flashman181

Today has our first booked tour – Seattle Gourmet Foodie Walking Extravaganza. Good news is it takes place in any weather as forecast not so good. Mind you forecast varies, and significantly, between TV channels with at least one wag throwing the sun icon into the rain/cloud/snow combo. Always talk of snow but like Portland it seems more in the general area than the actual city . The only real issue is dressing correctly for a few hours. All very well to say layers but if gets hot then stuck carrying a layer around eh

As it’s a PM tour thought would head out to Fremont area this morning and just see where exactly Mont is locked up. There is a big troll, couple of statues and even a brewery but at this stage leave all serious drinking for tomorrow when double dogging – more later. The interesting thing today is any weirdos around are not Comic Con attendees but just your normal Seattlites 😏

It’s a double busser meaning the first bus driver was so ugly I got off and caught another one 🤓 Fremont looks an interesting area with some great views back across to Seattle but time was a bit limited with length of travel time and pending pm appointment . Still ticked most of the boxes I reckon

This weather is weird trust me. The rain not an issue but man the temp jumps around with wind chill a big factor. Will duck home for a break in between and rest feet for festivities ahead

So starting to think these weather guys here have studied in Aussieland and still didn’t pass . Ended up a very pleasant afternoon with sun although very cool. Great tour food wise with excellent guide and some superb and varied food. The group was on the dull side and is the big difference between foodie and drinkie tours. Some nice sips of wine though were thrown in but a quiet day today in preparation for tomorrow 😏

Such a nice afternoon couldn’t resist taking som more photos because you never know what tomorrow may bring. Well certainly the forecasters don’t!

Quiet day planned as many of the must see attractions down town will likely have masses of the great unwashed milling around being a Sunday. Does provide options to observe quirk so likely approach the vicinity on a leisurely stroll especially with Comic Con still on. Wonder how many will recognise Flash out of his costume ? . The plan seems to be walk downtown and bus it home up the hills . But first Church and then will give this breakfast caper a crack and not just the egggs . Oh that’s right, “church” doesn’t open until 11 am . The roll up for breakfast was a good preview of next years cruise methinks. No walking frames at least….

Ok so I did go to a bit of bother. Look I don’t get it but great to see so many people having fun . The day started out very pleasant so did the long walk noting things of interest along the way

Then onto the waterfront and even went on the big wheel and did other tourist crap like wall of gum and fish throwing . The weather was starting to turn

Lovely views of Seattle from Wheel actually before the weather changed . Luckily I wore the slight warmer jacket but no beanie of course – the sun was out . By 11:30 am it was bone chilling so glad to catch bus home but must be time for a beer and bite first

Seattle is well known for at least 3 pop culture icons over the last several decades and paid my homage today . Linda’s Tavern was the last place Cobain was seen alive or so the legend goes

Once again have achieved so much in first 24 hrs. First tour starts tomorrow so a bit of planning and some relaxation over rest of day. May duck out for a beer and dinner later on. CLP has suggested I don’t need to post any more photos of beer so it is a quandary . Do I stop posting or just unfriend her ? 🤓

I will sleep on it . In between the planes overhead of course….

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but surely you can put them down when this stupid ? A 5 hr Pub tour the night before an early train trip was not a very good plan – at least after about 5 hrs and 10 mins that is . Officially seedy this morning but did make the train on time and will find out when unpack in Seattle if left anything behind 😏 Snow tipped to return this weekend so time will tell. Pleasant start to day. Amtrak always seem to run on time and looks like a pleasant trip north although do seem to be a lot of stops and starts due to freight trains. Speaking of extra freight wonder where that loo is

About 45 mins late in the end but a comfortable trip and a quick Uber to residence had me checked in and unpacked by 2 pm. It’s a stunning mansion in a classy neighbourhood but the restrictions of a B&B will be interesting – eg no kettle in room

So as the day was going downhill quickly lets walk downhill to town. This place is San Fran hilly trust me. 30 minute walk in the end to the meaty part and being Saturday very crowded. Will return during week when quieter although as bus was heading past convention centre I remembered it was also Comic Con

Main aim of afternoon was to get my transport card to use on buses for week . Less walking methinks with these hills. Orca card purchased , now for a whale of a time. I’m here all week, don’t try the Parmigiana. It will kill ya . Seriously one of the biggest meals I have seen and great value . It was lunch and dinner in one .

