A Suitcase and Go

This post took a while to write, since I've been busy getting my bearings in Seattle.  This is the only location that I didn't do for a full month and instead opted for 2 weeks.  It just happened that way based on how I scheduled my time in destination #4.  Since I didn't have much time in Seattle, this will be my only post about the city encompassing everything I did.  I had a few days of rain, but also got some really wonderful weather, so no complaints. Livability for me :  50% - I ended up really liking Seattle and could see myself visiting it again (maybe living there), although I'd prefer coming in the summer.  Also, while I liked the area I stayed (Belltown), I'd probably stay in the Capital Hill area which has a more Brooklyn vibe. Highlights: The Space Needle - A total touristy thing to do, but I have to say I became infatuated immediately with Seattle after going up.  The views were completely beautiful and the city has so many high rises ...

I decided driving would make the most sense for Portland to Seattle since I can make stops along the way and take my time.  Its only about a 3 hour drive, and I love long drives like that.  My goal was to leave in the am and reach Seattle before the car rental place closed so I didn't need to deal with parking.  I'm so thankful I drove, I was able to see some really nice sites that I wouldn't have stopped at otherwise.   Highlights:  Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - Such a cool spot to stop and I'm really happy I came.  You can hike and walk around here in the summer.  During the winter you can take a car around the refuge and do tours.  There are all these different birds and nature sounds.  Lots of people with professional cameras were taking pictures.  I was able to see some really different birds and deer roaming around.  It was a really beautiful place to see and a recommended stop between Portland and Seattle. Pictu...

While I’m happy I went to Portland and explored, I completely feel like I missed a lot because of Covid and all the craziness the city went through in 2020 (and is still dealing with in 2021).  One thing I'm definitely going to miss is the beautiful white clouds – I’ve never seen anything like that. Livability for me :  I don't think I can see myself living there.  I would definitely visit again after a few years, and think I would really like the scene for a vacation, but I just don’t see myself being there longer term. Time to explore Seattle! Some final pics that didn't make the other entries. A cool sign at the waterfront Powell's City of Books - one of the largest bookstores in the world with over 4M books and 9 different book rooms - completely worth a visit! Ruby Jewel's Ice Cream Sandwich - for everyone that asked from the other post "Facing the Crowd" an outdoor sculpture in front of Providence Park One of the many bridges in Portland, look at tho...

I'm almost at the end of my time in Portland.  It flew by, but I feel like the 5 weekends I got to spend here were enough to soak up the city.  I also celebrated by birthday (definitely different this year, considering all my friends/family are spread all over the place), but it was still very great.  I got so many texts, calls, and messages that all made me feel so special and loved.  I treated myself to a great dinner and dessert, plus Saturday I did a tour of the local wineries. On my last Sunday here - I had a nice brunch and just did a final walk around downtown. Highlights: Jake's Famous Crawfish : I had a really great birthday dinner here.  The clam chowder was so good, and my birthday cheesecake was delicious and just melted in my mouth. Willamette Valley Wineries : Such a fun day! I was lucky to get a really incredible weather day (like 65 for March in Portland is unheard of). My tour guide was amazing and had so much knowledge about grapes and how they...

Portland is known as the city of roses.  While I'm here too early to see roses I was able to see lots of pretty blooming flowers while exploring Washington Park on Saturday.  On Sunday, I rented a car again to venture outside of Portland. Highlights: Washington Park:  Vietnam Memorial: One of the coolest and most interesting memorials I've been too.  It is built as a spiral and as you make your way around, each stone memorial has a year that highlights the progression of the war, along with the names of those Oregon soldiers killed. Hoyt Arboretum:  Such a beautiful place to hike and walk around. The park contains over 2,000 different plants/trees from around the world. I highly recommend visiting the redwood viewing area and the bamboo forest (small but has a really peaceful vibe). Silver Falls State Park: Probably my favorite park I visited in Portland.  There is a hike you can do called The Trail of 10 Falls (about 8 miles all around).  T...

I got some great weather and sun the last couple of days here in Portland, allowing me to really make the most of the weekend. I hiked and explored Washington Park on Saturday, and rented a car on Sunday to explore outside of Portland. Here are some highlights and pictures from my weekend: Pittock Mansion - The mansion was originally built in 1914 by Henry Pittock and his family.  Its a 46 room estate with panoramic views of Downtown Portland and the Willamette River.  I highly recommend walking up to it, its such a good workout and there are trails from Forest Park that lead right to the mansion. I first visited during the day and was able to tour the mansion.  Since I had a car the following day, I decided to drive up and catch the beautiful night view of Portland. Mount Hood - Such an awesome site. I wasn't able to go up too high because of all the snow (chains on your tires are required if you are driving up). I did get close for some pictures and to pass some of th...