A Few Pounds Heavier

To our camping neighbors: It is common camping courtesy to be quiet. Especially during quiet hours. If your family doesn't like spending time together, camping might not be the best vacation choice. 

We landed in a tiny Northern California town for the fourth. Eureka. An interesting place. No need to revisit. They had a festival in the old town. We went and conquered it in about an hour. It was a flashback to Nibroc and Old Fashioned Days. We did have yummy pulled pork and mac and cheese though! 

This had us back to our campsite by 1:00. Fireworks aren't until 10:00. For the first time since leaving we had nothing to do and we didn't  know how to respond! We just stared at each other for a bit. We had spent the morning planning the rest of the trip. We tried to go see a movie but it started at 12:30. So.....

We sat by the pool for a bit. It's cold in nor cal so we did this in jeans and a light sweater. We played on the playground and did a bit of swinging. We played mini golf. We played what seemed like 100 games of Uno. We ate some dinner. We still had hours until dark. 

Insert Nick and Julie. They were our camping neighbors. They brought some entertainment into the afternoon. (Just to clarify, they are not the camping neighbors referenced above. Those guys left with what was apparently a pretty dramatic exit). We were greatly entertained by this sister brother duo. Mainly the brother really. Nick's the kind of guy that knows how to have a good time. He kept us laughing and passed the time with his jokes and remarks...which might have been at times inappropriate! Too bad we missed the hay ride with him. (Nick, did I paint you in your best light?)

Eureka did redeem itself some with a great view pre-firework and a great fireworks show. 

Our time in California came to an end with time spent with the redwoods. I can't describe the size of these trees. It's incredible. They can live to be over 2,000 years old and are the tallest living things on the planet. They are spectacular and when you are hiking through them you disappear. We had a foggy mist with us during our hike which gave an almost eerie calm to the forest. It also gave it a Twlight feel and we were waiting for Edward and Jacob to whisk us off into the depths of the forest floor. 

As we drove through Northern California we came upon several elk crossing signs. We did not expect to find a herd of elk when we came around the bend. Just hanging out. Posing for the cameras. 

We took off for Oregon next. However, we got completely sidetracked by a random roadside attraction. The Trees of Mystery. Not only can you take a skytram to the top of the redwoods, you can get your photo with a larger than necessary Paul Bunyon and Babe. (Like I said...if you build it, they will come. The place was packed). We also managed to get off course by a covered bridge and a Conestoga wagon. 

Oregon greets you with lots of trees, a law that you can't pump your own gas, and no sales tax. It's a really great state! 

We arrive in Portland with a list of things to do that mainly involved eating. Portland is a foodies paradise!! 

Food Stop #1: Pine State Biscuts

       Oh man. This was delish! We both ordered 'The Reggie'. A biscut sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and gravy. I ordered it deluxe and added a fried egg. We cleaned our plates. So many other things on the menu and the plates around us looked equally as good. Two thumbs up. 

Food Stop #2: Food Cart...PBJ's Grilled

       Portland is the place to be if you want food truck food. The city is home to hundreds of food carts and the are situated on corners in little pods. It's fabulous and genius. We were not hungry but we powered through anyway. It was that good. Mindi ordered 'The Joy'. Challah bread, almond butter, coconut filling, chocolate ganache. Perfection. I ordered 'Cream of the Crop'. Challah bread, peanut butter, bananas, cream cheese, strawberry jam. Perfection. 

Food Stop #3:  Voodoo Doughnuts

       I feel that only Portland could make a doughnut be inappropriate!  Not all were, but one glance at a menu and you'll understand! Google it. We went with the Bacon Maple Bar, Voodoo Doll, plain glazed, and chocolate glazed. We got these to go and are slowing eating them! They are good though! 

We are leaving Portland a few pounds heavier. 

There are also other things to do in Portland besides eat. (Although the eating is fabulous!!) 

It's home to Powell's Books. This is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. I was beyond excited about this place! I could spend days in a bookstore. Imagining one that is an entire city block and several stories high had me giddy!! When we get there I'm given a map. They have a map of the store. It's that big. I'm happy to report that I only spent 1.5 hours here and purchased only three books. Mindi also found a book. We have new read aloud choices! 

It's home to the International Rose Test Garden. This place was beautiful. We hit it while the roses were  in peak bloom and there are hundreds and hundreds of rose bushes. 

We did some window shopping in the Pearl District. We rode the sky tram. (Yes. We ride a lot of sky trams). We admired the many bridges that call Portland home. We had great views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens in the distance. 

We were told Portland is interesting. Portland is weird. This might be true but we liked it. It's earthy and artsy. 

We owe a big thanks to The Wilson's for letting us stay with them!! Becca, it was good seeing you again. Brian, it was nice meeting you. Caleb and Abi, it was fun playing with you!!