Before I start the blog post I just want to say that the weather in Edmonton is unbelievable right now. Sunny, warm, breezy, it's perfect. Summer in Edmonton is finally here, and I could not be happier.
Moving on, this is a bit of a late post, but earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit Portland. The whole premise of the trip was to take photos for one of my good friends, who studies Optometry at Pacific University, as she had her white coat ceremony. However, most of the trip was spent visiting Portland proper and surrounding areas and enjoying the warmth and humidity.
Day 1 was spent flying, freaking out over an Airbnb booking, and having ramen when we arrived. Not a brilliant first day but the next few days will make up for it.
Day 2 started with us having breakfast at Broder Nord, is a nordic-style cafe and brunch place. After filling up, we grabbed our rental car and visited some of the better known Oregon waterfalls.
First up was Multnomah falls, easily accessible regardless of fitness level (zero hiking is required). Sadly, it wasn't possible to walk on the bridge in the photo, due to forest fires the year previous.
Multnomah Falls
The visitor's center at Multnomah Falls
Next up was Bridal Veil falls. Again, easily accessible, it was probably a 10 minute hike that felt more downhill than uphill. Probably not as picturesque as Multnomah falls, but you could get way closer to the waterfall.
Water Falls // Bridal Veil
Basic AF girls want photos beside waterfall - Oregon circa 2018
A hiker enjoying the nature
The rest of day 2 was spent vising downtown Portland. Salt and Straw was a favourite, an ice cream shop that had a rotating monthly menu. Absolutely delicious. Must get it with the waffle cone (it's the only way to eat ice cream, in my opinion).
Dinner was at Luc Lac, a sorta-sit down restaurant in downtown that made some bomb Viet food. Also the decor was amazing. I know it's unfair to say that and not include photos, but think slightly dingy but with the coolest murals on the walls (lots of dragons). Like the Vietnamese version of Shiki Menya.
Day 3 started off with arguably the most disgustingly greasy meal I've ever had in my life. Black Bear Diner is apparently a staple breakfast place in the US and holy hell their portions were large enough that one dish was almost enough to get me to puke from fullness. Delicious, but I almost couldn't eat for the rest of the day. After the white coat ceremony, we visited Uwajimaya and Kinokuniya, a grocery store and book store respectively, to browse and grab a quick lunch. It seems that I visit these two stores at every US city I go to (Seattle and San Francisco also have these stores) but the one in Beaverton was quite small. Food was delicious though.
Later that evening, I was looking at photo spots in Portland and learned about Pittock Mansion, just outside of Portland proper. A solid 30 minute drive through some really smooth twisty roads, and we were there.
A home fit for a King.
The grounds surrounding the mansion had an overlook where you could see downtown Portland and Mt. Hood. Fantastic!
Added some foliage for a bit of flavor
The mansion itself was very well maintained, as were the grounds. Almost looks like somewhere Batman would live.
Dinner was at Lupe's Escape, a hole in the wall Mexican restuarant with massive portions and unlimited nachos. I wanted something small for dinner. Things didn't go my way...oh well.
Day 4 we skipped breakfast simply because we were still full from last night and headed over to Pacific City to visit Cape Kiwanda, a large rock/sand formation overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
On the Cape
Rock Stacking
Skies and Oceans
Crustaceans and a Big Rock
"the pioneers used to ride these babies for miles" - Spongebob Squarepants
After our adventures on the beach, we finally succumbed to hunger and visited another greasy joint. Mr. Bento Burger in Hillsboro. Best part about that restaurant? Glass bottle Coca-Cola. The only way to drink it!
The rest of the day was spent at the vineyard trying wine (not my thing but the view was great), and visiting the Division area of Portland. Feels kinda grungy, kinda hip. Like Whyte Ave. One of the places we wanted to visit, Pok Pok, had a 2 hr wait, so we cut our losses, visited Salt and Straw again, and ended up having a quick bite at the Whiskey Soda Lounge, Pok Pok's sister restaurant across the street. The evening ended early, as we had to get up at 3am for our 6am flight. Oh the joys of travelling...
Now that PharmD is over (for good, or at least until August), expect a massive amount of car content coming up the next few months. This weekend is already stacked. The Legit Society season opener just happened, the 780Tuners Season Opener is happening tomorrow, and Monday I'll be spending some time at Castrol Raceway.
Cheers,
Gary