Posh Mum's Journeys

Wednesday 28th August have to say that our British Airways flights were a huge improvement since our last ones with this airline. We managed to book a two together space on the main flight. So much more convenient than having to move every time the third person goes to the loo.

Getting from the Portland airport was easy using the light rail service to near our hotel. My husband got a discounted ticket, too, him being over 65!

Checked into the Mark Spencer Hotel on SW 11th Ave, more of a serviced apartment than a hotel but not unpleasant.  Rooms not being routinely serviced is common everywhere we stay in Oregon.  I think hotels should be clearer about that in their booking process, to be honest. Can totally understand the rationale, but no resultant savings are passed on to visitors. That said, a nice plus at this hotel is a complementary wine and cheese hour, which consists of Oregon wine, which is a treat as wines from here are rarely available in the UK.

Wandered around the neighbourhood…sadly as is on the increase elsewhere saw many people sleeping rough round the nearby area. In fact seems more of this issue is in Oregon than in other US states.

29th August plenty of cool coffee places, but each with their own merchandise, so I’m not sure how many you could collect before needing a new house!

The hot air hangs heavy with the smell of cannabis on several street corners. Cannabis is legal in Oregon although pretty regulated. Strolled to the waterfront.  Lots of leafy places to take a rest.

More coffee near a light rail stop. Saw some poor young man outside, worse for wear, obviously through something more dangerous than cannabis. He fell off his tiny child’s scooter flat onto his back. The Portland downtown safety team just observed. 2 passers-by phoned for a paramedic, but he somehow staggered onto a tram before they arrived. Someone else’s problem for the next part of his day.

Visited Powells City of Books, the biggest such shop in the world. It is amazing, and very budget friendly as you can also buy hard to get hold of second-hand books.

30th August bought transport day cards and took the light train to Washington Park. So vast that it has its own (free)shuttle service. First stop was the arboretum from where you can do trails according to your capabilities and interests. We chose the 0.9 mile loop. Beautiful and not too taxing in the heat which remains in the 30s. The leaves are already turning wonderful autumnal shades yet its just August.

On to the Rose Garden section, beautifully laid out with a stunning display of all varieties of rose

And there was another of the 30 cats there, looking very pleased with himself:

A refreshing beverage at Deschutes brewery back in the centre.

31st August moving on to the coast now via the Williamette Valley and its famous wine route on the way to Astoria and the Astoria Riverwalk Inn…….see you soon.

We picked up our rental car from Avis on South West Washington Street. Initially pleased to be allocated a large Ford Explorer a bit disappointing it wasn’t washed or valeted…..but I guess we will still mess it up with our stuff anyway.

We drove to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. The helpful and welcoming assistant lady quickly directed us to the telescopes so we could see the beautiful pelicans who had dropped in for a visit alongside a proud and blue heron. We did one of the trails but the soaring temperatures meant we couldn’t walk as long as we would have liked.

We headed North on the 47 before we picked up the 30 to head west for Astoria. There’s a few twists and turns and although very scenic a little scarey.

Arrived at the Astoria Riverwalk Inn at about 7pm. A nice view of the marina and our own private patio but the place is nothing to write home about and is functional rather than warranting it’s £224  a night price tag.

We went on a mission to try and find an Indian restaurant we’d heard about but no luck so we rocked into Buoy Beer brewbar restaurant for an impromptu dinner. Husband enjoys a fish basket and I stuck to chowder and salad. We shared a bottle of sea spray cider and very nice too. After dinner we found said Indian restaurant which doesn’t even open on Saturdays!

Felt sad to see yet more homeless people hanging around. Policies don’t seem to cover situations when individuals aren’t covered in its spectrum  ……

I highlighted to the front desk on checking out that my card had been double charged.  They denied the fault was with them and said to take it up with my bank. I did, and they said the hotel had definitely double charged. So I contacted them, and they made further checks and eventually confirmed I was double charged, and the manager authorised a refund. Am I missing something, but shouldn’t an apology have been the order of the day? Not one for Poshmum’s list of recommended hotels, I’m afraid.

