My Passport’s Travels

Friday, September 19, 2025
It was a long day of flying. DAL to PHX, with a scheduled 3 hour layover (that became almost 4 hours because the first officer was late), then PHX to PDX. Bekah picked me up, we grabbed a quick dinner at Burgerville (we’ll be back soon!) then headed to the Battle Ground HS football game to watch Joshua conducting for the first time!! Sadly, by the time we got there, the only seats were behind the seniors, who stand the entire game – on the plus side, we were two rows in front of the band!!

We stayed for the first half and left once the band was dismissed for their 3rd quarter break, we still have a bit of a drive in front of us! Although we did stop by Burgerville again – it’s Marion berry shake season!! We made it into our hotel for the weekend around 10:30 and collapsed into bed.

Saturday, September 20, 2025
We both slept in a bit, then went to Kickstand, a local coffee shop, for breakfast. The cafe was charming, the people lovely, and my breakfast (sopas) was yummy. Unfortunately, Bekah’s was not as good. But it provided the fuel for our very full day!

We had tickets for the Mount Hood Railway! We arrived early to pick up our tickets, then made a quick run for coffee – which was ok, although the service was very slow. They had a new employee on the register. But, we got coffee and a restroom break in plenty of time to make it back for our train ride.

After a rousing “All Aboard” we loaded onto our car and soon enough, we were off!  Going backwards… But it didn’t impede the views! The hostess for our car gave us each a package of chocolate covered cherries that we tucked back for later and we settled in to enjoy the ride along Hood River. About 20 minutes along, the train came to a stop for a switchback, suddenly we were going the other direction, up the mountain!

On the way to our stop, The Fruit Company, we learned that fruit trees love the volcanic soil in this area.  The region provides over half of the pears in the world – over 535 million each year!

Upon arrival, we were given 40 minutes to explore and enjoy the area. We toured The Fruit Company, but found it very touristy. However, the Mount Hood Winery that shares a parking lot, had a lovely bubbly pear wine, comfortable seats, a sweet black cat and views of Mt Hood that were gorgeous! 

All too soon, we were called back to the train.  It was very sweet of the train to offer a tram between the train and the front door of the Fruit Company. Although the entire ride probably lasted 6 lengths of the tram.  On the ride back, we snacked on the cherries we had been given earlier while relaxing and enjoying the ride. 

Once back in town, we decided to take a small break at the hotel before heading out for the evening.  I should mention, there was a stunning view from the parking lot!

We had a bit of a drive for our evening – which was along the Columbia River. We stopped a couple of times to enjoy the stunning views.

Dinner was at Bigfoot Growler in Sandy, OR. It’s a Thai Mexican place (yes, that’s right).  We shared spring rolls (ick), crispy Brussels sprouts (yum!) and Parmesan tots (AMAZING) for appetizers. Bekah got Thai Drunken Noodles and I had pork Carnitas nachos for entrees.  It was a nice meal – I’d go back again, but I think I’d make a meal on apps! We went for a cup of coffee after dinner, sneaking in right before they closed for the evening. Then we were off to the Sandy Actors Theater for their performance of Neil Simon’s Fools.  

He actually wrote it intending for it to fail – it was the first play written after his divorce, and in the decree, his now-ex-wife was to get the proceeds from his next show.  While it (successfully??) failed on Broadway, it’s found a second life in community theaters. Which is understandable – the show was so funny!  But part of what made it work was the intimate theater (seating for 84 in the audience). After the fantastic evening, we made our way back to Hood River (by way of Troutdale) and collapsed into bed.

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Another lie in, although we were up earlier today. We stopped at McD’s for some protein, found a little patisserie in town where we got coffee (and croissants – please don’t judge), then hit the road for the Oregon Fruit Loop!  Over 30 wineries and orchards came together to advertise their wares as a day trip through the region.  We didn’t stop at all of them, but we did make it to several:

Apple Valley Country Store and Bakery

The Old Trunk, Treats & ‘Tiques

Mt. View Orchards & Brewery

Kiyokawa Family Orchards

Draper Girls Cider Company – we took a longer break here. I enjoyed a glass of their cider while feeding the goats!

Packer Orchards & Bakery (they had EVERYTHING out to taste)

Wy’east Vineyards – we needed something more substantial, so we had lunch from their food truck, while enjoying the view of the alpacas and the company of their pups!

We still weren’t ready for more sweet, so we headed back to Hood River (by way of the Panoramic viewpoint).

Fresh coffee in hand – we’re off to Portland, around Mt. Hood.  We were in and out of the clouds, literally.

But, we rounded a corner, a corner of clouds parted and we could see the top of Mt. Hood!

Back in town, we met Natalya and Joshua at Carlandia – a food truck park with 20-ish trucks, lots of seating (inside and out), and a playground for kids.  I had a wonderful brat with pretzel and beer cheese dip. Natalya had street tacos and jambalaya. Joshua had Pho and Bekah had Bulgogi.  

Sadly, after dinner, it was time… Bekah took me to my hotel for the night, I fly home tomorrow morning. It was a whirlwind -but so much fun!

Bonus pics from the Tillamook restaurant in the airport! Yum!