My Passport’s Travels

Sadly, a rough start to the trip. Parking Spot DFW South had some issues. The lady at the gate talked to me so long, the gate came back down; I couldn’t get in the second gate for uncovered parking (tried the “Help” button on the machine, but after listening to elevator music for 3 minutes, I drove back up to the front for them to help me and was told that no one monitors the “Help” button calls); waited 10 minutes to be picked up (and watched three vans drive right past me (only one of which stopped to tell me they were dropping off, not picking up); and was the absolute last stop at the airport. It took me almost an hour from leaving the house to getting into the TSA line.

I did still have time for a lovely breakfast at Le Madeline’s before boarding my non-stop flight to Portland! We back out of the gate, head towards the end of the terminal and stop. All flights taking off to the north are on ground stop because of a storm. No estimate on how long we’ll be held. (Not sure it’s helpful to be told that the flights taking off to the south are still allowed to take off – couldn’t we take off that way and make a big u-turn in the air?). Still, I’d rather be safely on the ground if they’re concerned about us taking off in a thunderstorm. After about 45 minutes, the engines were turned back on and we were in the air about 15 minutes later! It was a really smooth flight with some lovely views! Snow in Colorado,

The Great Salt Lake,

and Mt Hood even deigned to share her beauty with us on the the way in!

Once on the ground, Bekah swooped me up and we were off!! Girls weekend on the coast – by way of the Proud Mary Coffee shop – where we grabbed coffee and some amazing pastries (Bekah chose best with her strawberry, coconut muffin. Although my lemon raspberry tea cake was yummy.)

A short stint through downtown Portland, with lovely river views, and we were headed across the country, through the mountains, down 20 degrees (from 72 to 55) and into a lovely, rainy landscape. A quick stop on the way at a local supermarket for drinks (I don’t know which was more interesting there – the collection of old, old glass bottles over the top of the produce case or watching the lady in front of me pay with a check and the cashier taking it without checking id).

We decided to take the longer route to Lincoln City, because it was more along the coast. And suddenly – there it was! The Pacific!

We made it to the Lincoln City Sands, our hotel for the weekend. The front desk agent was lovely, offering us hot seafood chowder and chocolate chip cookies and our choice for a first or second floor room (we chose second, which she recommended because the grass could be too tall to see over if you sat in the chairs on the balcony). The room is HUGE!! It’s a full one-bed, two-bath apartment with a Murphy bed and full kitchen in the living room.

Oh, and did I mention the view?

After a few minutes to settle in – and drool over the view, we made our way back to the front desk to take them up on the seafood chowder as an appetizer to our dinner. (It was good, although I put too much Coahuila in it, so that was the prevailing flavor.). Then it was off to find dinner! Bekah was taking me to Mo’s, a local chain, known for their spectacular views and great fried fish. We got there, but took a bit of time to explore the beach first.

Found this sweet little bird singing his heart out for us!

And then this group of crazies! SEALS! Our waiter told us they generally arrive around 5pm for dinner and stay and play until sunset. They were splashing and having a grand time!

Time for a second appetizer! Shrimp and artichoke dip, with the most amazing Parmesan toast to eat it with. We both also enjoyed a local beer with our meals – Bekah had the combo platter (fried shrimp, cod and clams) and I had the fish and chips. It was crispy and yummy! It was a great birthday meal! Thanks again, Bekah!!

We stopped at Dutch Bros for a small nightcap to close out a lovely day!