1st September moving on to Depoe Bay care of the Pacific Highway 101. Famed for whale watching. Staying at The Inn at Arch Rock and my favourite accommodation so far. As soon as we opened our chalet door it felt welcoming and fresh. Beautiful view of the cove. Hopefully we will see whales before we leave tomorrow.

Dined at Tidal Raves Restaurant and enjoyed our best meal in Oregon so far. We were parked up for the night, so were able to enjoy a bottle of Oregon Reisling. A real treat as Oregon wines are scarce in the UK.   Delicious seafood dinner and elegantly served. Think blackened salmon and dungeness crab. Very nice breakfast at the  Inn at Arch Rock before setting off. The early morning mist cools the air significantly. It’s hard to believe 2 days ago, we struggled to cope with 95 degrees, and now it’s a little above 60 degrees.

2nd September, as we leave Depoe Bay for Gold Beach, it’s Labour Day here in the USA. Noticed many shops and eateries remained open, which hasn’t been my experience of Labour Day on previous USA visits.

En route, we drove in and out of tsunami risk zones. The Japanese earthquake of 2011 impacted Oregon, resulting in loss of life.

We had a superb slice of blackberry pie at one of the little cafes right on the highway 101.

We checked into WildflowerInn without any issues having been issued with an access code. We worried about what would happen if the automated check in system had failed. The owners are looking at ways they might be able to resolve such an issue should it occur. We are from the UK and don’t have the facility to telephone the owners. That said, this is a truly outstanding property. Brand new and spotlessly clean with superb inroom coffee maker and more in the lobby if required. No breakfast but excellent pastries available from the nearby café.

Dined at Spinners seafood steak and chop house at 29430 Ellensburg Ave, right opposite the Wildflower Inn. Food was delicious and freshly prepared. Staff friendly and attentive.

3rd September

Drove down another stretch of the Pacific Highway 101. We would have taken a week if we’d stopped at every viewpoint. Each as spectacular as the other.

Stopped off at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and did one of the loop walks through these fabulous redwood trees and carpets of ferns just stunning. Photos to follow.

Temperatures soaring into the 90s again as we checked into the Riverside Inn Grants Pass a little cheaper than some of our previous stays but superb friendly check in set the scene for a good stay. Beautiful view of the river from our balcony. Strolled into town and dined at The Twisted Cork where the mahi fish was excellent.

So in Portland we had cat sculptures but here in Grants Pass we got bears! They are all over the city, even Paddington gets a spot! Below is an old-time beartender!

4th September moving on to Bend, Oregon and a scenic drive to Upper Clamath Lake en route. A quick stroll round town before our drive to Bend. Oh go on then, one more bear for the road:

En route the fire warning signs ranged from high to extreme and vision was a little hazy. Checked in at the Pine Ridge Inn, Bend, Oregon, and a nice young man offered us a complimentary drink, so enjoying an Oregon pinot gris on our patio. It’s a little more pricey to stay here, but it’s beautiful. Excellent coffee maker in the room always gets a thumbs up from poshmum. That said even at these prices we didn’t feel overwhelmed by any customer service.

Strolled to the nearby Bangers and brews where we had a decent gourmet sausage dinner washed down at least for Poshmum a decent stout, so decent in fact that another was quaffed.

Had wine from our fridge having had the foresight to stock up ahead of our arrival.

5th September we trek down by the Deschutes river to Bend Old Town stopping off at the intriguing museum located at a former school. Baking hot and we had refreshments in a queer’s coffee bar where you could buy queer coffee packs to take out. They were very welcoming to us old heterosexuals!

We stop off at Monkless Bar, with its Belgian style beers. Very pleasant indeed.

A quick recharge, then stroll out to Baldys barbecue for dinner. Smoked chicken with beans and a baked potato certainly sated the appetite, but the cider tasted like cream soda!

6th September long drive to Baker City. Took a drive to The Painted Hills, Wheeler County. There’s a state of emergency in some areas and our views although spectacular were hindered by a smokey haze. Just hope all the residents are OK.

We stopped off at a tiny roadside cafe for coffee and excellent marionberry pie. Fruit pies seem to be a thing in Oregon and  are excellent.

