Woke-up at the Coast Gateway Hotel at Sea-Tac yesterday and immediately went online to check the Juneau weather. Roh Roh. High wind warning. Winds at the airport gusting to near 50 mph. On Sheep Mountain gusts to almost 80 mph. Not auspicious for my scheduled departure three hours later. Still, the forecast called for diminishing winds before my scheduled arrival...
Got packed-up, turned-in the rental car and off to the airport. Checked-in...no hint of delay or weather problems. It took quite awhile to wind my way through security. The process was punctuated by a TSA goon slamming a big stack of empty trays on my thumb just as I was reaching for a tray in which to place my computer. Ouch! I am going to have one black-and-blue digit for a awhile. The goon apologized profusely. I pondered making a scene and filing a complaint/claim; but the prospect of missing my flight and spending six hours or so filling out federal paperwork deterred me. And god knows what kind of list you go on if you formally complain about TSA...
So it was with some trepidation and a throbbing thumb that I approached gate C-16 to board my Juneau flight. Figured the odds were good we would spend an hour or two hanging-out waiting for the winds to die down. Nope. No suspense at all. Just a smiling agent at the gate to inform me that the flight had been canceled due to high winds and I should hustle my buns down to the Alaska Airlines Service Center to be serviced.
The stroll gave me time to ponder what I should do...hang-out at Sea-Tac and try to get on the 3PM milk-run via Ketchikan and Sitka? Go into town for the day and come back for the evening direct flight? Would I have to collect my checked-bags including the bloody golf clubs?
One of the advantages to having a smart phone (a device I do NOT possess) is that in situations such as this one can leap online and change one's reservations before the huddled masses can be serviced one-by-one by an agent. I suspect half of my fellow would-be flight mates exercised this option. And most of those who had not were ahead of me in line at the Customer Service Center. An hour or so later when I am finally serviced by an agent the options for getting home on Friday had dwindled to exactly one: Take a flight from Seattle to Anchorage and then the Cordova-Yakutat,-Juneau milk run. And of course if I elected to remain in Seattle for another day - it would be on my own dime.
Alrighty then! I took the offered deal which did not, by the way, include any guarantee that I would be seeing my checked-baggage anytime soon. My bags, not requiring a seat, would most likely travel to Juneau directly from Seattle on the next available flight. What were the odds of both me and my bags arriving in Juneau before the day was out? Not high, I thought; but what the hell, it's an adventure.
The flight to Anchorage was quite pleasant even though I was in a middle seat. I got engrossed in a book I had purchased a few days earlier "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. Best novel I've read in some time...
Got off the plane in Anchorage just in time to hear the "boarding all rows" announcement for my flight to Juneau. Flight 66 operated as a combi yesterday - the first time I have flown on Alaska's new 737-400 passenger/freight aircraft. Departed on time and off to Cordova where the sun was shining brightly. A bumpy approach into Yakutat; but still on time. Dropped into Juneau a few minutes early. And miracle of miracles...my checked-bags joined me only a half-hour later on the flight from Seattle. A long day but all's well that ends well.
My bed felt real comfy last night. And I am resolved to take a break from super rich food and wine binging - at least until the official kick-off of the holidays at Thanksgiving. Is it possible to have a food hangover? I think maybe so...
But it was one mighty fine vacation!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Congratulations Leah!
Just got a call from Leah. She had just got off the phone with the folks from Sokol Blosser winery. They are making her a job offer. She was ecstatic. Adios mind-numbing insurance stuff. Hola a fun new job. She will be working with their wine club program - I see a link on their website to something called the Cellar Club. She met most of the staff at her second interview on Monday - including the co-presidents who are the son and daughter of the founder. Lots of young people there. Way cool.
In other news the wining and dining Portland experience continues. Went to Bamboo Sushi with Jim, Jane, John, and Amanda Monday night. We ordered a mess of yummy sushi - mowed right through it and then ordered more which also vanished without a trace. Good and good for you...but it was the company that stole the show. Dining in the city with friends is about as good as it gets in my book.
Tuesday was another serious carb-loading experience at Cafe Mingo with Amanda and Leah. I had beef braised in coffee and wine over penne pasta. It's about the best pasta dish I've ever had. And again, the company was extraordinary.
Last night was a huge steak at El Gaucho here at the hotel. I'm still feeling stuffed this morning. I think I will need to double my workouts when I get home...all this rich food and wine must be taking it's toll. Time to give it a rest methinks.
And indeed the party is coming to a close as I will motor up I-5 to Seattle today in preparation for catching the late morning flight home tomorrow. It's been a wonderful trip.
In other news the wining and dining Portland experience continues. Went to Bamboo Sushi with Jim, Jane, John, and Amanda Monday night. We ordered a mess of yummy sushi - mowed right through it and then ordered more which also vanished without a trace. Good and good for you...but it was the company that stole the show. Dining in the city with friends is about as good as it gets in my book.
Tuesday was another serious carb-loading experience at Cafe Mingo with Amanda and Leah. I had beef braised in coffee and wine over penne pasta. It's about the best pasta dish I've ever had. And again, the company was extraordinary.
Last night was a huge steak at El Gaucho here at the hotel. I'm still feeling stuffed this morning. I think I will need to double my workouts when I get home...all this rich food and wine must be taking it's toll. Time to give it a rest methinks.
And indeed the party is coming to a close as I will motor up I-5 to Seattle today in preparation for catching the late morning flight home tomorrow. It's been a wonderful trip.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Back to Portland
Well, back in the City of Roses after a wonderful trip down the coast. It couldn't have been a more pleasant road trip.
On Friday I drove from Arcata, California up to Ashland, Oregon. A beautiful drive through the coastal mountains. A fair amount of fall color in the hills.
