Oregon and Back
Left the Sunday before last and just got back last Sunday. It was a much needed vacation. Here are some random notes and observations:
- On the way down, the customs officer asked who my passenger was. I said that she was my girlfriend. Then he asked how long have we known each other. I said since November; then I asked if it was too soon to go on a trip to Oregon together. He smirked and handed us back our passports.
- The drive down took as long as advertised. There were the occasional mini-jams.
- We navigated Portland using a combination of Google Map printouts, tourist brochures and a mapbook. I probably should have borrowed my brother’s GPS. (When I got back home he was wondering why I didn’t ask him for it.)
- Powell’s Bookstore was my mecca.
- Woodburn was the outlet of choice. Did I mention that Oregon has no sales tax.
- Japanese food is interpreted slightly differently than that of Vancouver. I mean, what would you call a BC roll in Portland?
- The King of Roads through the Columbia Gorge was very scenic.
- Newport was our home base on the coast. We got a room with a view of the ocean. This was a lot warmer than braving the very strong Pacific winds.
- Whenever I was on the beach, I had two thoughts: how beautiful the view was, and whether I can acquire some property.
- Food service at restaurants was excellent. Food was very good. Seafood was good too. When Frommer’s give it a star, it’s worth checking out.
- I was carrying a Lululemon grocery bag, exiting a restaurant. Random girl: “Lululemon!” Me: “Yes? Are you from Vancouver?” Girl: “Yes!” Me: “I guess we’ll start carrying Lululemon instead of wearing Canada flags, eh?”
- Who on earth would bike the Oregon coast highway? You are so exposed and naked to the elements and the speeding cars!
- Florence sand dunes was like being in the desert.
- Cannon Beach was very pretty.
- Seaside’s beach at night allowed people to have little bonfires on the beach. We didn’t have any wood handy unfortunately.
I wouldn’t mind going down again.
