Portlandia!

Having a little fun in a funky shop.

Portland has been the longest stopover on our trip. We stayed for a week with our beloved Melnick’s – Alan, Kelly, and a visit from their son, Martin. Mark has been friends with them for nearly 20 years and I now feel like family, too. They are gracious hosts and we had a lot of fun sightseeing the city (especially Voo Doo Donuts), wine tasting (great Pino Noir), experiencing the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, and the sheer simplicity of spending time with loved ones. We really love this area and couldn’t have been here at a better time – 80-degree weather, no humidity (or mosquitoes!) and a new adventure every day.

Alan and Mark in The Rose Garden, part of a gorgeous public park.

Voo Doo Donuts are super yummy and a bit naughty.

Part of the Public Health brain-trust!

Multnomah Falls, part of Columbia River Gorge.

Loving our time with the Melnick's!

Our first of six wineries we visited in the Willamette region - famous for Pinot Noir.

Alan, me, Mark, and Carol (another member of the Public Health brain-trust!).

The BEST winery, but the wine was too pricey for us ($50 + $60/per bottle).

Although we are sad to leave our friends, more adventures await. We will be traveling south along the coast in order to make our way to the Redwoods of California.

Ciao' for now : )

PS: Martin is a filmmaker and has collaborated on a fun + quirky web series, FRITZY. Check it out. http://www.fritzy.tv/