BFFs in Bozeman, MT
Downtown Butte, MT
Thursday, July 21 – Drove to Butte first thing in the morning. Settled at Emma Park near downtown while working for a couple of hours. After work got done, we moseyed on over to the downtown area to explore. Butte is a small town, old mining community, a bit run down, but you can’t help imagining it back in it’s hay day when it was one of the mining capitals of the US and appreciating the rich history there. We even got to go to the Public Archives (Historic Society) since Sally’s mom is doing research on her ancestry and a lot of Sally’s grandfather’s side of the family are from Butte! Felt like I was working with Rose again doing research on some of the projects I would assist her with … Highlight of our time in Butte was some daredevil action. As our luck would have it, the Evel Knievel Days festival was going on starting the day we got in! What are the odds of that? We got to see some stunt drivers riding their motorcycles and go-karts around the Wall of Death and then witness the Canon Lady being shot straight up in the air and making a perfect landing. For some reason we had a feeling there would be some hard core rowdiness as the night progressed and we just didn’t feel safe staying in Butte, so we contacted one of our new friends (thanks to John from Hood River) and headed to Bozeman. Turned out another one of the guys John connected us with, Ben, was hanging out with Todd that night so it was a two-fer (BONUS)! Todd told us to meet them at the Eagle in downtown Bozeman on Main Street. So once we got to Bozeman we parked in front of Todd’s office near downtown, took our sweet time getting ready and made the short walk to the Eagle. Sally and I decided we would just know who Todd and Ben were although we had never met them before, so did not know what they looked like. We walked in to the Eagle and approached two guys asking them if they were our friends. We quickly found out they weren’t our friends, however it was realized that Zack went to UCSB (Sally’s alma mater) and was staying in Bozeman with his friend Tanner for the summer, so we exchanged info with the plan of hanging out at some point over the weekend. A few seconds later, we DID find Todd and Ben and had a fun evening getting to know our new buddies in Bozeman. We stayed at the Eagle till it almost closed and continued the party (see Friday, July 22!)
Wall of Death, Evel Knievel Days Fest, Butte, MT
Sally, Coach and I in Butte, MT
Friday, July 22 – Since we did not want the party to end, we grabbed some beers and headed back to the RV and Todd’s office. I stayed up until almost 4:30am hanging out with Todd. What a cool, funny, interesting guy! He is part-owner and editor of Bomb Snow Magazine. He knows John from being in the same industry. John is co-owner of Trew Gear (equipment and apparel for skiing and snow-boarding). Todd and his partner also just launched Bomb Flow Magazine to cater to the Kayaking and Water Sport industry. We talked business, listened to music, watched crazy kayaking videos and compared outlooks on life, especially since Todd has had many near-death experiences. Talk about putting things in perspective. After a couple of hours of sleep, Sally and I decided to explore downtown Bozeman and maybe finally get me a phone (yes, I had been phoneless since the Washougal River drowning incident). In the meantime, Zack had sent us a text so we met up with him at a coffee shop on Main Street. That encounter pretty much led to spending the entire weekend with him! Another amazingly cool, funny, interesting, sweetheart of a guy! Sally and I have pondered in amazement how if we walked in to the Eagle simply a couple of seconds before or after we did, we would not have met Zack. That random encounter led to what we are sure will be a long time friendship. Our Friday (with Zack in tow) looked like the following: An errand adventure day as we walked to Verizon and got me an iPhone finally (NO Sales Tax in Montana, hell yeah. Saved me over $80!). A slight rest break back at the RV and then a trip over to Stacey’s Old Faithful Bar in Gallatin Gateway after Zack picked us up. At Stacey’s we danced country and saw “Tessy Lou and The Shotgun Stars” who coincidentally were back in their home town of Bozeman for a couple of months but live in Austin (a future destination of ours). Of course, I made friends with the singer, Tess, in the restroom so that we could connect again in Austin. There was even a lightning show and slight rain to round out the evening. Such a fun day!
