Overnight in Oregon

My dad seemed to be stable & b/c we cancelled our trip to Seaside with M's family for the end of July, we decided to take an overnight to Cannon Beach & Portland. Even P was excited to go. As we headed South, the clouds filled the sky & we were cursing the weatherman. Sure enough, upon nearing the coast, the skies were gray & the ocean winds were chilly. From the many trips to the coast, I "should've" learned my lesson to always bring a fleece.


The boys spent their time digging & walking to the waters. Big J took a nap and I admired all the dogs prancing on the beach. I was thankful for the beach towels to block off the wind. Little J & I explored the shops but I couldn't bring myself to spend $50 for a sweatshirt with a Cannon Beach logo. We returned with a hot chocolate & a box of Kettlecorn.

Our night was spent in Portland. Dinner was at a popular brewery where our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, even a pitcher of beer between the two of us couldn't be finished off. The boys took an evening swim in the tiny indoor pool, while I relaxed flipping back & forth to The Patriot on TBS and XMEN on HBO.


Sunday was spent exploring Portland. At the International Rose Garden, the scents of flowers filled our senses. We debated on paying admission for the Japanese Garden or the Pittock Mansion. The mansion was built over a century ago. Each room told a story as our imaginations wandered to what it would be like growing up inside.


The bathrooms were the most interesting to see.


The toliet didn't change much. The keyboard overlooked the entry of the mansion.

On the way out of Portland, we dropped by the Lloyd Center. Big J and Little J went ice skating, P watched & I got to check out the Anniversary Sale @ Nordstroms. There was a store called Morning Glory with Yoshi's of different sizes. Little J got this one for 20 bucks! Not bad considering we bought one for 1/4 the size in San Francisco for the same price.

When we arrived home, Milky welcomed us with her squeaking & popcorning.

Spur of the Moment Road Trip

About 15 yrs ago, Big J and I went to a concert at the Gorge. I remembered crossing a bridge over the Columbia River and the power the water had below. It was both frightening and exhilarating to be over the vast, dark waters. I wanted to relive that same memory and see the statue horses.

At every turn on I-90, I kept saying to get ready to see the awesome view. The earth wasn't the brilliant orange we remembered and the water level seemed to have gone down. The water was calm. The landscape has definitely changed! But the air was warm, even its breeze.


I don't recall the steep hike up to the horses...Big J and little J took on the challenge. Don't worry little J was not harmed performing their trick photography.


Where's P? He was camera shy. Road trips are not his favorite past time. If he had his way, he'd still be on the sofa enjoying Saturday morning cartoons.