In Ashland I checked-into an all suites hotel that was very nice. A room damn near as big as my apartment in Juneau. I wandered around downtown Ashland which is very quaint. The two major industries are the Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. A very congenial atmosphere with lots of good food and beverages. Had supper and went back to my room where I booked a ticket to see Hamlet on Saturday afternoon.
My last encounter with the Prince of Denmark was back in the 9th grade - Mrs. Green's English class. I spent some time Saturday morning online brushing-up on my Shakespeare studies. A plethora of crib notes are now available online - a huge boon to modern day 9th grade students, I'm sure. Then I was off to the theater for a wonderful experience. A fun pub supper with lots of amusing company at the bar. A very good day.
The festival offers a range of theater - not just the classics of the Bard of Avon. The 2010 program included "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", a stage adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" as well as a number of offerings by contemporary playwrights. And there are several productions I'd love to see scheduled for the 2011 season.
So...just one more attraction to add to the Oregon desirability list which grows longer by the day...
Yesterday was a travel day. Drove from Ashland back up to PDX. There were HUGE thunderheads - I drove through three distinct storms that included lightning displays and serious downpours. There was a winter storm watch for the Cascade passes and I guess the Columbia River bar was shut-down as well. I checked-in to the Benson around 4 PM, had an early supper and was sawing logs by 8 PM.
Tonight it's off to Bamboo Sushi with Jim Larson, Jane, John and Amanda. Leah has a conflict but I will be joining her for lunch in an hour or so.
Life is good!
On Friday I drove from Arcata, California up to Ashland, Oregon. A beautiful drive through the coastal mountains. A fair amount of fall color in the hills.
In Ashland I checked-into an all suites hotel that was very nice. A room damn near as big as my apartment in Juneau. I wandered around downtown Ashland which is very quaint. The two major industries are the Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. A very congenial atmosphere with lots of good food and beverages. Had supper and went back to my room where I booked a ticket to see Hamlet on Saturday afternoon.
My last encounter with the Prince of Denmark was back in the 9th grade - Mrs. Green's English class. I spent some time Saturday morning online brushing-up on my Shakespeare studies. A plethora of crib notes are now available online - a huge boon to modern day 9th grade students, I'm sure. Then I was off to the theater for a wonderful experience. A fun pub supper with lots of amusing company at the bar. A very good day.
The festival offers a range of theater - not just the classics of the Bard of Avon. The 2010 program included "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", a stage adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" as well as a number of offerings by contemporary playwrights. And there are several productions I'd love to see scheduled for the 2011 season.
So...just one more attraction to add to the Oregon desirability list which grows longer by the day...
Yesterday was a travel day. Drove from Ashland back up to PDX. There were HUGE thunderheads - I drove through three distinct storms that included lightning displays and serious downpours. There was a winter storm watch for the Cascade passes and I guess the Columbia River bar was shut-down as well. I checked-in to the Benson around 4 PM, had an early supper and was sawing logs by 8 PM.
Tonight it's off to Bamboo Sushi with Jim Larson, Jane, John and Amanda. Leah has a conflict but I will be joining her for lunch in an hour or so.
Life is good!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Big Trees
I went hiking in the Redwoods yesterday. A six mile loop (I took the Clintonia Trail bypass instead of the 11 mile route) through the old growth - Miner's Ridge Loop. Quite amazing...these trees are BIG. Unfortunately the weather was just so-so...not very good lighting and I am disappointed in my pics. It's also hard to get perspective. They are, after all, just TREES. And without something to measure them against...it's hard to appreciate their size. There were not a lot of folks on the trails; but finally I came across two gals who got to be my tree foils. Here you go!
Today I'm going to motor up to Ashland, Oregon to spend the night. Then probably Corvallis tomorrow and on into PDX on Sunday. It's partly cloudy this morning but it's supposed to rain most of the weekend. Sure can't complain though. The weather has been nearly perfect my whole trip.
Otherwise not much to report travel wise. Been having fun...although Arcata is certainly not as visitor friendly as the Oregon Coast communities. It is a college town however. Humboldt University is just a mile up the road and there is a cool square downtown with all the collegiate eateries and drinkeries around the perimeter. I had a decent meal there last evening.
Last, and certainly not least HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA AND LEAH - 27 years young today. I spoke to both of them yesterday and they were having good days. Amanda has secured an apartment in the Hawthorne District with which she is very enamored and Leah is scheduled for her SECOND employment interview with the Sokol Blosser winery on Monday. They were both quite pleased with themselves. BRAVO!
Well, gonna pack-up and hit the road.
Big tree...click on image for a larger pic. See the gals at the lower left.
Today I'm going to motor up to Ashland, Oregon to spend the night. Then probably Corvallis tomorrow and on into PDX on Sunday. It's partly cloudy this morning but it's supposed to rain most of the weekend. Sure can't complain though. The weather has been nearly perfect my whole trip.
Otherwise not much to report travel wise. Been having fun...although Arcata is certainly not as visitor friendly as the Oregon Coast communities. It is a college town however. Humboldt University is just a mile up the road and there is a cool square downtown with all the collegiate eateries and drinkeries around the perimeter. I had a decent meal there last evening.
Last, and certainly not least HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA AND LEAH - 27 years young today. I spoke to both of them yesterday and they were having good days. Amanda has secured an apartment in the Hawthorne District with which she is very enamored and Leah is scheduled for her SECOND employment interview with the Sokol Blosser winery on Monday. They were both quite pleased with themselves. BRAVO!
Well, gonna pack-up and hit the road.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Road Day
Well, another beautiful morning. Watched the sun come up. Have now had my morning coffee and need to pack-up and hit the road. About 5 1/2 hours to Arcata, California today. Will be hiking in the Redwoods tomorrow.
Another golf day yesterday. Didn't play worth a damn. Imagine that! Still, it was sure nice to be outdoors in the middle of October in the sunshine. Must have been near 70 yesterday. After golf I motored to "Old Town" Florence and had a burger at a sports bar. "Old Town" is pretty quaint...but only a couple of blocks long. The rest of Florence is a five mile long strip mall bordering Highway 101.