Todd, Sally and I outside of his office aka our parking spot
Downtown Bozeman, MT (The Eagle Bar on the corner)
Stacey's Old Faithful Bar, Gallatin Gateway, MT
Zack, Sally and I at Stacey's Bar
Saturday, July 23 – Another day of hanging out with Zack, but this time with his crew too. Sally and I went for a run around the residential streets of Bozeman and then were picked up by Zack and Vanessa to go floating down the Madison River. We basically invited ourselves because our plans with Zack were not until later for the rodeo, but when he said what he was up to, we replied with “Wait! We want to go floating too!” It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had plenty of time (a 2 hour float) to get to know Vanessa (the wife of Zack’s buddy Tanner). AMAZING girl … a dude’s chick for sure, which Sally and I can totally relate to! At times we felt bad for Zack having to listen to three girls gabbing the whole time (although we know deep down he secretly loved it!) We spent a lot of the time on the river discussing our new business ventures: getting ideas from our new friends as well as playing with possible names for the biz. She Motos was the highest up on the list of names. After floating, we stopped at Vanessa and Tanner’s (Belgrade, MT) and got to enjoy Peach Margaritas and some showers before heading back to Bozeman. Quick pit stop at the RV to change and then off we went to the County Fair for some Rodeo action. Ben and some of his buddies joined us at the Rodeo. We saw corralling of calf, buck riding and wild cow milking. We didn’t leave until we rode the Ferris Wheel (my only request for the day), even if it was a freaking HOUR in line. But as always, the ride was totally worth the wait. There is nothing like that feeling of being on top of the world when you are on the upswing of a Ferris Wheel!
Floating the Madison River with Vanessa, Zack and Sally
Rodeo Action, Bozeman County Fair, MT
Sally and I at the Rodeo
Zack, Sally and I on the Ferris Wheel!
Sunday, July 24 – RV TLC Day. I had breakfast with Zack at the Stockyard Cafe which is a tiny diner style restaurant near a stockyard (not just a clever name) in Bozeman. Good food, cool atmosphere. We were going to take off for Yellowstone on Sunday but felt Bessie Lou needed some attention since we were half-way through our trip. We tidied up the inside, did the dump (in record time), filled water, filled air in the tires and even tried to get an oil change done but the people at Wal-Mart were too confused to know what to do with our RV (lame). We decided to walk away before we caused a scene (okay, an exaggeration but the whole incident was still frustrating). The reward for what felt like a full day of ‘work’ was swimming in the pond near Vanessa and Tanner’s place in Belgrade. I literally did two laps and it felt so freaking good. Vanessa made tacos and margaritas for us all for dinner. The night was spent doing our laundry at their place, eating fudgsicles and watching the Fighter with Zack. It was so good to be parked on a residential street again (right outside their house) since it was super quiet where they live and the sleep was so restful.
Stockyard Cafe, Bozeman, MT
License Plate I'd like to steal ... Dump Station, Belgrade, MT
Sally taking care of business, Belgrade, MT
Moseying in Missoula, MT
Coach sharing the Passenger seat with me
Monday, July 18 –After our morning ritual of tea, apples and peanut butter and filling our water bottles at the water fountain, we were back on route with the ultimate destination for the day being Glacier National Park in Montana. My intuition was saying we should stop for a hike at some point in the day and it was being called to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Plus we wanted to experience at least a little bit of Idaho during our trek of the Western US! We picked a spot near Lake Coeur d’Alene called Miracle Mile Trail and man did we do a great job of finding the most beautiful path to go hiking. We got to a point in the hike where we had a view of the lake near the freeway, then another point where it overlooked the lake in what appeared to be a bay with boats docked for the day. Of course because the world is small, we came across a couple that lived in the area and the woman was born in Oakland of all places! That is one of my favorite things about traveling: meeting people and being open to their stories and experiences and noticing how interconnected we all really are! Once we got to Montana, we had the pleasure of driving by Flathead Lake. Turns out Flathead Lake used to be a big glacier that melted in to what is currently one of the largest fresh water lakes in the Western part of the country. Parts of the lake reminded Sally of Rhode Island, i.e. not what you would expect of Montana. After a long day of traveling, we decided to stop in Kalispell, Montana. Parked it near a park, went for a walk and saw the quaint little town that is Kalispell and then called it a night.
Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Kalispell, Montana
Tuesday, July 19 – Bright and early we set out to explore to Glacier National Park. Once we arrived to Glacier, after an hour drive, we were promptly rejected because of our big ass RV and our big ass dog. Apparently vehicles over 21 feet are not allowed in the park and absolutely no dogs. We would have had to board Coach and then get shuttled in. So we said fuck it, let’s just go to Missoula. That was one of those make or break moments in the trip. Instead of being upset at each other (or ourselves) for our lack of research, but more specifically wasting time and money, we literally laughed it off and kept on going. We made the hour and a half drive to Missoula, passing Flathead Lake again but this time on the opposite side off it and found a spot to go on a hike in town, which was the L hike near Loyola High School. Literally hiked up the side of Mount Jumbo to a big Cement L poured there to represent the high school. Made it just in time as it started raining and then hailing like crazy soon after we got back from the hike. We found a street near Higgins and 5th to park, outside of some apartments obviously belonging to college students as University of Montana is nearby. We walked around downtown Missoula and passed by an event in the park near the river. Such a cute little town. So beautiful too since the Clark Fork River runs through the city. We grabbed some frozen yogurt before bed since the sweet tooth was a’callin.
On the drive from Kalispell to Missoula, MT
Flathead Lake, Montana
Clark Fork River, Missoula, MT
Wilma Theater, Downtown Missoula, MT
Wednesday, July 20 – The morning was spent going for a run. Thought it would be a good opportunity to check out the University and the streets nearby. There were some awesome houses we passed by. Saw one for $300,000 for 3,600 square feet, some homes look like mini-mansions. Missoula was described as more of the Berkeley of Montana. I’m assuming they are referring to the diversity and the chill energy of the whole town. The remainder of the day was dedicated to work for both Sally and I, so we found a super cool café (Liquid Planet) to park ourselves since it was free Wi-Fi and we could charge up our laptops. We have been so creative about not having to use the Generator (since it’s loud as hell) and not using the battery either. While we were eating dinner in the RV, the college kids whose house we were parked right outside of were having some beers on their front porch. They noticed us as we were sitting near a window and waved. So obviously we waved back. We must have been such the sight. They asked if we wanted to have a beer, so after we gave them a tour of the RV, we decided to hang out with them the rest of the evening. They invited us over to their place where we chilled for a bit, and then took a walk to a nearby park where Coach raced us around the football field. Okay, I did too. They were sweet kids from northern Montana and as fate would have it, told us about the activities going on in Butte so we knew it was time to continue on our way the next day!
University of Montana, Missoula, MT
You tell 'em U of M!
Lounging in Lake Oswego and Love, Love, Love
The classic red barn, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Thursday, July 14 – Poop dumped, fridge stocked and water filled we made our way over to Lake Oswego, Oregon which is about 30 minutes outside of Portland. Sally’s friend, Thai, had mentioned that their house is more in the country and oh boy was it ever! Lake Oswego is gorgeous. Smells like trees, feels so serene and it’s only a half hour away from P-town … perfect! Our gracious hostess decided to have a BBQ and bring a bunch of us together; most were in the music scene, as well as on the invite list for the wedding that weekend. Of course their house was the perfect location for it since they also have a recording studio that they built adjacent to their loft apartment. Apparently John and Thai renovated the place themselves and it turned out to be the coolest spot ever. Another location where I could envision myself living there! We lounged, and lounged and lounged some more. I also got to see Kat’s house (Thai’s mom), who lives on the property as well, and talk to her at length. What a fascinating woman and super talented artist. Definitely a kindred spirit, her and Thai! The other person I met that night was Blake, who flew up from LA for the wedding as he was photographing the whole gala event. Small world because when I ask him WHERE in LA he lives, he says Highland Park! Two towns away from where I grew up in Pasadena. And he’s mostly Vegan, so we had MUCH to talk about… small world!
