up from me. Won't say it is awesome, but seats more comfortable than the other airlines make it a top choice. "Uncharacteristically low head winds" allow the pilot to make up for a late start out of Newark. Flew over Buffalo, N.Y. into Canadian airspace, over Michigan and Lake Huron, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho and finally Oregon. Landscape is not what I expected, subdued tan rocky mountains with just a smattering of verdant swathes in the valleys. Mount Adams and Mount Rainier visible as our 737-800 starts to follow Hood River. Trees become visible and large green patches start to dominate the view. Portland is minutes away. I hear someone say, "I don't want to leave this place" and it's my inner voice. I won't tell Dana, she will shrug it off with something like, 'but we're not even there yet!'

I rented a Jeep Wrangler from Thrifty, but the car rental places always have a disclaimer after an asterisk which reads 'or similar'. Dana and I were ready to be combative if they tried playing the switcheroo on us. We spot a small white 2 door jeep and are a bit relieved. Inside the office we are asked if we want the white jeep or a silver jeep. I leave the decision to Dana, who just can't decide and I finally ask for the silver one. It is a 4 door Sahara!

Dana chose all the hotels for this trip. Our first night is at the Nordic Inn which is located across the street from Twin Perks Espresso, thank you Dana, thank you. After check-in we head to Shari's Cafe & Pies. I have breakfast at what would be midnight eastern time. I'm ready to explore after dessert - a slice of marrion berry pie. Marrion berries only grow in Oregon and I declare them the king of berries. Dana is at her limit of being able to stay awake and we call it a night. I have been running on 6 hours of sleep myself.

August 31 Thanks to the time difference, I'm up early. We begin a 45 minute scenic drive on 84 East. From here on out, I assume all drives will be scenic. Our first stop is Danner Boot Outlet. Dana picks up a pair of hiking boots but I resist the urge to add another pair of boots to my collection. Back on the road we take an exit that says Multnomah Falls shuttle service. We were warned the parking lot was full, but I decide to take my chances and drive to the exit. I spot an empty space upon entering and drive a few hundred feet down a one-way to snag it. To get to the falls we walk through a short tunnel that goes under the highway. I take pictures of Multnomah Falls but fail to capture the spectacular view. It has to be seen with the human eye.

Next stop is Hood River. I prefer the mountains, Dana enjoys the beach. Hood River has both. It is a hidden gem. Lunch outside at Broder Ost is delicious and relaxing. If I had the chance I would move there now.

Our ultimate destination lies another 2 hours and 45 minutes away - a place named Bend. I've been told it is a most beautiful place by coworkers who lived on the west coast back in the early 90s. It is another beautiful drive which takes us past Mt. Hood, through Madras, and Redmond. Madras seemed a bit peculiar with numerous Mexican restaurants as we drove through the town in 15 minutes at 5 p.m. There are very few signs for Bend until you are a few miles from it. I am quite surprised over the change in landscapes along the way. The grassy lands before Madras were unexpected. Bend is also not how I pictured it, but lives up to everything I've been told. Clean and quiet with a population of about 92,000 inhabitants. It seems like there is enough bars and restaurants for the entire town to be out simultaneously. If fine dining and a glass of local craft beer is their vice, outdoor activities seem to be their penance. Everyone takes advantage of the beautiful weather, hiking trails and rivers for exercise.

After settling into our room, we settle down with a whiskey sampler and a pizza at O'Kanes, a whiskey/cigar bar located on McMenamins' property.

Old St. Francis School was a Catholic schoolhouse which has now been converted to a hotel, movie theater, and brewery by McMenamins. The room we stayed in was named 'Altar Boy's'. Each room is uniquely decorated in very quirky styles. It contained two claw foot soaking tubs and two showers. Super cozy and super friendly staff. Dana mentioned this hotel was a little more expensive than the rest but I didn't even ask by how much. Whatever it was, it was worth every penny.

                                               

                           

We did have an uninvited guest in our room - a nice sized spider who came running straight towards me. I caught him, took some pictures and researched - a giant house spider, nothing dangerous. I delivered him to the front desk clerks who were taken aback.