I watched the end of the Giants/Philly game last night and back at the hotel enjoyed seeing Texas demolish the Yankees. Dad would have really enjoyed the game.
Beautiful sunsets here on the Oregon Coast. Of course, it's not nice all the time as the locals have been honest enough to tell me. But after 55 years in Juneau - I know that drill - and they have a lot more nice days here than there.
There is a flock of seagulls that have made the Driftwood Shores Resort their home. They cadge a living by snatching food tossed-off the guest room balconies. Indeed I see a half dozen of the big fat buggers circling outside even as I type. Since it's a little after 8 AM, I assume this is the toast and English muffin course. The seagulls aren't as smart as mom's ravens; but they know a gravy train when they see it...
Dougie just posted some African Safari pics on Facebook. Sounds like he and Alison are having a wonderful time. Cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and icy cold Kilimanjaro Beer.
Well, the open road beckons kids...
Another golf day yesterday. Didn't play worth a damn. Imagine that! Still, it was sure nice to be outdoors in the middle of October in the sunshine. Must have been near 70 yesterday. After golf I motored to "Old Town" Florence and had a burger at a sports bar. "Old Town" is pretty quaint...but only a couple of blocks long. The rest of Florence is a five mile long strip mall bordering Highway 101.
I watched the end of the Giants/Philly game last night and back at the hotel enjoyed seeing Texas demolish the Yankees. Dad would have really enjoyed the game.
Beautiful sunsets here on the Oregon Coast. Of course, it's not nice all the time as the locals have been honest enough to tell me. But after 55 years in Juneau - I know that drill - and they have a lot more nice days here than there.
Sunset from my balcony in Florence, Oregon
There is a flock of seagulls that have made the Driftwood Shores Resort their home. They cadge a living by snatching food tossed-off the guest room balconies. Indeed I see a half dozen of the big fat buggers circling outside even as I type. Since it's a little after 8 AM, I assume this is the toast and English muffin course. The seagulls aren't as smart as mom's ravens; but they know a gravy train when they see it...
Dougie just posted some African Safari pics on Facebook. Sounds like he and Alison are having a wonderful time. Cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and icy cold Kilimanjaro Beer.
Well, the open road beckons kids...
Monday, October 18, 2010
Good News, Bad News in Florence, Oregon
The good news first. My golf game has not deteriorated from a year of inactivity on the links. The bad news: My golf game is substantially the same as a year ago. Still, had a very fine time playing 18 holes at the Ocean Dunes course. Very few people playing and beautiful weather. I have therefore elected to spend another night in Florence so that I might hit the little ball again tomorrow.
My drive down from Lincoln City was delightful. I pulled-off the road a dozen times or so to sight see. Saw a pod of gray whales from a great distance and lots of sea lions. Took a walk to the Hecate Head lighthouse which was very scenic.
The Oregon Coast is chock-a-block full of interesting place names. Among my favourites are Cape Foulweather, Cook's Chasm, the Devil's Punchbowl (I think this is where "he who must not be named" invented our collegiate party drink of choice, Purple Jesus), Cape Disappointment, and the Devil's Churn (this must be where you-know-who makes his creme fraiche). These names also give one a good sense of what the weather in this neck-of-the-woods must look like in January...
But I digress again. So to make a long story short I'm gonna hang at Florence 'til Wednesday morning. Then drive down to Northern California for a couple of days. At least one day of hiking in the Redwoods. The weather is supposed to hold through Thursday.
I will then work my way back up to Portland - probably via I-5. Maybe spend a night in Ashland and/or Corvallis. Then Sunday through Wednesday back in the City of Roses for more visiting and dining. My pal Arthur should be back in town and there are other folks I would like to see as well.
So, there you have it!
My drive down from Lincoln City was delightful. I pulled-off the road a dozen times or so to sight see. Saw a pod of gray whales from a great distance and lots of sea lions. Took a walk to the Hecate Head lighthouse which was very scenic.
Pelicans Chillin' south of Depoe Bay
Cool Rocks at Hecate Head just north of Florence
Hecate Head Lighthouse
The Oregon Coast is chock-a-block full of interesting place names. Among my favourites are Cape Foulweather, Cook's Chasm, the Devil's Punchbowl (I think this is where "he who must not be named" invented our collegiate party drink of choice, Purple Jesus), Cape Disappointment, and the Devil's Churn (this must be where you-know-who makes his creme fraiche). These names also give one a good sense of what the weather in this neck-of-the-woods must look like in January...
But I digress again. So to make a long story short I'm gonna hang at Florence 'til Wednesday morning. Then drive down to Northern California for a couple of days. At least one day of hiking in the Redwoods. The weather is supposed to hold through Thursday.
I will then work my way back up to Portland - probably via I-5. Maybe spend a night in Ashland and/or Corvallis. Then Sunday through Wednesday back in the City of Roses for more visiting and dining. My pal Arthur should be back in town and there are other folks I would like to see as well.
So, there you have it!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hiking Fool
God I love the coast. Particularly in excellent weather...
A great day yesterday. Took TWO hikes - the first to the summit of Cascade Head just north of Lincoln City. About 2.5 miles one-way and a rise of almost 1500 feet. This was an aerobic event...was huffing and puffing and sweating like a little piggy (to mix my faerie tale metaphors) before I reached the summit.
It was worth it though. Spectacular view looking south along the coast as well as east up the Salmon River. Lots of happy people hiking. No doggies though! The Nature Conservancy is restoring vegetation on the trail and four-legged friends are banned.
Got back to the car and decided I could use some more punishment so motored inland on Highway 18 a few miles and then up a very narrow and winding Forrest Service Road 10 miles or so to the Drift Creek Falls trail head. This trail was all through the woods down into a ravine with a small but beautiful waterfall and a 200 foot long suspension bridge. Truly a "bridge to nowhere" but a very pleasant hike.