The fluffiest cat in the whole wide world
John and Thai's recording studio, adjacent to the loft
Friday, July 15 – We woke up to another gorgeous day in Lake Oswego and decided to go for a run around the neighborhood. In that mere thirty minutes, we ran by farms, llamas, horses and property where they were growing Christmas Trees. After a nice hot shower and some work, we headed back to Portland as I had a date with a friend I hadn’t seen in over two years and Sally had a date with her cousin and his boat! Casey who I met in Quincy spent a year in Montana working for the Conservation Corps and now lives in Longview, WA working for a ball team as head intern. He was the right person to hang with since he knew of a couple of cool spots to expose me to, one of them being a place he had not seen himself either. We stopped there first … an elementary school that was converted in to a hotel with restaurants and bars within … Kennedy School. SUCH A COOL PLACE! The company that bought and renovated the place is called McMenamins and they own a number of very interesting locations throughout Oregon. The second place we went o was in Hillsboro, middle of nowhere, but it was a big log cabin turned bar with live music playing nightly. So we got to enjoy a good light and dark beer mixture and listen to live bluegrass.
Sally and Coach joining me on a run
Horsie along our run in Lake Oswego
Llama along our run in Lake Oswego
Saturday, July 16 – We parked outside of Sally’s cousin’s place since they were going to puppy sit for us so that we didn’t have to worry about him being alone during the wedding. Plus this gave us a chance to take Sally’s old red Beamer convertible to the wedding. Only downside … RAIN. No top down for these ladies. Regardless of the rain, we got dolled up (a refreshing change from tank tops and shorts!) and made our way to Mount Hood. The wedding was held at the Mount Hood Resort in Oregon. The ceremony had the mountains in the back drop and the reception was amongst the golf course. What an event: flip book station, candy bar, photo booth, dessert table, appetizer station, separate dining tent, plenty of couches to lounge in and of course, the checkered dance floor with a disco ball that dropped in! Needless to say we partied ad had a great time dancing to 90s music most of the evening. And yes, I cried, a good deal at the ceremony and throughout the night since it was so apparent the brides were madly in love with each other and so extremely and grateful to have one another. So heart warming and inspiring.
Sally and I right before the wedding ceremony
The dessert table (or shall I say tables!)
The first dance as wife and wife!
Sally and I with the beautiful newlyweds
Sunday, July 17 – Sally and I slept in and took our time getting ready and checking on the RV before we left (thank you Cody and Sally for taking care of things like the oil and transmission fluid, etc). While the TLC session was going on with the RV, I went out to lunch with Blake in a nearby Vegetarian market and restaurant (literally less than a mile from Mary and Cody’s). So fun to talk with a fellow veggie and Los Angelite (even though he was from Florida originally). After lunch, we had Gelato, talked some more and eventually called it a quits as Sally and I didn’t want to hit the road too late in the day. Finally around 5pm or so, we were back on the road, driving through Washington until we got to Squag Lake Rest Stop (outside of Spokane) where we decided to call it a night and rest our heads for the evening. Funny thing about being on this trip is the conflicting emotions of inertia and A.D.D.! You start feeling comfortable where you are, loving the people you are meeting and dreading having to say good bye. Yet there is this other desire there, the one that inspired traveling in the first place, which yearns to drive through mountains and along rivers, which anticipates the next set of amazing people you’ll encounter and is pushing you to get back behind the wheel and go … anywhere, everywhere and NOW.