September 01 Our first full day in Bend. The weather is perfect. We sit outside for every meal. Breakfast is at La Magie, a French bakery and cafe. The food was so good we planned on having breakfast there again. We made a new friend - Bodhi, a French Bulldog, a cute little guy who looked just like a plush toy.

Saturday is market day which is located near a beautiful building which turns out to be - Bend High School. A few local shops provide a warm up for more shopping in an area called the Mill District. It is just a short drive to this beautiful location which lies along the Deschutes River where people are floating down in various shaped tubes and flamingo floats. It contains an Imax theater, dog park and a plethora of trails.

On the way back, we stop at Dakine Hawaiian shaved ice on Galveston Ave. You can choose up to 3 flavors and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the bottom or sweet cream on top. The flavoring is robust but not too sweet and the smoothness of the ice is very consistent.

Once back in Bend we rest up before heading out for Thai cuisine at Noi. Dana confuses me and the waiter by ordering two meals! I'm glad she did. We shared 3 delicious plates. The garlic chicken is superb and I ravaged the plate of drunken noodles, which seem to have a subtle hint of grilled flavor.

After dinner as the sun is setting, we head to Kelly Butte in Springfield. The road spirals up this extinct cinder cone and what a fun ride it is. Maybe due to the lack of railing, Dana was starting to fret and refused to look out her passenger window. Once at the top, we were able to see all the surrounding mountains so I set up my tripod and snapped away.

After getting back to the hotel, which I feel in error by calling it that (it is so much more), we decide to try out the soaking pool. The light blue walls are illuminated by a skylight. The quirky motif continues with murals of monks performing chores in the outdoors.

To cap off the night, we head over to the cigar/whiskey bar once again, and it is a full house. There is a bridal party and people in costume (possible for brewfest). We wait patiently for a table. I order a Dark 'n' Stormy and Dana has a shot of whiskey. We explore one of the buildings on site, which has hidden passages and a secret cozy bar behind a wall.

September 02 No questions about where we are heading for breakfast - La Magie! We order the same thing - bacon bennies and hot black coffee.

A few more shops and then back to the hotel. It is a sad time. Such a wonderful stay but we have to move on. Dana drives to Sisters, Oregon. The town has an old west feel and there are tons of shops. Also, it is market day today and I find a snow cone stand. We each order one and for the first time, I can not finish my treat. It is huge!

I get back in the drivers seat of the Jeep for the next stop - Camp Sherman. The sides of the road are quickly dominated by what I think are sugar pine trees. This is how I pictured Oregon. First we stop at the Camp Store and find a huge selection of beer. I pass it all up for a container of milk and a chocolate bar. "Nothing but the hard stuff for me", I exclaimed to the check out clerk who smiles in agreement. A short drive in the Deschutes National Forest and we are at the Metolius Riverhead. It is a short walk on a path to the viewpoint. Along the way we are greeted by chipmunks and I spot a Steller's Jay. Once at the viewpoint I set up my tripod for pictures of the river with Mt. Jefferson's peak above the trees in the background.

             

Eugene is about 2 hours away and once again, we don't see much signage, but the route is quite direct. We are guided by gps to 13th Street - the location of our first Airbnb experience. It is a cute little house with a large living room, dining room, and kitchen on one side of the first floor. Two bedrooms separated by a full bathroom are on the other. There is a table and chairs in the backyard, a driveway and small front porch. The front yard was just starting to get overgrown, but the inside of the house was clean and well kept.

 Our first stop after 'moving in' was at La Perla for dinner which was within walking distance. Then we headed back home to meet up with Beth, a friend from Seattle who was crashing our vacation during our stay in Eugene.

September 03 Breakfast at Off The Waffle which was recommended by online searches. Seldom do I order waffles for breakfast, but when I do, it usually conjures a look of dismay from Dana. No more. These are Liege waffles - packed with caramelized pearl sugar. How good are they? The three of us went back the next morning and ordered the same thing. We usually try for as many new experiences as possible but patronizing the same restaurants was starting to become the norm on this vacation.

After breakfast we headed downtown for shopping. I spotted Potala Gate and stopped to check out this interesting shop offering meditative and ritual items. We also stopped at Will Leather Goods and Provisions Market Hall where I found truffle honey, apple cider and star anise vinegar and marrion berry jam. I also picked up a few t-shirts and bumper stickers at Made In Oregon. Not too far away was Owen Rose Garden where I set up my tripod as the girls took a leisurely stroll.