Arrived at Baker City and checked into the newly refurbished Bridge Street Inn. Spotlessly clean signature king room and somewhat cheaper than our last abode. Team was super welcoming both on check in and at breakfast. It’s over 90 degrees all day and even in the early evening.

Not a bad dinner at Delicioso Mexican restaurant on Main St. Inexpensive, too. More urban art to photograph tomorrow.

7th September, decent breakfast at the Bridge Street Inn and such friendly staff. We drive a short distance to the Interpretive Trail System run through the National Parks Service. Consists of indoor exhibits, including films on the story of the Oregon trail. Can also do a series of trails where the wagon ruts are still visible.

A little hot for Poshmum as the temperature soars to the 90s and my heart rate matches. We do one of the trails and see the stampmaker and blacksmith huts. Can see the preserved ruts in the distance.

Jimbo is a stubborn Ox continuing the trail in this intense heat!

Interesting experience at The Copper Belt where we had a beautiful glass of Oregon wine washed down with a plate from the Cheese Fairy that shares the premises. So high quality wine and delicious cheese plate in the same place but with separate tabs. We totally loved it. But all this wine led to a thirst for a decent beer, and we found it at North 7 brewing company where Poshmum quaffed a festbier brewed especially for their October festival planned for later in September. Sadly, Poshmum will be home by then. Dined Mexican style at the el errradio and very nice, too, particularly the massive margaritas.

8th September,our last day in Baker City before we move on to The Dalles tomorrow.

Baker is already baking in the 90s and it’s only breakfast time!

We took the scenic Byway drive to Devils Canyon. Amazing drive through lakes, rivers and forest areas and the overlook of the Canyon was stunning. Saw lots of deer, too.

9th September we leave historic Baker City for The Dalles. We’re booked into Country Cousins Inn

Probably won’t need much dinner tonight. Bought a snack from Pollys truck parked at   Ukiah, which turned out to be a very tasty but large burger and fries.

Our room at the Country Cousins Inn is massive and very well equipped. Quick change act, then down to the bar to partake in a tincture. Poshmum enjoyed a couple of pints of craft IPA washed down with a plate of coconut shrimp. Delicious and light, just the ticket after our larger than planned lunch. Jimbo had hot wings and lager but think he ought to have had a bloody Mary. He’s not such a partaker of beer like me!

10th September time to make the most of our last couple of days. We browse round the shops in downtown The Dalles, but first off superb coffee and pastries at Provence cafe . Then we head to the City Hall which hosts a small fire service museum.

Then we move on to the Fort Dalles museum consisting of the surgeon’s house, carriages, bells, gardener’s cottage then across the street to the Anderson family homestead.

Staying with the museum theme we head for the National Neon Museum. Begin with a film explaining how neon signs are made then continue on this fascinating tour.

11th September our last day of exploring before we leave for home tomorrow. It was a little rainy so we dropped into Starbucks for coffee and pastries. Just Poshmum’s luck to be served by a Newcastle United fan!

I just said oh doesn’t that look like The Overlook from the Shining and there it was, its real name is Timberline Lodge and looked every bit as imposing as in the famous film. There is no maze, in fact there’s a ski lift roughly where it would have been. I gather it’s expensive to stay there.  Wonder if anyone requests room 237!

Went to some outlet shops at Columbia River. Managed to pick a last-minute gift for our grandson, and James got a camera bag. All because a truck came off the road on the scenic Byway, and we took a detour!

Our last USA dinner tonight, at least for a while, and we head down to the Country Cousins Inn restaurant. Nothing to write home about, think tepid microwaved vegetables although steak was ok, even though staff were lovely. The Inn itself is extremely good and in fact hurrah as being the first in Oregon on this trip to routinely service the rooms!

12th September all too soon our last day as we fly this evening. Stopping off at the Multnomah Falls probably the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Oregon. First though brunch in Washington state, requires going over the The White Salmon Bakery was truly worth the effort. Delicious handcrafted bread and cakes made all day long. No wonder we queued to get in!

Back over the toll Bridge and headed for the Multnomah Falls.

We drop off the rental car and head to the airport a little early. Excellent pint of Deschutes brewery stout. Flight slightly delayed but not by too much! Certainly cold when we arrived back in the UK!