After that did need to walk a bit so carried on to Volunteer Park nearby. Sadly the Lakeview cemetery was closed (Bruce Lee grave ) so will return but discovered a lovely vista on way home that a camera can’t do justice to

All in all a productive day and will be an early night .

Try saying that 3 times quickly . Actually pretty easy really. Move on

Plan A today was not to drink before 3 pm when last tour starts . Unlike Whispering Jack this really is the last one in Portland trust me. That would then aid in second part of plan which was to use all 3 modes of transport to see the Moda Centre across the river – NBA home. At my age that constitutes an exciting plan trust me. First up the 77 Bus to Troutdale which is just around the corner and drops you at the Rose Centre . A great sporting/concert venue but da little boys were holding on for dear life trust me, it was cool. Could even be persuaded ” bone chillin” Rain expected to come in this arvo so good to get out and about ( as luck would have it#70sSundaySchool this last tour is the only Bus one – no walking needed!)

Not a lot else around here to see at this time of day so next part was Max Rail – the red line back into town for some more quirk. But first a leisurely crossing of the river once more

Plonked in midddle of town and had requisite coffee and then a few photo ops before catching NS Streetcar home. Plan achieved and now a couple of hours rest and packing etc before tour kicks off at 2:45 pm for 4 hrs. At least…….

And then an Uber home, my new best friend bringing my grand tally now to 2 . Come on you know who u r

Another great tour with a full bus and still lone Aussie . Weather not great so good to be on bus in between gigs . Except for the ” not walking sobering up part ”

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Another group of breweries to add to list and even got my veterans pin for 3 tours in a week . Didn’t wake up this morning and find I had any new Facebook friends so must have behaved myself 👍 A great end to a great week

Alas we lost someone last night

The Pin didn’t make it and like all veterans I shall raise a drink to its memory. But maybe not today 🤐

Time to catch a train

Or both maybe. Slower start to day with Segway planned for midday and then Haunted Pub tour at 7 pm tonight . Been a heavy few days – have not even been able to go horse riding 🤓 – so time for a quieter one. So let’s settle in for a relaxing movie this morning and see what is on

Yep sounds right . Don’t need cable subscription for that , see it every morning in mirror 😏 The weather forecast is locked in – gloomy cloudy and showery . It changes tomorrow when showery becomes rainy . Oh well, been a lucky run so far let’s hope it holds out for Segway. Time to go investigate some ” souvenirs ” ( apart from beer glasses! ) and of course another wash as some clown didn’t pack any long sleeve undergarments and my new one is smelling a bit Woofy and not the Husky kind . Packing for this trip was not my finest moment

So, not a lot of Souvenir shops in Rosetown – not a bad thing – and the one I did find didn’t open until 11 am. Maybe try this arvo after tour or in the morning as only a leisurely 30 min stroll. Thought would catch the Streetcar home after requisite coffee but it was like I was back at work and out of the loop again! Should have been on the NS loop but when I saw a bridge crossing in immediate future the penny/dime dropped . I was on the A train out of town. Quick jump off and a mere 25 minute stroll home. Of interest on this trip I am not accumulating the Zimbabwe GDP in loose change for once so must be tipping too well. Which reminds me always think of the Calzone episode when tipping and hoping they notice 😏

Think those 3 Sundays I spent at Sunday School in the 70’s is paying off as positively balmy when set off for Segway . Only one on trip – knobber knobber – and had deliberately chosen the river trip as something different . It’s a city of bridges and got a close up of all of them. As always a surprise like the actual submarine used in Hunt for Red October. Some great background facts along the way too.

And then the piece da resistance – the worlds smallest park . Mills End – check it out

A quick trip to the souvenir store and then onto the food carts – a boring first choice maybe but still tomorrow. Time to head home and rest up before tonight’s Haunted Pub Tour

Ok, if I ever sign up for another “Haunted tour” shoot me and cut off my head so I can’t come back. Great guide in Josh and a full group of mostly nice people but then in a big group of couples you stand out more and not just because you are the only Aussie and can drink and talk at same time. Seriously yet to go on a tour last 5 years that isn’t full of Yanks. 😏 Good beer and plenty of it and even finished with pizza – not so smart at 9 pm maybe . Tales of woe with absolutely zero proof or evidence bore me rigid . At least the weather was ok

Last full day tomorrow and one last tour with no ghosts expected but maybe a spirit or two . Boom Tish, I’m here all week avoid the Haunted shit

