Rambling with Russ: Oregon & Washington

Oregon & Washington

August 2013

Thoughts of a trip to Salem Oregon to visit niece Annie & family plus friends in Seattle had sort of fallen by the wayside, but Marjorie happened to talk w/ Noah (son of her cousin Jim & Susan), whose job travels have accumulated many more frequent-flyer miles than he can use, in particular soon-to-expire cash vouchers. Noah generously arranged flights to cover most of our traveling. We owed him some cash for what wasn’t covered by vouchers, used our American Airlines miles (thanks to R’s South American flights in June) for car rental in Oregon, and our United miles for M’s return from Minneapolis. Whew!! Very complicated, but we were able to patch it all together in a short time for a very economical cash outlay. Many thanks to Noah!

We’ve been to the Pacific NW several times, but it’s so beautiful we don’t mind repeating some of those experiences, plus seeing family & friends. Down to Queens Friday PM for overnight w/ the Queens Wards. Son Matt’s Taxi and Carpark Service will take us to LaGuardia for early Sat. AM departure, watch over our car, and pick Dad up when he returns. We also have special airline treatment: Boarding Group 1 and “Economy Plus” extra leg room courtesy of Noah’s “Premier Access” status. But OOPS #1: We forgot to bring our courtesy United Lounge passes from out frequent-flyer credit card; I’ll have to mail that to Marjorie for a long layover on her return from Minneapolis. Flights to Chicago and then to Portland both ahead of schedule, easy pickup of our Alamo car: a cute little bright blue Chevy Spark w/ only about 1700 miles on it. Penelope (as we call our Brit-voiced GPS) says the drive to Salem will be 2,972 miles and take 46 hours! Poor dear, she thinks we’re still in Latham. We get her oriented for a much more agreeable 1-hour, 50-mile drive south.

We’re greeted by Annie, Lillian (3½, who Uncle Russ has never met), Cora (1½, who neither of us has met), and cat Norman. Garrick has left early to take photos for a friend’s wedding. Annie heads off for the wedding, we enjoy time w/ the grandnieces; Auntie Marjorie gives baths and bedtime stories. But OOPS #2: Marjorie left glasses on the plane; she works the phones to learn where they are in the United lost-and-found.

Good weather fortune on our trips to this part of the continent continues during our stay. Sunday AM has some early clouds, then a beautiful warm, sunny day. We all head off to Minto-Brown Island Park, a great place for biking & walking along the Willamette R w/

blackberries, yellow yarrow, and other flowers along the paths. Garrick christens our car “Sparky.” To a farm stand where A & G participate in a co-op arrangement; lunch highlighted (for Lillian & Uncle Russ) by strawberry milkshakes. A quiet PM hangin’ out. At dinner Lillian discovers she likes artichokes.

An after-dinner walk and Lillian has another breakthrough: she figures out how to use the brakes on her bike. Into neighboring cemeteries w/ pretty flowers & lowering evening sunlight. Garrick & I pick up some items at Fred Meyers, a “mega-store” common in the NW (and Alaska).

Next AM Garrick heads to work (Annie is off Mondays, G on Fridays). Annie goes for a run, we take the girls in their double stroller into the cemetery to pick blackberries; somehow Cora gets berry juice all over her face & hands!

Annie joins us, then we’re off to SuperBounce: “Salem’s Interactive Inflatable Fun Center.” Great fun; our grandsons would certainly enjoy the bouncing & sliding. Quiet time after lunch for the girls, we head into downtown Salem.

A pretty capitol: “gold man” on top, nice mall areas w/ fountains, flowers, flags. Sculptures of beavers and “Parade of Animals” (a sort of animal matching band).

We split up for a while, I find a nice bread store w/ tasty cookies & complimentary slice of bread for M; wish I’d gotten her one of the t-shirts worn by staff: “Prepare to meet your baker.”

A very early 6am start to head up to Seattle on Tuesday, sightseeing along the way. To help us wake up, the lawn sprinklers come on and hit us just as we’re getting out to the car! Up to Portland, sun rising w/ snow-capped Mt. Hood in the distance. Into the airport to pick up M’s glasses, then along a stretch of the Columbia River Gorge: Women’s Forum & Vista House overlooks provide wonderful panoramas w/ dramatic lighting of sun angled thru clouds,

also a stop at Multnomah Falls.