After this second workout it was time to return to the hotel for a glass of wine and supper. Reckon I hiked about 10 miles during the course of the day. Was in bed by 10 PM and slept like the proverbial log.
Today I'll drive down the coast for about 2 hours to Florence, Oregon. Have a room for two nights on the beach. There are lots of State Parks along the coast on the way and will take my time for sightseeing. A couple from Corvallis I met last evening spent time watching some gray whales just south of here yesterday. Said they were pretty close to the beach.
Upon my arrival in Florence I will probably get the golf clubs out of the trunk and confirm that a year of abstinence from the game has NOT improved my swing.
Finally, a pic from Portland - lunch with Amanda and Maria...
Well, it's another spectacular day...gonna get this show on the road...
The classic northern coast pic
A great day yesterday. Took TWO hikes - the first to the summit of Cascade Head just north of Lincoln City. About 2.5 miles one-way and a rise of almost 1500 feet. This was an aerobic event...was huffing and puffing and sweating like a little piggy (to mix my faerie tale metaphors) before I reached the summit.
It was worth it though. Spectacular view looking south along the coast as well as east up the Salmon River. Lots of happy people hiking. No doggies though! The Nature Conservancy is restoring vegetation on the trail and four-legged friends are banned.
Lincoln City from Cascade Head
YIKES!
Elmo at the Summit
Got back to the car and decided I could use some more punishment so motored inland on Highway 18 a few miles and then up a very narrow and winding Forrest Service Road 10 miles or so to the Drift Creek Falls trail head. This trail was all through the woods down into a ravine with a small but beautiful waterfall and a 200 foot long suspension bridge. Truly a "bridge to nowhere" but a very pleasant hike.
A "bridge to nowhere"
Actually it's a bridge to give you this view
After this second workout it was time to return to the hotel for a glass of wine and supper. Reckon I hiked about 10 miles during the course of the day. Was in bed by 10 PM and slept like the proverbial log.
Today I'll drive down the coast for about 2 hours to Florence, Oregon. Have a room for two nights on the beach. There are lots of State Parks along the coast on the way and will take my time for sightseeing. A couple from Corvallis I met last evening spent time watching some gray whales just south of here yesterday. Said they were pretty close to the beach.
Upon my arrival in Florence I will probably get the golf clubs out of the trunk and confirm that a year of abstinence from the game has NOT improved my swing.
Finally, a pic from Portland - lunch with Amanda and Maria...
Lunch in the City
Well, it's another spectacular day...gonna get this show on the road...
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Portland Adieu
Dateline Lincoln City. A beautiful morning on the Oregon Coast. Yesterday I took U.S. 30 out of Portland along the Columbia River to Astoria. I thought maybe it would be pretty along the river...and it may well have been...except that visibility was down to about a quarter mile most of the way with fog. Oh well...
I stopped in Astoria for lunch and then continued down U.S. 101 to Lincoln City. Checked-in at a beach side joint called the Surftides. Not bad digs. Even a little gas fireplace. Decent seafood fettuccine supper last night (not up to PDX standards, of course) and a beautiful sunset over the Pacific.
Today I'm going to take a hike...got lots of suggestions from folks at the bar last night. I'm feeling a serious need to get some exercise and fresh air. I am pondering the "Lower Cascade Head" or "Drift Creek Falls" trails. Or maybe both. Gonna let it warm-up just a tad more however. Was in the low 40's this morning and there has been a decent north breeze. Brrrrrrrr. Supposed to be in the lower 60's this afternoon however; and the wind is supposed to die down.
In other news, my last couple of days in Portland were way fun. I had lunch with Maria Keitahn on Thursday in the Hawthorne District. She looks great and says she's happy as can be in Portland. Didn't have enough time to cover all the territory that needed to be covered; but that means there's a good reason to get together again soon!
I underwent serious retail therapy with Amanda and Leah. They both seemed pleased with their acquisitions. And I was very pleased that they were pleased. We went to Nostrana for supper on Thursday. It's been highly rated in all the restaurant surveys...and the desserts were VERY good - but I can't say that it made my top 10 PDX list. The company was extraordinary however - spending time with the gals always puts me in a good mood for days.
Indeed both Amanda and Leah seem to be in pretty good spirits. Today Leah is interviewing with a local vineyard for a job as wine club manager...and she is positively giddy at the prospect. And 'Manda is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her new beau who is relocating to Portland from the East Coast and at last report she had a couple of job and apartment prospects. Next week the gals turn 27 years young!
Well, think I'll drive downtown for breakfast. And then hit the trails. And I need to decide where I'm going tomorrow and arrange lodgings. I am torn between hanging on the Oregon Coast for a whole week - and then maybe a reprise of Portland - or rocketing down the coast to the Redwoods and the Bay Area. I will contemplate the matter on my hike...
I stopped in Astoria for lunch and then continued down U.S. 101 to Lincoln City. Checked-in at a beach side joint called the Surftides. Not bad digs. Even a little gas fireplace. Decent seafood fettuccine supper last night (not up to PDX standards, of course) and a beautiful sunset over the Pacific.
Today I'm going to take a hike...got lots of suggestions from folks at the bar last night. I'm feeling a serious need to get some exercise and fresh air. I am pondering the "Lower Cascade Head" or "Drift Creek Falls" trails. Or maybe both. Gonna let it warm-up just a tad more however. Was in the low 40's this morning and there has been a decent north breeze. Brrrrrrrr. Supposed to be in the lower 60's this afternoon however; and the wind is supposed to die down.
In other news, my last couple of days in Portland were way fun. I had lunch with Maria Keitahn on Thursday in the Hawthorne District. She looks great and says she's happy as can be in Portland. Didn't have enough time to cover all the territory that needed to be covered; but that means there's a good reason to get together again soon!