Already ? Here 7 days , midweek but it is Day 5 ? Oh well , better pack in some fun last 6 days 🤓 Heading across the river today for a nooner with new bestie Chelsea. Then a tour…. Ok let’s head over early and explore the district but first a walk around this neighbourhood and check out some stuff. Portland is not known for any great Hollywood tie ins but there is a major pop culture one. Nope not Portlandia but rather this

Groening was of course born here and many characters are drawn from street names or combo of same such as “Montgomery Park on Burnside”

After usual coffee back home to plan next sozzlefest . Looks like all I need is a bus card, a cut lunch and an ankle brace . Sweet . Weather is the usual – cloudy and drizzly with occasional bursts of sunlight . Caught the 15 bus to SE Belmont and went on a bit further to check out some street art

Checked out the neighbourhood in general and then lined up at Cascade Brewing to kick off . Lizzie and Chelsea duly arrived and then another young lady Sarah joined the group # DCM what can I say ? Once again a great tour with a varied range of beers to try including some odd sour beers

As we walked through the Southeast there were some great murals as always

Sadly the tour came to an end but Chelsea and I decided to check out a Cider place as you do . Interesting to say the least and quite alcoholic of course

Time to catch an Uber home as who wants to mix with the GU on a bus home at 5 pm? Let’s try for a good nights sleep as another full day tomorrow with Segway and Haunted Pub tour at night . Should only leave 43 breweries to check out on Friday

So after a rough night of sleep was stunned awake just before 7 am by something bright shining through the little clear window above the bedroom doors leading out to back patio? Should I follow it and really see if there is a heaven or even a coffee place open this early? Quickly pulled on the sluggos – never travel without – and sunscreen , grabbed a towel and rushed to the front door and opened . It was gray outside . Was that a cow cut in half on the porch and I was under the dome? Quick check and still blue sky outback – here is one I prepared earlier

Ok wait 5 mins. Check again, that’s more like it

Probably just as well I didn’t venture further as still had PJs on under sluggos and wouldnt want to take any fans away from The Gimp downstairs . Let’s turn on TV and wait 3 mins for obligatory weather update and see if the world has changed while I slept. Nope, Trump is still President and Moonlight still won the Oscar – the blame game in full swing though. So should be a drier day today but still some rain around . Bearable considering it will mostly be indoor action today and not of the naughty kind but rather the sitting at a stool kind. Have 17 weather apps of course and the most reliable one I find is AccuWeather which gives you wonderfully confident predictions like “rain in 45 minutes for 4 mins 17 s” Tried to add Maryhole as a location and it came back saying ” Not worth it cobber the weather never changes . It’s hot and dry , deal with it ” Oh well some things remain the same . So when they decide to shoot the next sequel to 50 Shades of Gray just do a time lapse of a Portland morning sky and will even throw in The Gimp walking around neighbourhood for contrast . Coffee time while I wait and see if first tour goes ahead given only two signed up by yesterday

Ring Ring. Not good. Actually the Haunted Pub tour is cancelled for tonight due to 3 pikers pulling out. Oh well rebook for Thursday night – minus Mardi Gras special . Not the end of the world. Let’s slip in a Segway tour at noon that day to round it out

Tour looks good so let’s check out Powell’s Book Depository first and make sure no snipers lurking. Nope , but a couple of must reads

Ok half cut after another great tour . I know I am a DCM ( Designated chick magnet ) but this is getting serious . Apart from the young Lizzie as tour guide the only other participant was 22 yr old Floridian Chelsea . Better turn down the charm factor as in town all week – try the veal

3 breweries and full samplings and little food = full as a state school hat rack 🤓 Simply a great tour. In fact so good signed up for tomorrow again on the other side of the river and will work out transport logistics when I sober up. Should I be worried that Chelsea also signed up ? Once again shows that you should always do these tours – apart from Beyond Boring – when in town. Simple rule of thumb – alcohol involved = good. So a quick detour to 10 Barrels Brewing for lunch if for no other reason then to shake Chelsea and then walk home to book tomorrow’s tour. Damn that keyboard looks small…..

And finally amongst all this frivolity a shout out to my wonderful daughter and the Rx4s. A tough time these last few days but an amazing young lady, a wonderful partner Richard and a beautiful boy Ryan. Just hope Rocky is coping ok 😏 It’s easy to get caught up in all the fun and forget what really matters in life

He rested. Never been able to sleep in even in the dark so naturally not a lot of sleep has been had and on top of a very busy 36 hrs feeling a bit flat this morning . Not hungover luckily . Weather looks same as yesterday and while not an issue then it is a tad depressing today when one just planned to let the city flow over you rather than just drip drip drip. Methinks in Portland it may clear during the day so hoping better after lunch. First up then a short walk to a new coffee place to try – World Cup – and my standard Cortado.

