I’m not quite sure where to start with such a long trip. So I guess I’ll do it in chucks as if I was blogging along the way. 

View of Portland from the aerial tram
Our trip started in Portland, Oregon. Scotter and I explored the city while Tom interviewed with the Children’s hospital. (An absolutely GORGEOUS hospital.)

Alder Street Food Courts

Powell’s Books- this used and new bookstore covers and entire city block!
Portland is a quirky and wet city. I loved the bohemian vibe, the impressive public transportation system, the outdoor loving culture, Powell’s Bookstore, Finnegan’s Toys, and the bacon laden mable donut we shared. I was charmed by the two blocks dedicated to food carts, and impressed by how many people were on the streets despite the constant downpour. I was not impressed by how my watch that supposively is waterproof down to 50ft, quickly became water laden and has yet to dry out! Needless to say, it was a VERY wet day. The morning started out great, we rode the aerial tram up to the hospital to get a view of the city, then Scotter and I rode the trolley into downtown where we used buses to get around. I had great plans of visiting the Japanese and Chinese gardens and doing a bit of hiking, but when the rain progressed from a romantic mist to a downpour I did my best to find ways to entertain us indoors- primarily alternating between Powell’s Books and Finnegan’s Toys. My siteseeing filled day was further averted when my phone (and thus GPS) died, and my map blew away in a gust of wind. This is when I realized just how resourceLESS I am. I never thought to ask for another tourist map, nor did I consider that a business might allow me to use their phone to call Tom so I could arrange where he could pick me up. All and all I suppose these losses of resources only added to Scotter and I’s adventurous day.

Finnegan’s Toys I thank thee, you truly saved me!