Breakfast in Cascade Locks, a stop for gas (but no self-service in Oregon!), then across Bridge of the Gods (fabulous views of river & gorge) to Stevenson WA. From there we head north on National Forest roads skirting to the east of Mt. St. Helens; occasional panoramic views of the mountain, but not the erupted side. Penelope is confused much of today by the mountain roads, not always well-marked, winding around, ups & downs, often bumpy. Not Marjorie’s favorite sort of driving either, tho Sparky handles things well. And it’s certainly beautiful, dense forest and peeks at the snow- and glacier-capped mountains on a perfect day. A rest stop and coffee at a friendly market in Randle, set in a pretty valley of farms surrounded by mountains. Here & elsewhere are small drive-up espresso places, common in the NW (and Alaska) w/ names like “Little Bean” & “Cowboy Café.”

We reach Mt. Rainier Nat’l Park and use our Park Service Senior Pass. Beautiful viewpoints at Box Canyon and Reflection Lakes, up to aptly-named Paradise, where we had stayed in the Lodge w/ Uncle Bill & Matt in ‘86.

Lunch in the Visitor Center, then M stays to watch a film about the park and R takes a short hike to a waterfall, lots of mountain & wildflowers photo ops. A ranger points out little dots on a snowfield way up on the mountain: hikers headed to a camp. On the road heading back down a sign says “Watch for Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Elk.”

The remainder of the trip to Seattle proves slow-going, a big traffic jam around Tacoma. Finally to friend Sarah’s place on Lake Union. An after-dinner stroll down to the lake, full moon behind us, lights of the city and Space Needle across the water, houseboats along the shore. A long day, we’re tired from lots of driving. But such beautiful sights!

I’m up early Wed., Sarah goes out for a run ̶ lots of runners (and cyclists) around here! ̶ and I wander down to the lake. Lots of people rowing w/ the Space Needle and a full moon in the background, pretty houseboats more visible now. Marjorie’s feeling a little wobbly, maybe partly from yesterday’s driving, so I go for another walk further along the lake. Lots of colorful photo ops: boats, flowers, seaplanes,

a group of children being instructed in a flotilla of kayaks.

At the south end of the lake is an interesting Center for Wooden Boats. M still not feeling quite right so I’ll have no date for our planned outing w/ Stew & Patty, former colleagues at UAlbany.

They pick me up and we head to Ballard Locks. A pretty spot, large Chinook (King) Salmon are at the peak of their spawning run from saltwater of the Sound to the freshwater lakes. There’s an excellent viewing set-up at the fish ladder next to the locks,

and we watch a couple boats go thru the nearby drawbridge and locks, beautiful bird in a nearby tree. S & P give me a little driving tour, past a large marina to Golden Gardens Park w/ a nice beach, lowering sun and Olympic Mts. across the Sound.

On to their favorite restaurant, Ray’s Boathouse, an excellent meal overlooking the water & mountains w/ a beautiful sunset. Quite idyllic! I manage to grab the bill, but it turns out I’m thwarted by collusion between Patty and the management to not use my card; some lame explanation about being a guest in their town. A lovely evening w/ good friends, I’m so sorry Marjorie wasn’t able to join us.

M is back to her perky self on Thursday. We drive to Olympic Sculpture Park, highlighted by big red Calder “Eagle,” snow-capped Olympics in the distance across the Sound.

Then she wants to see the salmon at Ballard Locks (the busiest locks in the US) and accompanying botanical gardens. It’s a bit hazy & warmer (mid-80s) today.

After lunch w/ Sarah we take a streetcar to downtown Seattle. It’s a nice city to walk around: fountains, sculptures, buskers performing, many coffee places (not just Starbucks).

Following a recommendation from Stew & Patty (and such internet comments as “This place rocks!” & “Heaven for books!”) we head for the Seattle Public Library. It lives up to its billing: dramatic exterior and interior created by an angled steel & glass roof, a view from the 10^th floor down the interior atrium, the 4^th floor done all in 7 shades of red. Must share photos w/ librarian friend Kay!

On to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Autos w/ strings of lights hanging in the lobby, wide-ranging exhibits: Native American & Australian aboriginal, European and both early & contemporary American, porcelain, Japanese fashion (M’s favorite). Then OOPS #3: Annie calls w/ news that Cora has chicken pox! It’s a mild case, but she’s “quarantined” at home for the next couple of days.

We continue our wandering to the iconic Pike Place Market, full of interesting shops & sights as always. Then a monorail ride to the Seattle Center.

We skip going up the Space Needle (done that), Chihuly glass exhibit (saw that in NY), and The World of Myth and Magic (not interested), instead walking around some and getting coffee before rendezvousing w/ Sarah. Dinner nearby of Vietnamese pho (soup). The day climaxed by a panorama of Seattle’s skyline from Kerry Park (a view used for TV show “Frazier”).