Off to Sweet Cheeks Winery just 15 miles away from the rose garden. $7 flights allows one to sample 5 different wines. The Tempranillo was my favorite, although I would not rate any of the wines I tasted 5 stars. We also ordered the Seasonal Cheese Plate plus a Salami and Olives plate. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and the hilltop offered a gorgeous view of the countryside. A band played live and there was a food truck in the parking lot. Despite the cheeky name, the logo contains a crow because the founder first planted a vineyard in Crow, Oregon. It was another beautiful day and we yukked it up taking pictures near the Sweet Cheeks sign. After taking the top off the jeep in the parking lot, I picked up the girls for the drive home.

The city seems to be sprawled out and a bit haphazard as far as zoning. You may find an awesome restaurant nestled between houses. We did not stay long enough in Eugene.

September 04 My time in Oregon thus far began to get a hold on me. This day started off by feeding our newly acquired waffle addiction. Our friend had the splendid idea of buying some Liege waffles for the road. We stopped back at the house to load up and say goodbye to our temporary home. Our first stop was at a winery named Left Coast Estate which was about an hour and a half away. The girls indulged in wine tasting, while I relaxed in the sun and took pictures of the area. The pizza was highly recommended, but we missed the kitchen.

Our next stop was to satisfy a little hobby I have - photographing WWII era warbirds. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is only 18 miles away in McMinnville. I was a bit dismayed to say the least when I got there. The one specimen I wanted to see the most had been sold less than 2 weeks ago and shipped back to England. The Spitfire was gone! Who would think to call a museum and ask if a plane is still there?

After the brief stop at the museum, we headed for the coast. We stopped at Tillamook Dairy, another recommendation. It is a cheese factory, restaurant, and gift shop all in one. Dana and I got in the line for ice cream while our cohort went to the food line to ask them to warm up something special for us - the Liege waffles! We sat outside and treated ourselves with waffle ice cream sandwiches. Ahh vacation, waffles for breakfast and waffle ice cream sandwiches for dinner.

Driving up the coast of Oregon will be memorable for a lifetime. It would have been about an hour if we drove straight through, but we certainly did not. The tiny towns along the coast are full of sirens luring drivers to stop and take in their serenity and charm. And then we witnessed an epic sunset. I gasped as I looked out my side window and asked Dana if she could see what I was seeing. I stopped at the next lookout point and from that vantage point, we watched the sun set atop a layer of fog floating just above the sea.

As the light of day dimmed, we headed to Cannon Beach. We parked near the beach and said goodbye to Beth, taking a few photos on the sand with Haystack Rock in the background. The Inn at Cannon Beach provided instant gratification with wild bunnies hopping up to us outside and once in our room, a spa tub inside.

September 05 We spent our first morning in Cannon Beach dining and shopping. We compared The Local Grill and Scoop's bennies to the ones we had at La Magie. Driftwood provided New England clam chowder better than any found in New England. We hit the beach an hour before low tide and were able to walk right up to Haystack Rock. The water was cold, but we enjoyed another clear day. For sunset we headed to Ecola State Park to watch the sun sink below the horizon and another stop at Driftwood for coffee and marrion berry pie rounded out our day.

September 06 Breakfast at the Creperie and a few shops before starting the next adventure. We said goodbye to Haystack Rock, the bunnies and this exclusive area of the state. 39 miles away, we stopped at Pier 39 in Astoria. It is an old cannery that now offers rooms, a pub and views of the Columbia River. To get to the building, one must drive over a wooden bridge, which I found a tiny unnerving. We wandered in and around the large building looking for our quarry. We could hear them, but not see them. We had to walk to the East Mooring Basin Boat Ramp to finally view them - a large colony of very vocal and odorous sea lions sunning themselves.

We decided to skip the Astoria Column and headed to Portland after a quick stop to purchase a few lottery tickets. It is a 2 hour drive which loosely follows the Columbia River, briefly taking us into Washington State and past a city named Vancouver. It is a relaxing drive and I notice a number of logging trucks, the first I have ever seen in my lifetime. Once again, not many signs mention our destination of Portland until we are just a few miles away. We tried to take a picture on the bridge welcoming us back to Oregon, but missed the chance. Route 5 takes a wide left turn and then there it is - the city of Portland, there is no mistaking it, even for a first-timer.

