Travel Adventures and Photography
West Coast Road Trip (continued) We had reached the destination of our road trip (Portland, Oregon) and the journey home was imminent. Normally when heading home from anywhere I start thinking about all the things I need to get done back home... but not this time. Though we would be home in mere days I knew there were still exciting adventures ahead in coastal Oregon. The truth is, at every stop on this road trip I saw Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) Just 35 minutes to the east from Portland, you don't want to miss Multnomah Falls. It's a breathtaking, dramatic waterfall on the Columbia River Gorge. It is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States, at a total height of 620 ft (or 189 meters). The source of the water is underground springs from Larch Mountain, augmented by melting snow and rainwater throughout the Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) Wandering around downtown Portland I came across the most colorful music store I've ever seen: Jackpot Records. They are an independent music store with a wide variety of new and used CDs and Vinyl Records. Some locals say it's the best in the city. While it is somewhat small, it definitely packs a punch. They have listening kiosks where I found several things I'd never heard before. Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) This one I had not planned. We finally arrived in Portland after over a week of road tripping from Los Angeles, and I hadn't booked a hotel assuming there would be tons of options in downtown Portland. As it happens, weekends get booked up quick leaving you stuck with only high priced rooms. Searching for other options, I came across the Camas Hotel. The description said "Romantic Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) Portland's International Rose Test Garden is different than most other public gardens. It's primary purpose is as a testing ground for new rose varieties and it is the oldest rose testing program of it's kind in the United States. The Garden cares for over 10,000 plants of 500 varieties. For almost one hundred years, the city of Portland, Oregon is the only North American city to give an Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) In the heart of the vast Oregon wilderness, over 600 exotic and native animals live a fully protected and free-roaming lifestyle. 'Wildlife Safari' in Winston, Oregon, with a full 600 acres of land, has dedicated themselves to the conservation, education and research of wildlife. I was very happy to get a chance on my road trip to see these animals in dedicated habitats in the beautiful Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) Our road trip from Los Angeles to Portland Oregon continues, and I planned a visit to a home that Frank Lloyd Wright designed: The Gordon House, just one hour south of Portland. Turns out, this home was built near Wilsonville Oregon, but in 2001 some well-off folks bought the property and intended to tear it down and build their dream home. The Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy got a Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) On my road trip from Los Angeles to Portland Oregon, Crater Lake wasn't exactly on the way but I heard it was not to be missed. Never were truer words stated. Knowing nothing about Crater Lake before I got there, I truly didn't know what to expect. Traveling up 2000 feet on snowy mountains in the middle of July is the last thing I expected. I was like a giddy 6 year old seeing the Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) Continuing in this series of a west coast road trip, we headed north and crossed the California / Oregon border, two things were completely evident: Oregon cows are very happy cows, and the sky is definitely different in Oregon. No question about it. Check out the view these cows have, not to mention all the open space. So spoiled! The white of the clouds and the blue of the sky Read More
There are over 300 wineries in the state of Oregon and they have an international reputation for their wine production. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you might be interested in knowing where to go for free tastings. Click the title of any place on my list to see their location and visitor information. Liner and Elsen They have free wine tastings on Saturdays all summer long, starting at noon until the Read More