Friday back to Salem, some more sightseeing on the way. West from Tacoma to Gig Harbor, a pretty spot, many boats & noisy gulls.

“Wild Birds Unlimited” a colorful shop w/ many backyard decorative items. There’s a rummage sale at the nearby Grange Hall. We find some dress-up items for Lillian, but to my dismay there’s no bake sale! Nonetheless I contribute the book I just finished to their book offerings. Proceeds of the sale go to a group that works w/ incarcerated women & the families. [The “correctional institution” is nearby, signs along the road: “Do not pick up hitchhikers.”]

Then about 15 miles to a lavender farm. We chat w/ the friendly farmer, M gets some oil. Our wholesome day of local color concludes back at the harbor w/ lunch at Kelly’s, a popular local eatery. The drive back to Salem proves difficult, bumper-to-bumper traffic around Tacoma and again around Portland. We didn’t think this many people live around here! Sparky’s Sirius XM radio provides some entertainment. And there’s a glimpse of the pretty capitol as we pass Olympia.

Finally back to our Salem home for pizza w/ the family. Poor little Cora still quarantined on Sat., tho she seems quite herself again playing with Lillian. I’ll miss her “Baba” greeting for me (apparently reflecting my Grandpa aura).

We go w/ Annie & Lillian to A. C. Gilbert Discovery Village, a wonderful children’s museum in Salem. Pretty houses, interesting rooms, an elaborate playground. Highlights include a beautifully decorated China room where you can have tea w/ giant stuffed pandas, a “black room” where you can dance and see computer-generated images projected in changing colors onto a wall.

One room has exhibits about Gilbert, holder of 150+ patents: erector sets, model trains, magic or atomic energy or chemistry sets, and so much more! Another room has a nanotech exhibit (but no mention of UAlbany’s College of Nanoscale Science). And the porch has a giant rocking chair for Annie & Lillian.
After pot-luck dinner at the farm stand (and more strawberry milkshakes for Lillian & me), I head back to Portland on another beautiful evening and return Sparky (after 2542 miles) to the Alamo mother lot.

My 11pm Sat. red-eye to Cleveland on time, arriving as the run rises. I try to talk my way into the United Lounge w/o pass in hand (see OOPS #1), but they won’t budge. Some potential glitches: boarding is stopped (briefly) to wait for a mechanic to check something, then after we taxi out and are almost ready for takeoff we taxi back so a passport left behind by a passenger can be brought out. But my last flight is otherwise uneventful, lands on time at LaGuardia after fabulous close-up views of Manhattan coming in. Matt’s there for pickup, a brief visit, then drive back to Albany.

After R’s departure M’s adventures continue, she takes over journal responsibilities. Sunday is “back to school shopping day”! Lillian is switching to a Montessori program and Cora has a new day-care experience coming up. So long lists of required supplies for both. Best option seems to be a trip to the outlet mall near Portland. We arrive to find that apparently everybody else in Oregon has decided to take care of family back-to-school needs at the same mall! Parking at a premium and stores packed. We split up. My needs are easily met w/ a white knit shirt from Eddie Bauer, then it’s fun to watch everybody else scrambling for bargains while I stay in touch w/ the family by cell phone. We head home mid-PM w/ lots of merchandise for the girls and a few things for Garrick (even tho he’s not going back to school). In Salem I’m treated to a full-blown fashion show from Lillian. She creates some interesting ensembles; my favorite: yellow sweater & bright flowered top w/ striped skirt over turquoise bike shorts over 3 new pairs of underpants, all accessorized w/ shiny plastic necklace & polka-dot rain boots. Garrick oversees bedtime and supper prep while Annie & I head to Fred Meyers for more items from the lists. Garrick fixes a great dinner, the grownups enjoy a nice meal and relaxing glass of wine before bed.

Monday looks like a great day to visit Oregon Garden, so Annie packs up snacks & stroller and off we go. An incredibly beautiful place ̶ and perfect for the kiddos. Great photo ops (sorry Russ isn’t here to work his magic).

After lots of walking and a nice time in the children’s garden we head home. I volunteer to fix dinner and Annie has to attend a city council meeting (part of her job). She & Garrick pass each other in the driveway. G & I eat w/ the girls, Annie gets home about 9:30. I leave very early tomorrow, it’s so hard to say goodnight & goodbye to Lillian & Cora. Lots of “huggies & kissies” from Lillian.