Sunset along the 82 in Washington
Hooked on Hood River
Tuesday, July 12 – After being in the Portland area for a couple of days, we were ready for a mini-road trip. It’s surprising how we’ve come to really crave the movement and change of locale. I was really looking forward to venturing out to Hood River and exploring something new, especially because it was a recommendation. My good friend/twin brother Aaron had mentioned that his childhood friend Ryan lived in Hood River and was pretty convinced that we would have a really good time with his buddies. Long story short, he was RIGHT! There was definitely a bit of the unknown since we had never met these guys, and obviously they had never met us, but we rolled right on up to their house in our 34 foot RV with our big ol’ dog and made ourselves right at home. They were all so welcoming and it was easy to fit right in. That first day we played some Frisbee Golf at the course right across from their house, drank, played ping pong and ventured over to the local Pub (in the back of a pick up truck ... YES!) where some of the guys had, and still, worked. Deciding we needed food before the next part of the evening, we climbed in to the RV and I drove us over the narrowest bridge to Lyle, Washington. We ate at Everybody’s then popped in at their other friend's place. He owned a small winery, Cor Cellars, and part of the distilling and aging operation is on the property. I even got to taste some wine right out of the barrels.
Ryan, Coach and I in the back of John's pick up truck ... awww yeah!
Ryan, Sally and I at Everybody's
Wednesday, July 13 – The next morning we go tot see the property in the daylight. I keep witnessing these places where I can envision myself there or in a place just like that: A cool house with amazing views of the countryside with grapes growing out back and another building for the winemaking operation. Later in the day, after some work was done and walks were had, we accompanied the guys out to the river to watch a kiteboarding competition. Apparently that’s a BIG thing out in Hood River. Who knew? It was definitely a beautiful day for it: clear skies, warm and windy! Next thing on the agenda was GOLF! Sally decided to pass on that activity, but I was all about it! Played my best game in a long time, I attribute it partly to the fact that I was playing with guys’ clubs. The course was tough (literally carved out in the forest) and we had some winds yet so fun. I got pretty good at skidding the golf cart around the corners of the bumpy dirt cart paths. We played until almost dark then headed to Ho Ho’s, the bar right down the street. Chinese food, pool, dancing, beer and listening to John speak fluent Chinese with the owner equaled a pretty fantastic evening.
Kiteboarding competition
The line of Liquid Cocaine shots at Ho Ho's
Thursday, July 14 – We actually were supposed to go back to Portland on Wednesday but since we extended our trip we go to experience the debauchery from the night before. There was a part of us that didn’t want to leave, especially with the boys enticing us with the upcoming ‘epic’ party that was being thrown on Friday. It was a tough choice actually. We had plans in Lake Oswego for Thursday afternoon, yet we were having so much fun in Hood River. Ultimately Sally and I decided it was time to go, that we had an amazing time but that feeling of not wanting to go was how we felt in Costa Rica. John showed us how to dump our shit at the local RV dump site (Did I mention it was free? YES!), we did some grocery shopping and headed back to the Portland area with one of our new friends who needed a ride to the city. Thank goodness we did because our next stop was amazing in its own right, especially for me since I met some more super interesting people, one especially cool one. (To be continued in the next post!)
John showing Sally the ropes ... the Poop Ropes, that is!
Ryan, Sally and I on our last day
John, Sally and I on our last day
Partying in Portland - Friend and Family Style
I should know better. I tell myself I need to write more often since everyday seems like two or three days when you are on an adventure like this, yet the discipline of writing on a consistent basis still escapes me. However, I have a lot to share and maybe, just maybe it was worth the wait. We left off at our second day in Portland which had us head in to downtown for a show. An LA band, Warner Drive, who rocked it out for sure. We hung out with the guys pre-show shooting the shit and I got to watch everyone play the seven degrees of separation game since I’m realizing the music scene is smaller than I think.