It is our first day in Portland and what an impression it will leave. After checking in to the Hampton Inn located in the Pearl District, we rushed out to see the city. A handy list of restaurants in order of distance has been printed up by the Hampton Inn which also contain employee descriptions. (all hotels need to do this) Just a few blocks away is 13th street which will be blocked off for 'First Thursday'. As artists set up tents, Dana and I decide to go to Irving Street Kitchen. Happy hour starts at 4:30 and I order a Blackberry Smash and Meatballs over mashed potatoes. Dana chooses a glass of wine and Chicken Fried Oysters. After Dana tried the food and drink I ordered - we both ordered the Blackberry Smash and meatballs for round two. While finishing our drinks we heard a band play with an instrument that had a mysterious but soothing sound. It was the Urban Shaman playing live with a didgeridoo running through effects. We purchased all 3 of their cds and then headed to the artist stands. Dana spots Keen headquarters and a look-see inside is imperative. By the time we are ready to exit, the crowds have swelled for other street band performances. There is literally dancing in the streets. I pause here to take in the spectacle.

After our fill of merriment we head to the world's largest independent bookstore, just a short walk away - Powell's Books. It is not difficult to not notice homeless people sleeping on sidewalks. I wished i was mayor of Portland, the issue would be top priority.

Oven and Shaker is our choice for a late snack. After we are seated and order a bite to eat, someone at the table next to us decides to crow about being more vegan than his comrades. As the volume starts to get a little too high, the servers locate us to another table. I am amazed at their attentiveness and handling of the situation. Our last activity for the night is a nightcap on the hotel's rooftop patio.

September 07 Tilt for breakfast - highly recommended. It is also just a few blocks from the Hampton Inn. Like most of the places we have been to in the city, it is spacious inside and offers outside seating. Ham, egg and cheese on a biscuit with coffee and a slice of bourbon peach pie. We hop in the jeep to get to our next stop, Pittock Mansion which includes a scenic lookout. Then it is off to the International Rose Test Garden. We grab a quick snack at the vendors located near the parking lot - I'm talking shaved ice again. We decide to skip the Portland Japanese Garden after hearing about a $17 entrance fee. Another short walk takes us to the Burnside Bridge area to see the park along the Willamette River. Shopping dominates the rest of the day as we explore the city. After working up an appetite we head over to Irving Street Kitchen once again and Voodoo Donuts afterward for a late treat.

           

September 08 Fuller's Coffee Shop provides a hearty breakfast. The waitress comments on my t-shirt which reads 'Oregon Happy Camper' and asks if it is true. I tell her I don't want to leave and she replies, "come on, we have room for everyone". This exchange reinforces my opinion on how friendly and welcoming the people of Oregon are.
It is our second Saturday in Oregon and we are lucky enough to attend our 4th public market which takes place near the Burnside Bridge. It is larger than we anticipated and the only thing stopping us from spending too much is the lack of space in our luggage.
For lunch I put the final nail into trying as many different places as we can and suggest another stop at Tilt. Their fried chicken looked delicious the day before and Dana agrees. As our last chance to explore the city rears up, we hunt for murals scattered on building walls around the city. Along the way Dana spots Stumptown Coffee Roasters and samples a nitro cold brew.

Though we are flying out today, it is a red-eye so we have all but a full day to explore. Our final destination is the Division section of Portland located in the southeast corner of the city. It is mostly residential and we think about what it would be like to live here. We stop at Bollywood Theater to satisfy our curiosity. It is a restaurant with a small spice and gift stop that plays Bollywood movies during dinner. The sun shines in through the open ceiling and outside seating area. It looks beautiful and we would have loved to dine there but we weren't ready.

 We spot a store called Tibet A Gift and walk in. We wander around the first floor of the house alone for 15 minutes eyeing up treasures. Then the front door opens and the owner walks in. He tells us that he wasn't supposed to be open today, but his wife decided on a whim to unlock the door. He tells us that realty is his main profession and we talk to him for quite a while...

miles driven = 862