Tuesday: cab at 4:45am!!, airport shuttle to Portland at 5:15, everything on time for flights to Minneapolis and a visit w/ nephew Andy, Staci, & children Abigail (4, who I’ve met but not Russ) & Henry (14 mos., who neither of us has met). Originally scheduled w/ very little time between flights in Chicago, I manage to grab a standby seat that gets me into MN almost 3 hours earlier than planned. Delighted to be met by Staci & the kids for the “bonus” family time. They are very close to the airport, so retrieving my luggage off the later flight is no problem. Glad to fall into bed ̶ it’s been a very long day!

I’ve managed to arrive in a beastly heat wave (mid-90s). But Wed. and Thurs. are a lovely mix of craft projects, shopping, ice cream treats, and lots of visiting. Along w/ some great local toy stores, I’m treated to stops at a few places that aren’t in the Albany area: IKEA, Dick Blick Art Supplies, and the Container Store. One day we see a “Google Maps” car, camera on top, apparently capturing neighborhood images.

Henry is teething ̶ so night-time is not a very happy experience for him ̶ no problems during the day tho. One highlight: Auntie M’s Travelin’ Tie-Dye Show (so named by Uncle R); maybe not up to Staci’s reputation for child entertainment (notably, a recent cowboy-themed BD party for Abigail complete w/ pony), but much fun nonetheless w/ tie-dyed t-shirts for everyone in the family.

More sad goodbyes when I have to leave on Friday. I asked Abigail to get me up and am awakened at 6:02am by her nose-to-nose, hands cradling my face: “Auntie Mahjowie, time to get up!” Uncle R is not forgotten: Abigail says I should be sure to make “bwonies and cookies for Uncle Wuss,” and sends him some artwork for our fridge. Happily, the United Lounge passes (see OOPS #1) arrived in the mail yesterday. While waiting in line at the airport a man ahead of me moans about his upcoming long layover. I offer our extra pass for $20 (he would otherwise have to pay $50 to use the Lounge). He jumps at the offer, but discovers he has only $16 in his wallet. Sold . . . and a very happy man! On time to Newark, I survive 4 hours in the Lounge (free wine helps), but run out of steam working on this journal; Russ helps me fill in later. Finally, on time to Albany at 11pm. Happy to be home w/ my Sweetie.

Other trips to the Northwest

We've enjoyed the Northwest on several other trips. Here are summaries of those travels with illustrative photos.

Seattle (1974):

To celebrate completion of my graduate studies and Ph.D., and before leaving for Albany and a “real job,” we take a train trip to Seattle accompanied by Marjorie’s Mom & Aunt Marge. They have a sleeper, we’re younger (and poorer) so sleep in our seats (tho no more than 1 night at a time).Some nice views from the train.

Across Minnesota & N Dakota, a relaxing ride w/ enjoyable meals in the dining car. Off at Glacier NP for rental car and a stay at pretty Lake McDonald Lodge.

A drive over Going to the Sun Road, snow still piled high along the road, to a boat trip on a lake surrounded by spectacular mountains. [I’ve been mailing finished film back home during the trip and discover back home that a couple rolls from here were lost!]

Back on the train to Spokane and Expo 74 world’s fair, w/ lots of interesting/colorful pavilions. We stay in an RV park set up for the event.

Back on the train thru the Cascades, more pretty views from a dome car, on to Seattle. Beautiful sunny clear weather, no rain until the day we leave! Views of Mt. Ranier & Puget Sound from the Space Needle, Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe,
Pike Place Market, a tour of the “underground city” (they built over the old city after a devastating fire) and the original “skid row” (named after logs skidding down to the water).

Pioneer Square and a relaxing breakfast spot.

Views along the waterfront, including an enjoyable aquarium.

Back on the train to Yellowstone; driving down from Billings MT in a rental car, staying at Mammoth Hot Spring Hotel.

Driving thru the park we see wildlife,

the beautiful canyon and thermal areas with geysers,

and the beautiful big lake.

Back to the train to return to Wisconsin.

Seattle (1986):

Our earlier trip to Seattle only whetted our taste for the Pacific NW. Now w/ son Matthew & Marjorie’s Uncle Bill joining us for a complete circle. A short stay in Seattle (reprising Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe and the underground tour).

Then a morning drive (with a view of hot-air-balloons) to Mt. Ranier and Paradise Inn on the slopes. Spectacular chairlift views, pretty hiking trails (that leave me winded from high altitude).

Next morning a long-distance view of recently erupted Mt. St Helen on the way to the Olympic Peninsula coast and Kalaloch Lodge with a beautiful setting on the coast.

Interesting boat carving on the beach.

To nearby Ruby Beach w/ dramatic sea stacks.

A trail in the Hoh Rain Forest, w/ incredibly lush vegetation.

Rialto Beach with more sea stacks.