I underwent serious retail therapy with Amanda and Leah. They both seemed pleased with their acquisitions. And I was very pleased that they were pleased. We went to Nostrana for supper on Thursday. It's been highly rated in all the restaurant surveys...and the desserts were VERY good - but I can't say that it made my top 10 PDX list. The company was extraordinary however - spending time with the gals always puts me in a good mood for days.
Indeed both Amanda and Leah seem to be in pretty good spirits. Today Leah is interviewing with a local vineyard for a job as wine club manager...and she is positively giddy at the prospect. And 'Manda is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her new beau who is relocating to Portland from the East Coast and at last report she had a couple of job and apartment prospects. Next week the gals turn 27 years young!
Well, think I'll drive downtown for breakfast. And then hit the trails. And I need to decide where I'm going tomorrow and arrange lodgings. I am torn between hanging on the Oregon Coast for a whole week - and then maybe a reprise of Portland - or rocketing down the coast to the Redwoods and the Bay Area. I will contemplate the matter on my hike...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Road Trip
Well, a quiet day yesterday. Had a stomach bug of some sort for about 12 hours...felt like the classic Norwalk-like virus and I'm suspicious that I may have picked it up at the hotel gym which was notably deficient in the sanitizer/hygiene department. Fever, chills, and serious lower tract discomfort. Felt fine by last evening.
But I did take the opportunity to use my down time to do a little mapping of the next couple of weeks. Here's the concept:
This would be a fair amount of driving; but I'm feeling the need for a road trip fix. Longest days would be from Monterey to Reno and from Reno to Boise; but they're still manageable. Most days are around 4 hours of driving. I will not make hotel reservations more than a couple of days in advance...so will have the ability to modify the itinerary as the spirit moves me.
In other news, going to undergo some retail therapy with Amanda today. Rumor has it that she needs a new wardrobe. Me too for that matter... And tomorrow I'm going to have lunch with an old high school friend, Maria Keitahn. And maybe Amanda will let me borrow a washer and dryer for a couple of hours. Hopefully I will be able to do some shopping with Leah after work tomorrow too. And at least one more supper with the gals.
Vacations are good!
But I did take the opportunity to use my down time to do a little mapping of the next couple of weeks. Here's the concept:
- Day one - Drive from Portland to Florence, Oregon. Overnight.
- Day two - Drive from Florence, Oregon to Brookings, Oregon. Overnight.
- Days three and four - Drive from Brookings, Oregon to Garberville, California. Benbow Inn for two nights with some exploring of the Redwoods.
- Day five - Drive to Bodega Bay, California. Overnight.
- Days six and seven - Drive from Bodega Bay to Monterey, Carlifornia. Two nights with sightseeing around Monterey.
- Day eight - Drive to Reno, Nevada. Overnight.
- Days nine through eleven - Drive to Boise, Idaho and visit friends.
- Day twelve - Drive from Boise to Pendleton, Oregon. Overnight.
- Day thirteen - Drive from Pendleton, Oregon to Sea-Tac. Overnight.
- Day fourteen - AS 75 to Juneau.
This would be a fair amount of driving; but I'm feeling the need for a road trip fix. Longest days would be from Monterey to Reno and from Reno to Boise; but they're still manageable. Most days are around 4 hours of driving. I will not make hotel reservations more than a couple of days in advance...so will have the ability to modify the itinerary as the spirit moves me.
In other news, going to undergo some retail therapy with Amanda today. Rumor has it that she needs a new wardrobe. Me too for that matter... And tomorrow I'm going to have lunch with an old high school friend, Maria Keitahn. And maybe Amanda will let me borrow a washer and dryer for a couple of hours. Hopefully I will be able to do some shopping with Leah after work tomorrow too. And at least one more supper with the gals.
Vacations are good!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Now Where Was I?...
Ah yes, last Thursday. Spent the day in Ballard and the night at T's mom's place. We had a very nice visit - she hasn't aged a day since I last saw her. Friday morning breakfast at Vera's, the local diner, and then collected T. for the drive to Portland. The drive from Seattle to Portland is unremarkable - having company sure made the miles zip-by at a seemingly faster than normal clip.
We got to Jane's and John's digs in Sellwood around 4:30 PM. Time for a glass of wine and then down to Andina Restaurant a "novo Peruvian" culinary establishment in the Pearl District. We had an assortment of tasty tapas for appetizers and everyone was quite pleased with their entrees - in my case a very good rack of lamb. Back to Sellwood for more chit-chat and and called it a night at a reasonable hour.
By Saturday morning the rain had rolled-in and it was drippy for most of the weekend. Nothing for a Southeast Alaska boy to be concerned about, of course. Jane has been promising (threatening) to take me neighborhood shopping for over a year. The goal being to identify that part of Portland that would be most congenial to yours truly as a future home base. Jane is not one to take a commitment lightly and we cruised various Portland neighborhoods for 5 1/2 hours with only a brief stop for a slab of pizza and a salad.
With Jane as the wheel-person, T. the backseat color commentator, and me as the runner, we gathered real estate fliers from the front of on-the-market homes like a scurry of squirrels gathering nuts for the winter. The time passed quickly although by the end of the day I felt like I had been engaged in serious work. Nothing that supper at a Cena, Sellwood's premiere Italian eatery, couldn't set-right however. I supped on a wonderful bunny ragout served over pasta.
Sunday morning we went out for brunch and then hit the real estate circuit once again. Sunday is open house day for many properties and I got a good feel for several more neighborhoods and several styles of homes.
