The Road Trip Begins....

Miles driven: 321

We are underway! After one of the easiest car buying experiences imaginable (“check is in the mail? I trust you, go ahead and take the car now”), we are on the open road.

But not after 3 very cool days in Portland, Oregon. We ate well and drank even better – the brew houses here are just incredible. Take, for instance, Rogue Brewing. You beer drinkers out there probably know Rogue Dead Guy Ale – but at the brewhouse, that beer is buried under about 25 other varieties that are all on tap. We were handed a beer binder when we walked in that described gravity levels and scales of hopiness – it was heavenly. And just as Portland led the country in the microbrewing craze in the 1990's, you can see the next trend already taking shape -- the food trucks, serving inventive local food at good prices. We really enjoyed the vibe of the city overall – there is such an emphasis on local food and drink, every place has outdoor seating, and the people are friendly and laid back.

From Portland, we dropped the top and drove through the beautiful Pacific northwest up to Mount Hood (where they are still skiing this time of year!), and then along the stunning Columbia River Gorge east to Walla Walla, Washington. Walla Walla is a small town that has become a wine epicenter out this way. It's a hot climate so lots of Cabernet Savignon, Merlot, and Syrah. We are not typically Merlot drinkers but the goods out this way are spectacular. Walla Walla itself is excellent – the downtown area (maybe 6 or 7 blocks) has about 15 winery tasting rooms plus some nice spots for food, and tonight we found some live music and the locals dancing the night away. It's exactly what I wanted to find out this way – small town America, full of life, lots of local food and drink, everyone knows everyone. The locals seem to know they have a good thing going, and we've loved it too.

In the morning it's off to the weekend farmers market, and then to Idaho for a couple of days before we make our assault on Yellowstone and Grand Teton Park in Wyoming.