portland

i've decided to start at the end of our trip, because for me it was really the beginning.
i'll admit, i kinda had a tough time being away from home.
don't get me wrong, the trip was definitely great and a much needed vacation.
i would say about 24 hours into our trip i realized that i've become so accustomed to having webb with me all the time and staying so busy, that i had a hard time relaxing ... and well, just being.

our last day in portland was the best day ... my most favorite day.
i guess you would say it was when i was able to totally let go.

early sunday morning, (i say early b/c we woke up at 5:30am portland time every, yes, every morning), we rented a car and drove to the oregon coast. casey had driven along 101 many years ago and wanted for me to see the beauty of the pacific. beautiful it was and pretty chilly too. about 55 degrees and overcast when we got there. but by noon it had turned around and was mid 70s and sunny. it was perfect.

haystack rock at cannon beach, oregon
look familiar??
if you grew up in the 80s, you'd remember it as the first clue that led the goonies to the treasure.
okay, i didn't really remember that, but casey loves some goonies!

the beach homes here were amazing.
this was one of my favorites.

and then there was this ...
pictures hardly do it justice.


after the our trip to the coast, we jumped back in our subaru (as you can imagine it is the car of choice out there) and headed back to portland to get ready for the main reason i decided we should take this trip in the first place.
to see the national.
our hotel was the one right behind the stage.

after the show

the best meal on our trip.
clyde common
to. die. for.
all local, all fresh, all amazing!
even the band was there after the show.
and if you are into people watching, seriously, this was the best i've ever seen.

casey drinking a "heavy petting"
... the drink names were pretty creative let me tell ya.

and for dessert ... voodoo doughnuts
a very famous doughnut shop that's gotten all kinds of press.
yes, that is a man with a cat on his shoulder standing at the entrance.
the place was totally eccentric!

the most popular doughnuts:
the bacon maple doughnut
(casey thought it was a good idea sunday night, but not so much monday morning)

... and the portland cream.

back to the hotel.

happy, full, and carefree ... finally!