Two days of driving around a city the size of Portland doesn't really provide the basis for reaching any solid decisions on my future home. However it did allow me to reach some general conclusions - most of which are blindingly obvious but nevertheless required putting boots on the ground to really internalize. First and foremost, when looking for a house it is very important to know how many people are going to live in it. Unfortunately, this may well be the most difficult question for me to resolve insofar as it will require my mom (and maybe others) to make a decision about where she/they plan to live. A two bedroom bungalow is a very different proposition from a four bedroom house or house with an apartment regardless of which neighborhood one is considering.
Second, two very similar houses will fetch very different prices depending on the neighborhood in which they are located. Not surprisingly homes in more affluent and better maintained neighborhoods with lots of nearby restaurants, watering holes, grocery stores and other services are expensive. The market seems to be very adept at putting a price on these amenities.
Third, Portland is a lot smaller than it has heretofore seemed. Indeed the burg shrunk steadily as the weekend wore on. It is a very manageable and easily navigable city.
Fourth, Portland is a city of well established neighborhoods and mostly older homes. At least the neighborhoods that Jane would permit me to see... I think the newest home we looked at was built in 1952. The good news part of this is that most, but certainly not all, of the homes we looked at had oodles of charm and quaintness and had been remodeled and updated - in a majority of cases quite recently. The bad news is that updates notwithstanding, older homes are in many cases not handicapped/elderly friendly. Indeed I suspect that there may well be irreconcilable differences between charm and accessibility when it comes to houses - at least on MY budget.
But I am rambling...the bottom line is that there is no doubt in my mind that with a decent amount of time and perseverance I would not have a difficult time finding an outstanding place to live. And I identified a number of neighborhoods where I think I would be as snug as the proverbial bug in a rug.
At any rate, on Sunday afternoon it was time to switch gears as I motored into downtown and checked into the Benson Hotel. Made contact with Leah and Amanda and last night we went to a nice new bistro called Acanto. A very pleasant supper - I took a break from carb loading and had a very tasty New York steak. And of course the company was fantastic.
Today, I picked Amanda up around 10:30 AM and we drove to North Portland where she checked-out an apartment. Then we drove around the Hawthorne District cruising for "For Rent" signs. It was fun and I got more familiar with the neighborhood for my real estate considerations as well. We had lunch at Chez Machin on Hawthorne Blvd. and both 'Manda and I had a savory crepe, La Cremeuse, featuring black forest ham, mozzarella, a fried egg, scallions, roma tomatoes and creme fraiche. It was hands-down, without a doubt and unquestionably the best thing I've ingested so far this trip.
So there you have it. We're up to date. I'm gonna head to the hotel gym and burn-off some crepe. And I think I'll take the night off...
We got to Jane's and John's digs in Sellwood around 4:30 PM. Time for a glass of wine and then down to Andina Restaurant a "novo Peruvian" culinary establishment in the Pearl District. We had an assortment of tasty tapas for appetizers and everyone was quite pleased with their entrees - in my case a very good rack of lamb. Back to Sellwood for more chit-chat and and called it a night at a reasonable hour.
By Saturday morning the rain had rolled-in and it was drippy for most of the weekend. Nothing for a Southeast Alaska boy to be concerned about, of course. Jane has been promising (threatening) to take me neighborhood shopping for over a year. The goal being to identify that part of Portland that would be most congenial to yours truly as a future home base. Jane is not one to take a commitment lightly and we cruised various Portland neighborhoods for 5 1/2 hours with only a brief stop for a slab of pizza and a salad.
With Jane as the wheel-person, T. the backseat color commentator, and me as the runner, we gathered real estate fliers from the front of on-the-market homes like a scurry of squirrels gathering nuts for the winter. The time passed quickly although by the end of the day I felt like I had been engaged in serious work. Nothing that supper at a Cena, Sellwood's premiere Italian eatery, couldn't set-right however. I supped on a wonderful bunny ragout served over pasta.
Sunday morning we went out for brunch and then hit the real estate circuit once again. Sunday is open house day for many properties and I got a good feel for several more neighborhoods and several styles of homes.
Two days of driving around a city the size of Portland doesn't really provide the basis for reaching any solid decisions on my future home. However it did allow me to reach some general conclusions - most of which are blindingly obvious but nevertheless required putting boots on the ground to really internalize. First and foremost, when looking for a house it is very important to know how many people are going to live in it. Unfortunately, this may well be the most difficult question for me to resolve insofar as it will require my mom (and maybe others) to make a decision about where she/they plan to live. A two bedroom bungalow is a very different proposition from a four bedroom house or house with an apartment regardless of which neighborhood one is considering.
Second, two very similar houses will fetch very different prices depending on the neighborhood in which they are located. Not surprisingly homes in more affluent and better maintained neighborhoods with lots of nearby restaurants, watering holes, grocery stores and other services are expensive. The market seems to be very adept at putting a price on these amenities.
Third, Portland is a lot smaller than it has heretofore seemed. Indeed the burg shrunk steadily as the weekend wore on. It is a very manageable and easily navigable city.
Fourth, Portland is a city of well established neighborhoods and mostly older homes. At least the neighborhoods that Jane would permit me to see... I think the newest home we looked at was built in 1952. The good news part of this is that most, but certainly not all, of the homes we looked at had oodles of charm and quaintness and had been remodeled and updated - in a majority of cases quite recently. The bad news is that updates notwithstanding, older homes are in many cases not handicapped/elderly friendly. Indeed I suspect that there may well be irreconcilable differences between charm and accessibility when it comes to houses - at least on MY budget.
But I am rambling...the bottom line is that there is no doubt in my mind that with a decent amount of time and perseverance I would not have a difficult time finding an outstanding place to live. And I identified a number of neighborhoods where I think I would be as snug as the proverbial bug in a rug.
At any rate, on Sunday afternoon it was time to switch gears as I motored into downtown and checked into the Benson Hotel. Made contact with Leah and Amanda and last night we went to a nice new bistro called Acanto. A very pleasant supper - I took a break from carb loading and had a very tasty New York steak. And of course the company was fantastic.
