Day 14 – Portland, Day Two

Our day begins with a rare, leisurely morning. We wander downstairs at (is it 8AM? is it really THAT LATE?) and my cousin David fixes up coffee and espresso. We are so spoiled by David and Sherry by now that it’s ridiculous. But we can’t delay … we must investigate Portland because … everybody say it with me … “I’ve got a schedule to maintain!”

We drive into Portland and start with a walk across the Tilikum Bridge, a new bridge that crosses the Willamette River, made exclusively for pedestrians, bicycles, and trolly cars. Wes suggested it. Very cool. After that, it’s into Portland and a visit to Powell’s Books and a long walk along through the eclectic Portland streets. We stop for a bite at French Fry restaurant (yes, you read that right) and GREAT HEAVEN ABOVE THEY SELL BEER! The afternoon has improved even more.

That evening, back at David and Sherry’s we all pile into their SUV with Thatcher and do the quick drive to Joyce and Wes’s house. No, wait. Not “house.” “Compound.” That’s a better word. Perched on a hill, their main house used to be down the hill before it was moved up to it’s new, stellar location. Wes commandeers a fire outside on which he’s cooking up ribs. Inside, Joyce is preparing the rest of the feast: Salad, fruit salad, vegetables, garlic bread, and later, gingerbread and lemon ice cream . Music plays in the background. Laughter fills the air. Their table is covered with brown paper and everyone doodles away with dozens of different colored Sharpies. James (Joyce and Wes’s nephew) arrives. He’s wearing a kilt. We like James immediately.

The evening ends sitting around the fire that two hours earlier cooked our meal.

These past days have been amazing, reconnecting with with our west coast family and friends. We are three lucky travelers … and we’re not done yet. Tomorrow: Seattle!


Song of the day: Ophelia by The Lumineers.

4 comments

Family, campfire, bridges & espresso – does it get any better?

Looks like Great Fun!!

Donna GIlbert

Looks like you were with really fun people. I liked them immediately when I saw they had cockatiels! Made me miss our Ramsey.

Love the posts, pics and people. What an adventure. Ive been to Willamete. But not the bridge. Now I see it! Have fun.

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