Portland, Pancakes, and Sasquatch: Our First Day in Oregon

This morning at 11 am, Dad and I arrived in Portland, Oregon.

I don't like flying much, but this time was particularly yucky toward the end of the flight because (stupid me) I did not drink enough water beforehand and did not eat a sandwich right before or during the flight. As we landed, the plane did this up and down thing which made it worse, but I survived. It is good to be on solid ground again.

We got our rental car, a new thing for us, and sped out of Portland and onto highway 26 as we made our way up the coast toward Astoria.

The forests are vast in the surrounding area and the hills below Mt. Saint Helen's were colored golden in the afternoon light. Somehow the area reminded me of the Virginia countryside with all of its open fields and sloping hills. We very much enjoyed the first part of the trip because of the scenery. Although we have not made it to the coast and the ocean yet, we can see how different a world it is. The trees just fill your view and the shade it casts can be dark and intimidating, especially for two prairie folk like ourselves.

The entire time we were on the winding road through the forests, I kept thinking of the movie Harry and the Henderson's because Harry (the Sasquatch) lives in a place just like this where the trees are all mossy and ferns cover the forest floor. In fact, the movie is set in Seattle, which is not far from where we are now.

We had a good laugh about this because (the movie is hilarious) I must admit, I can see how people who visit Oregon and Washington could believe in such a creature.

To be honest, I desperately hope we come across some kind of Sasquatch tour or hike while we are here. Or perhaps some merchandise...

After arriving in Astoria, we made our way downtown to search out some dinner. We saw several signs for a place called "Pig N' Pancake" where they serve AMAZING pancakes (obviously) and other lovely things. We ate at the original location which was established in the early 1970s. I had ham, eggs, and a pancake and it was delicious and comforting.

After we ate, we drove deeper into the downtown area. It reminds me of the scene in A Christmas Story when they go to the parade and then to meet Santa. The shop windows are FULL of sparkly vintage items including gnomes, and I just love how they have preserved the feel of the 40s and 50s by revitalizing the area. There are several pubs and bars that are local where people seem to like meeting their friends. I love to see this kind of atmosphere in a small town such as Astoria.

It's really funny also to see so many places selling marijuana because it is legal here. One of the shops is called "The Farmacy." We had a good laugh over that one!

Dad and I plan to take a longer walk downtown in a few days, but tomorrow we will focus on Lewis and Clark and their hike to Cape Disappointment. The state park there (it is located across the Columbia River in WA) has an interpretive center for both explorers, and another for Sacagawea, the Native American woman who helped them on the journey.

I am terribly excited about all of it and we came at just the right time; It will be sunny for the next few days and we are thrilled!

Everyone is so lovely here and we feel very welcome. After we said we'd be going up to Forks, WA in a few days, the hotel ladies asked "Are you Twilighters?" Dad looked at them like they were crazy. Haha!

So far, we are having a great time, but I am very tired. More to follow.