Today, I picked Amanda up around 10:30 AM and we drove to North Portland where she checked-out an apartment. Then we drove around the Hawthorne District cruising for "For Rent" signs. It was fun and I got more familiar with the neighborhood for my real estate considerations as well. We had lunch at Chez Machin on Hawthorne Blvd. and both 'Manda and I had a savory crepe, La Cremeuse, featuring black forest ham, mozzarella, a fried egg, scallions, roma tomatoes and creme fraiche. It was hands-down, without a doubt and unquestionably the best thing I've ingested so far this trip.
So there you have it. We're up to date. I'm gonna head to the hotel gym and burn-off some crepe. And I think I'll take the night off...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Boys Night Out
Another great day in the Emerald City. Had a good workout. Went to the beach at Madison Park and soaked-up some sun. Then watched Mr. Halladay pitch a no-hitter for the Phillies before heading down to the Sorrento Hotel for supper at the Hunt Club with ol' high school chums Tim Milnes, Brent Long, and Kurt Ahrensfeld.
I hadn't seen Kurt in almost thirty years. He's a civil engineer for a private firm here in Puget Sound and is thriving. Kurt has been hosting an annual reunion for JDHS Class of '74(ish) folks for the past six years or so here in Puget Sound. I missed it this summer; but hope to add it to my calendar for the future.
The four of us were seated for supper about 5:30 PM and finished our dessert around 9:30 PM. We jibber-jabbered away the whole time. Covered the waterfront from childhood memories (both good and bad) to middle-aged angst. I was hugely amused...and I THINK a good time was had by all.
Supper was good but certainly not great. We had antipasto and cheese plates for appetizers and they were kinda haphazard. My pumpkin and squash soup was OK but lacked depth...wonder about the stock... On the other hand, the scallops were sweet and delicious and perfectly done. And a couple of scoops of homemade sorbet for afters...
Depending on how my travel plans develop, I may have an opportunity to see Tim again shortly. He lives in Tenino and perhaps I will be able to stop and visit him and Mary Lou on my return from the south. And I know I will see Brent over the holidays - he'll be in Juneau for the week between Christmas and New Years.
Think I may go do a little shopping downtown today. And then a workout, of course. I will be spending the night at T's mom's in Ballard tonight...she is a hoot. I expect I will be fetching supper from her favourite terriyaki emporium this evening. And noonish tomorrow T. and I will hit-the-road for Portland.
Later gang!
I hadn't seen Kurt in almost thirty years. He's a civil engineer for a private firm here in Puget Sound and is thriving. Kurt has been hosting an annual reunion for JDHS Class of '74(ish) folks for the past six years or so here in Puget Sound. I missed it this summer; but hope to add it to my calendar for the future.
The four of us were seated for supper about 5:30 PM and finished our dessert around 9:30 PM. We jibber-jabbered away the whole time. Covered the waterfront from childhood memories (both good and bad) to middle-aged angst. I was hugely amused...and I THINK a good time was had by all.
Supper was good but certainly not great. We had antipasto and cheese plates for appetizers and they were kinda haphazard. My pumpkin and squash soup was OK but lacked depth...wonder about the stock... On the other hand, the scallops were sweet and delicious and perfectly done. And a couple of scoops of homemade sorbet for afters...
Depending on how my travel plans develop, I may have an opportunity to see Tim again shortly. He lives in Tenino and perhaps I will be able to stop and visit him and Mary Lou on my return from the south. And I know I will see Brent over the holidays - he'll be in Juneau for the week between Christmas and New Years.
Think I may go do a little shopping downtown today. And then a workout, of course. I will be spending the night at T's mom's in Ballard tonight...she is a hoot. I expect I will be fetching supper from her favourite terriyaki emporium this evening. And noonish tomorrow T. and I will hit-the-road for Portland.
Later gang!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
It's Delightful, It's Delicious, It's Delovely
On Monday I went out to Burien to visit my cousin Anne Marie and her husband Gene. They were in good spirits and I had a nice time. Then a nice walk down to Washington Park and Arboretum and a very strenuous walk back UP the hill. Time out for a pint. On Monday evening I had great tapas - including a particularly tasty ceviche at a wine bar here in the neighborhood. I am beginning to feel very comfortable on Capitol Hill.
Terry and I took a day trip to Vashon Island yesterday. While waiting for T. in front of her condo I spotted an interesting vehicle. A large van with the following stenciled on the side: Bone-A-Fied Doggy Ranch "Free Range" T. informed me this was the local doggy "school bus" that would transport affluent hounds to the country to romp and play for the day. Indeed Seattle is a very dog friendly city. It seems there is a doggy day care, vet clinic, or pet grooming salon on damn near every corner.
But I digress.
T. and I motored over to West Seattle and then hopped the Vashon Island ferry. T. brought along a CD of Cole Porter tunes by various artists and we had a little sing-along on the drive. Quite fun. It was truly delovely day.
Vashon Island is inhabited by between eight and ten thousand souls. It feels very rural...yet folks can commute to downtown Seattle via passenger-only ferry or by bus and the Fauntleroy ferry in short order. Needless to say real estate is pricey - particularly near or on the water.
We got back to Ballard mid-afternoon which gave me plenty of time for a good workout at the Ballard Health Club and then back to Capitol Hill.
It's another beautiful day in Seattle - but a mite foggy and chilly this morning. Supposed to be in the mid-sixties later, however, so I will do some more urban hiking. Perhaps I'll walk all the way down Madison to Lake Washington. I can ride the bus back up the hill...
And tonight it's supper at the Hunt Club with three old high school chums. It don't hardly get better than this...