Brookes, Sally and I at the Warner Drive show
Saturday, July 9 – Our third day in Oregon we drove along the Columbia River Gorge to hike at Latourell Falls. The Gorge is massive and an absolute wonder to behold. The Columbia River, which divides Oregon from Washington, is nestled between gigantic tree-covered mountains on each side. They are not kidding when they say things are so much greener in the Pacific Northwest. Obviously it’s because it rains a whole hell of a lot more, but the scenery rivals even that of Costa Rica (in our humble opinion). When you have scenery like this, it makes you think “This would NOT be a bad commute if I’m looking at this majestic site on my drive.” We saw not one, but TWO, waterfalls and hiked to a viewpoint where you could see the Columbia River from atop the mountain. The evening I spent decompressing and going for a long walk with Coach around Brookes’ house (where we parked our RV) while Sally went to a BBQ her family put on, reunion style.
Brookes and I on our hike at Latourell Falls
One of the waterfalls at Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge
Sunday, July 10 - Sunday was the bachelorette party!! I know what you may be thinking … booze, strippers, debauchery, night out on the town. Well you’re wrong, half-wrong anyway. There was definitely booze and slight debauchery, but overall it was the best bachelorette party I’ve ever been to! The brides, Lindsay and Allyn decided they just wanted to have a day at the river (Washougal River, Washington) – so pirate punch, treasure chest piñata and lots of swimming composed the day. Water was shockingly cold to the system, yet when you decide to jump from the rope swing three times, that kind of stuff is of small consequence. I would have done it by myself but Allyn and another friend of hers accompanied me. First jump I’d give myself a 5, second jump an 8 and last jump a 2.5 …. How I got worse, I’ll never know! The evening was spent making dinner at Brookes' and hanging out some more with the ladies.
Sweet location for a bachelorette party ... Mile Marker 7, Washougal River, Washington
Coach and I getting some sun at the river
Monday, July 11 – Another decompress day, for the both of us actually. We went for a run around the neighborhood again and relaxed until the evening. I’m pretty proud of Sally, she’s come on a couple of runs with me and is really challenging herself even though she does NOT like running. Coach definitely pushes ME! When I run with him I am constantly having to keep up … I am usually telling him to slow down but secretly glad for the push. That evening I accompanied Sally back to her cousin Cody’s house for another family reunion. Since I did not go the night before, I was glad for the opportunity to meet them all. We had pizza, took shots of tequila (or whiskey), drank some wine and just had a lovely evening eating, talking and being silly outside with Cody and Mary’s kids.
Sally and I at the little kid's table at her cousin's house ... with wine in hand of course!
Side Note: This whole time we realized the refrigerator stopped working. Apparently it’s SUPER important for the RV to be level and where we were parked was really uneven and the hydraulics thing still eluded us. Thankfully where we parked next (Hood River) WAS level and the fridge started working again, hallelujah. You seriously become grateful for the most basic things on a trip like this! Talk about a humbling experience.
Heeellloooooooo Portland!
It hasn’t even been a full 24 hours that we have been in Portland and I LOVE it already! (I know, I know! This is to all the people that told me for YEARS that I would LOVE it up here.) So green, quaint, peaceful. Granted we have not gone in to downtown Portland yet, but I’m more of a Suburby girl anyway. I realized that growing up in Pasadena, closer to the Altadena and Sierra Madre corner has instilled in me an appreciation for smaller cities – or at least the suburb sections of larger cities. Pasadena was definitely not a tiny town, nor was it a big bustling city, yet it FELT smaller, more community-based.
We got in to Portland last night around 8:30pm. It took us about three days to get up here since we had decided to take our time. I mean, think about it, what’s the rush? The only real time-sensitive event we have is Sally’s friend’s bachelorette this Sunday and the wedding, which is next weekend. I can’t even begin to explain how amazing and freeing it has felt to go where we want, when we want and experience whatever we want! I am well aware that this lifestyle would drive some of the routine addicts CRAZY, yet you can build routine in to anything you do. I mentioned to Sally yesterday during our hike that as crazy as it sounds, I was looking forward to this trip so that I can work out regularly again and eat better. Exactly! I was equating traveling with a healthier lifestyle, when for most it is the death of any kind of diet and exercise routine! This is what I mean though … the traveling is an unstable component, yet making sure to go for a run or walk every day, eat your three to five meals and brushing your teeth and washing your face morning and night become the regiments to add that consistency to your life.