Overnight at Lake Crescent Lodge before an early AM ferry to Victoria (up early, we’re the last car to make the 1^st ferry).

Victoria is a beautiful city: harbor, hanging flowers everywhere.

We take a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.

Enjoy an interesting museum.

A look into the impressive pretty Empress Hotel, with a miniature world, including Gulliver scenes,

and to an Old English Village.

Parliament, outlined at night w/ lights, makes for a lovely harbor scene.

A drive up to Butchart Gardens, a spectacular setting in an old quarry.

Back in Victoria we enjoy watching some bocce on manicured grass courts (not your backyard informality!) and playing some miniature golf.

A ferry thru the San Juan Islands back to the US, then down to Seattle again. An evening cruise to Tillicum (Indian) Village for salmon dinner.

Departing for home, a last mountain view.

Oregon (1993):

My camera’s on the fritz! But Uncle Bill lends me his to be our official photographer. A view of Mt Hood flying in to Portland, meet up w/ Uncle Bill and off to the motel. To the Grotto and Washington Park, w/ famous rose gardens & Japanese garden, panoramic views of the city below. A “moody” day, some drizzle but still pretty.

Next AM a drive along the Columbia River gorge. Still some drizzle but it lets up at the right times to see views & waterfalls, especially the very high Multnomah Falls.

A fish hatchery, Bonneville Dam w/ fish ladder and power turbines.

To Hood River, a windsurfing capital; lunch in a “surfer” sandwich shop, then a scenic train ride.

Early AM clouds w/ glimpses of Mt Hood, clearing as we drive east to Madras and Bend, much drier & desert areas. Crooked River gorge, pretty mountain views, mint & potato fields. A very “Western” feel.

Stops at High Desert Museum (including baby porcupine) and Lava Lands.

Up to stay at Crater Lake rim. Still snow along the road.

A drive around the lake & caldera: beautiful sunshine, incredibly deep blue water, chilly, especially in the evening. Wonderful panoramas!

After some dinner at the lodge, time for a few more views.

It’s good we had touring time when we arrived: we’re awakened at midnight when Uncle Bill has some heart palpitations. A ranger checks his vitals, says he seems OK and it’s probably the altitude. But we decide it’s best to pack up and head to lower altitude, have Uncle Bill checked out in hospital in Medford. He’s fine, we find a motel at 3 AM (after several prove to be full).

Our trip continues later in the AM, driving north thru pretty country, cattle & horses, to the coast and Oregon Dunes. A very sunny day but still breezy & cool.

On to Florence: a hike down and into Seal Cave w/ many very noisy seals,

views of pretty Heceta Head Light and Darlington Botanical Wayside.

Florence is a nice town for overnight: pretty wind socks in the shops, evening views of the river & dunes, an excellent seafood dinner at Windward Inn.

Cloudy/cool AM, breakfast at pretty Blue Hen Café. Along the coast and Cape Perpetua to Newport. Oregon Coast Aquarium w/ cute otters & puffins, jellyfish, excellent exhibits. Stores w/ more colorful kites & wind socks, common around here. Nice PM sun as we reach Otter Crest and Yaquina Bay, kites flying along the beach.

Overnight at Inn at Otter Crest, a complex of accommodations set on a dramatic headland on the ocean.

Next AM we continue along the coast via DePoe Bay and Lincoln, a stop at an interesting glassblower’s studio (we get a “witch-catcher” to protect our house), pretty views of beach & rugged rocks.

Out onto Cape Mears w/ lighthouse, impressive “Octopus Tree,” panorama of the coast & sea stacks.

A tour of Tillamook Cheese factory, then return to Portland thru dairy and Christmas tree farms, past wineries (closed unfortunately). Evening in Portland includes a miniatures store.

A last, full day in Portland. It’s a pretty city: beautiful buildings & murals,

parks & fountains,

and sculptures.

A walk to Pioneer Courthouse Sq, trolley to Old Town and Skidmore, Chinatown.

We view an amusing storefront “Church of Elvis,” displaying various artifacts and a button to push to hear Elvis speaking from the beyond! Uncle Bill isn’t sure what to make of this silliness.

Browsing & lunch at Powell Books, then more strolling.

To the riverfront and the “world’s smallest park” (a square foot at an street intersection!).

Past a volleyball game to dinner at the riverfront.

Our flights home offer fine views of Mt. Hood and the Chicago skyline.

Oregon (2008):

A brief jaunt to visit niece Annie & Garrick in Salem and the Willamette Valley. They have a pretty & photogenic backyard w/ moss, lichen, ferns, berry bushes.