Terry and I took a day trip to Vashon Island yesterday. While waiting for T. in front of her condo I spotted an interesting vehicle. A large van with the following stenciled on the side: Bone-A-Fied Doggy Ranch "Free Range" T. informed me this was the local doggy "school bus" that would transport affluent hounds to the country to romp and play for the day. Indeed Seattle is a very dog friendly city. It seems there is a doggy day care, vet clinic, or pet grooming salon on damn near every corner.
But I digress.
T. and I motored over to West Seattle and then hopped the Vashon Island ferry. T. brought along a CD of Cole Porter tunes by various artists and we had a little sing-along on the drive. Quite fun. It was truly delovely day.
Vashon Island is inhabited by between eight and ten thousand souls. It feels very rural...yet folks can commute to downtown Seattle via passenger-only ferry or by bus and the Fauntleroy ferry in short order. Needless to say real estate is pricey - particularly near or on the water.
The Vashon Island Story
Point Robinson Lighthouse on Vashon Island
My dear friend, Terry
We got back to Ballard mid-afternoon which gave me plenty of time for a good workout at the Ballard Health Club and then back to Capitol Hill.
Sunset from the deck at the back of the Gaslight Inn
It's another beautiful day in Seattle - but a mite foggy and chilly this morning. Supposed to be in the mid-sixties later, however, so I will do some more urban hiking. Perhaps I'll walk all the way down Madison to Lake Washington. I can ride the bus back up the hill...
And tonight it's supper at the Hunt Club with three old high school chums. It don't hardly get better than this...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Charming
Terry and I took-in Nancy Wilson at Jazz Alley last evening. Ms. Wilson's career spans some five-and-a-half decades - she had her first television show on a local station in Ohio the year after I was born.
This should tell you two things: 1) The lady has boatloads of talent; and 2) The lady is REALLY old for a performer.
Indeed, her first two numbers were pretty rocky - almost embarassing. But the ol' gal rallied and held on for about an hour - with only one potty break.
I would sum it up by describing the show as charming - a sold out performance - and supper was quite good. I enjoyed a very serviceable lamb curry and a tasty pannacotta with fresh berries for dessert.
Nancy Wilson recorded more than 70 albums and garnered 3 Grammy Awards. And although the pipes ain't what they used to be; she is still one class act... Nancy Wilson's Website.
In other news, it is a beautiful morning here in the Emerald City. I am going to motor down to visit my cousin, Anne Marie (daughter of dad's sister, Ingaborg), and her husband Gene. They live near Sea-Tac. Then a workout and/or an urban hike of some sort...the inn is not too far from Washington Park which has an arboretum I have never seen.
Tomorrow T. and I are going to do a day trip - maybe over to Vashon Island for lunch and sightseeing. And on Wednesday I hope to dine with old Juneau pals Brent Long, and Tim Milnes.
Vacations are good!
This should tell you two things: 1) The lady has boatloads of talent; and 2) The lady is REALLY old for a performer.
Indeed, her first two numbers were pretty rocky - almost embarassing. But the ol' gal rallied and held on for about an hour - with only one potty break.
I would sum it up by describing the show as charming - a sold out performance - and supper was quite good. I enjoyed a very serviceable lamb curry and a tasty pannacotta with fresh berries for dessert.
Nancy Wilson recorded more than 70 albums and garnered 3 Grammy Awards. And although the pipes ain't what they used to be; she is still one class act... Nancy Wilson's Website.
In other news, it is a beautiful morning here in the Emerald City. I am going to motor down to visit my cousin, Anne Marie (daughter of dad's sister, Ingaborg), and her husband Gene. They live near Sea-Tac. Then a workout and/or an urban hike of some sort...the inn is not too far from Washington Park which has an arboretum I have never seen.
Tomorrow T. and I are going to do a day trip - maybe over to Vashon Island for lunch and sightseeing. And on Wednesday I hope to dine with old Juneau pals Brent Long, and Tim Milnes.
Vacations are good!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Seattle!
Got in late yesterday afternoon and legged-it into town. Got checked-in around 6 PM and immediately headed out for vittles. Every place was packed! I finally stopped into a wine bar just a few blocks from the inn and had a good supper and an excellent Pinot Noir. Quite fun.
Slept in until almost 8:30 AM this morning, drank a pot or so of coffee and then wheeled over to Ballard for lunch with the Harrigan girls. A very fine Italian joint called Piccolino's. Ate a HUGE plate of veal and chicken ragout on wide pasta and a pistachio gellato for afters. I am now contemplating whether or not I have a workout in me this afternoon. A nap is another possibility.
I just made reservations at Jazz Alley for T. and I tomorrow night to see Nancy Wilson. Supper and a show. Should be fun. We got the last two tickets - hope our table is OK...but I was assured there are no awful seats in the house.
T. and Marrian are their usual chipper selves. On Tuesday I believe T. and I will do a little sightseeing...maybe take the ferry over to Vashon Island for the day. Not a whole lot of color here in Seattle yet, it still feels like summer and the sun is shining brightly this afternoon.
Life is good.
Well, gonna see if I can rally and burn-off a few thousand calories of carbs...
Slept in until almost 8:30 AM this morning, drank a pot or so of coffee and then wheeled over to Ballard for lunch with the Harrigan girls. A very fine Italian joint called Piccolino's. Ate a HUGE plate of veal and chicken ragout on wide pasta and a pistachio gellato for afters. I am now contemplating whether or not I have a workout in me this afternoon. A nap is another possibility.
I just made reservations at Jazz Alley for T. and I tomorrow night to see Nancy Wilson. Supper and a show. Should be fun. We got the last two tickets - hope our table is OK...but I was assured there are no awful seats in the house.
T. and Marrian are their usual chipper selves. On Tuesday I believe T. and I will do a little sightseeing...maybe take the ferry over to Vashon Island for the day. Not a whole lot of color here in Seattle yet, it still feels like summer and the sun is shining brightly this afternoon.
Life is good.
Well, gonna see if I can rally and burn-off a few thousand calories of carbs...
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