MONDAY - Arriving in Oregon

The drive down to Phoenix was peaceful and easy. Our flight was on time and peaceful as well. I felt a little hectic driving through Portland traffic to Marc's hotel and then Jackie and Steve's house. We finally got to Marc's hotel fine. Marc took longer than I expected getting checked in and all, so I drove to Jackie and Steve's house while Marc got settled into his hotel room. I took a few wrong turns but eventually found my way to Jackie and Steve's house. James and John insisted on showing me the house and gave me the "grand tour". Unfortunately, Jackie and Steve's furniture had not arrived yet from the movers, so the house was quite barren and empty. We had fun visiting for an hour or so before driving to KELLS BREW PUB to meet Marc for drinks and dinner.

Marc standing in front of KELLS BREW PUB.

Drinks at KELLS BREW PUB

We all arrived at the pub around the same time. While at KELLS BREW PUB, we talked briefly and drank some alcohol (I got a glass of Pinot Noir, Marc and Steve got a beer). This pub was my introduction to the world of IPAs (Indian Pale Ales), a ubiquitous beverage around Portland. We felt that the menu was a little subdued at KELLS BREW PUB, so we walked to SMOKEHOUSE 21 to eat dinner.

Marc and Jackie enjoying dinner at SMOKEHOUSE 21.

Dinner at SMOKEHOUSE 21

I got the Beef Briscuit and a Salad Wedge; I felt that the food was decent but not fantastic. Actually, about the same level of quality as the Brew Pub we previously left. Everybody else loved the food. Then we walked back to the car. Along the way we stopped at a pet store where Marc bought a couple of dog toys. Cute stuff, but I felt disappointed that so many of the items were made in China.

Marc standing in front of the BARISTA Coffee House entrance.

After dinner Coffee at BARISTA Coffee House

At some point we stopped at BARISTA Coffee House so Marc, Jackie and Steve could get some after dinner caffeine. The coffee shop was dangerously close to an antique shop (which happened to be next door). I say dangerous because Jackie wanted to shop there. Well, the coffee and whatnot arrived, and everybody drank their fill, except me because I was full from dinner.

After getting to the car, we drove to Marc's hotel and dropped him off. Then we drove through Washington Park, which is about 2 blocks from Jackie and Steve's house. I really liked the park; beautiful trees and energy. Then we drove back to Jackie and Steve's house. Jackie and Steve and I visited until about 10:00PM, when they went to bed. I surfed the InterNet until around 11:00PM, when I went to bed. I slept in my sleeping bag in a room downstairs in the basement, which fortunately was cool enough for me. And such was my 1st day in Portland.

Steve, Sophia, John, and James playing "handsies" at BARISTA Coffee House.