A State Away Getaway (Portland firsts for some)

We took a (much-needed break for me and) long weekend to travel up to Portland (a city I really love) with Kelvin's family (as they'd never been to Oregon).

Kat and Eddie flew, then drove, up to McK and we took off from Humboldt County on Thursday. We had lovely weather, and enjoyed viewing the Roosevelt Elk herd near Prairie Creek SP!  Thanks to Eddie for so many lovely photos!

Despite one carsick toddler (thankfully the puke happened in a rest room), a carsick dog, and a carsick mom (although I didn't throw up) due to the curvy Highway 199 (prior to hitting the I-5 in Oregon), we made good time and rested prior to overnighting in Eugene (~ 5 hours from us). It was then a quick 2.5 hours to Portland the next morning. 

Our first stop was Voodoo Doughnut, which bought us a lot of cooperation in the car for our donut-loving son.

We then went downtown to the Pearl district, where Iver enjoyed frolicking in the fountain of Jamison Square (nice on a warm day). 

We ate lunch at the food carts at 10th and Alder.

We then checked into our lovely AirBnB, a farm located just east of the city.  The house was rustic, cozy, and charming!  Theresa and Michael, who flew in, joined us there.

I was in love with the library!

 Putt Putt on the lawn

Iver was enamored with the four horses (Lloyd, Odessa, Diesel, and Belle), who loved eating carrots out of our hands!

The horses were free to roam and graze on the property.

We walked on the nearby bike trail to Powell Butte Nature Reserve, just a few minutes away, and had a magnificent view of Mt. Hood.

 We (Iver especially) also enjoyed the hot tub.

On Saturday, we drove east along the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls.

Kat & Eddie

Theresa ("Co Zaza") and Michael

We hiked the ~ 1 mile trail to the top of the falls.

After everyonne napped, we checked out the Deschutes Brewery downtown.

 

 

"Blowing" on the Mac and cheese

Iver behaved exceptionally and shared a sweet treat.

We finished the day (could it better?) by visiting Powell's Book store, which is the world's largest independent bookstore. I could spend hours in there browsing, and came away empty handed (albeit with some good book ideas), but I know I'll be back. Despite horrendous allergies on my part (despite five meds, my eyes are nearly swollen shut!),  was a nice weekend in the City of Roses.

However, while enjoying the break of a long Memorial Day weekend, we heard about a tragic and fatal stabbing on the Portland rail (in which the victims killed were two men who valiantly defended Muslim women being targeted by a white supremacist-- I'm appalled again by such racists, who have seemed to have come out of the shadows and been legitimized by our administration even in such a progressive city). This Memorial Day, I remember these individuals (and many others) who died protecting the values of this country (particularly religious tolerance and acceptance), and pray that these values are upheld in these dark, regressive times.