First day on the road (July 5th) we literally drove straight to Sacramento to take care of the auto insurance addition (putting the RV on my account), then headed to Cottonwood where Sally’s friend let us park our RV for the night. Where he lived was a storage space for RVs and trucks etc, so obviously we fit right in! For those of you that are wondering, Sally and I switch off on the driving and that thing is way easier to drive than the both of us envisioned. Yeah, you have to drive a lot slower because trying to bring a 34-foot moving vehicle to a stop is tricky business. Also, going around corners and turning requires some assistance, but one of us usually runs to the back of the bus and directs. We HAVE had some additional “issues” come up, but we’re resourceful girls and have been able to ask for information and/or help when needed.
Second day (July 6th) we decided to explore Northern California a bit. Cottonwood is really close to Redding, so we ventured over to Whiskeytown Lake and parked it until the afternoon! I got a hike in with the puppy (Sally’s Great Dane, Coach), got some work done and even went for a little swim in the main lake. The lake was crystal clear and surrounded by trees. So peaceful and beautiful. Later in the day we made our way over to Lake Shasta, the Dam side anyway, and hung out there for a couple of hours. Apparently the Shasta Dam is the second largest in the nation. I haven’t seen too many other dams, so they definitely got my vote on that little fun fact. The thing was enormous! After laying in the grass, doing some work in the park overlooking the lake and seeing some deer, we filled some gas, checked the oil and got back on the road to find our final stop for the evening. We ended up at a rest stop in Weed, CA. Having bathrooms and a place to refill our water bottles is becoming a welcomed amenity.
Checking the Oil
Yesterday (July 7th), we left Weed around 9:30am and were headed for Portland! We made an early “pit stop” at the Mt. Ashland exit in Oregon. Literally pulled off and parked near the freeway exit. Of course, my sense of adventure had me hike up this small path and it led me to the coolest discovery to date. I hiked up for a couple of minutes and found what looked like an old abandoned little town near the railroad tracks, with a tunnel nearby to boot! I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. Just makes you wonder what it was like back in the day when it was in operation. We got back on the road and decided to make another “pit stop” in Eugene, OR for a late afternoon hike. ANOTHER cool discovery! Sally simply googled hikes in Eugene and what popped up was this 3 mile round-trip hike up to the summit where you have an almost 360 degree view of the area. Breathtaking really. The day just kept getting better and better. Ultimately when we got in to Portland, we filled up the RV with water (since we were on empty), split a bottle of wine (not the best idea in the world if you asked our heads this morning) and hung out with Sally’s friends, one of which has been so generous to let us park in front of her house and plug the RV up to her electricity. I spent the rest of the evening getting to know Sally’s friends, most of which were in a band together in Santa Barbara, and listening to them playing music for a little while (acoustic guitars and vocals – my favorite).
Abandoned Little Town near Mt. Ashland Exit in Oregon
View from Summit - Hike in Eugene, Oregon
Today (July 8th), we went for a run around this super green, tree filled park close to where we are staying and then exercised in the park (push ups, sit ups and dips). We then threw the football around for a while (yup, our RV came fully stocked) and decided to walk down to Alberta Street and browse around. We ate some of the best ice cream ever … Sally had Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Black Pepper and Lemon Basil Sorbet and I had Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbon. Deeeeelicious!!! Later tonight we head to a show, some other friends of Sally’s are playing in town. They are actually an LA band that played with Sally’s band often. Love the convergences. Of course, the guy working the Ice Cream cart was from the UK, lived in Pasadena for a while (of all places!!), then Dallas and now Portland. Small, small world it is! Amazing journey so far folks … so looking forward to what’s still to come.
Wilshire Park, Portland, Oregon