Given it is still only mid morning time to face that demon downstairs and not referring to The Gimp. Nope, it’s washing time. Not a full load – a feeling I am familiar with🤓 – but get the feel now and do another one on Friday as Seattle B&B has no on site laundary. Looks simple enough, time will tell.

As could be a long quiet day time to reflect on some USA specifics one is reminded off after first day or two. No electric kettles, all stove top . No toasters but rather toaster ovens – who has toast without a quart of cheese melted on top after all? The drivers are especially courteous to pedestrians in that you can be 3 m from curb and they are 50 m away and they will stop and wave you across! It’s unsettling at times. There is no road rage here except if you find a neighbourhood block without a pub or coffee roaster on the corner 😏 Have adopted my usual smart approach to eating on holidays to maintain my svelte figure given there will be drinking a lot ahead. No big cafe breakfasts but rather some toast and Mortadella picked up at grocer. Usually have a salad or similar lined up for dinner which allows for a pub lunch to soak up the alcohol in between. With plenty of walking as well plan seems to work. Even though you feel less toned after two to three weeks invariably only a kg or two over fighting weight. Brain cells on the other hand are lost forever. Apparently. Time to catch up on some On Demand TV while washing thingy goes round and round .

Washing done and dusted so head out for a walk and a bite of lunch at Kells Irish Pub. Ok, one beer . Very passable Shepherds Pie hit the spot nicely. Pick up the requisite “Keep Portland Weird ” T shirt and back home to plan the afternoon

Simple plan – go catch the Aerial Tram and don’t fall out. Done. Good view of the city and many bridges that cross the river . I was a bit Shaggus O’Murphy by now so dropped in for a quick coffee near home and then indoors to write this . Likely duck out for a beer after 4pm at one of the 738 pubs nearby and then in for an early night to recharge for tomorrow when we embark on a double barrelled (boom tish) beer tourathon starting mid morning and ending late night. A Sao biscuit with cheese to separate them.

Starting to think mid to late afternoon is best weather around here 👍

If I was a Postman I would be barring up about now with this forecast 🤓 Likely the snow will be more in mountains as Portland sits in a valley it seems. Happy Valley maybe?. Anyhow, not as if someone should be surprised it will rain today in Portland, the only surprise being that the weather folk have better darts here

Not a bad nights sleep at all from about 7:30 pm to 6 am this morning with the usual breaks during the night . Now once bowels catch up to northern hemisphere it will be sweet . Out and about early to get the vibe of the neighbourhood and pretty clear it is “wanna beer or coffee mate?” . I could do some real damage in about one square mile – notice how quickly converted from klms? Strangely no bars were open at 7:30 am Sunday morning – amateurs . So got some more groceries this morning as not quite functioning yesterday and all set if the rain sets in all miserable like – especially with on demand cable TV as well. Maybe a Bill Paxton movie 😰

Now CLP will attest to fact that my directional skills are a bit ordinary first up . Ok when I see it once but as a virgin invariably head wrong way . So have now worked out which streets run parallel to mine and which run at 90 degrees and how the system works – like 18th and then 19th …. weird eh. The streetcar could be well all I need for initial travel but will also try a bus today . Have brewcycle at 4:30 pm which will likely be cancelled but before that a trip into town . Not much point taking a lot of photos today – but I will of course . Do need a long sleeved top as did not pack one for some reason . TShirts and Coats of course but nothing in between. Although not ” bone chilling” you do notice it early morning once you leave the oven cleverly disguised as your rental. The phone doesn’t work as well, the nose stings a little Yada Yada Yada. Though the pubs were shut did have a very passable Cortado at Barista – this is a good bet in USA, only clowns order a cappuccino here

Set off under grey skies but no real rain and remembered how cold the hands get and difficulty of using phone ! Have already seen many iconic sights and have the photos to prove it!

Now that I have a grip on the public transport getting around town should be easy . Easy town to walk and despite Pre planning with bus routes likely catch Streetcar to ” downtown” and walk everywhere from there . As always the quirky photo opportunities abound but better stop here as still have Brewcycle to write about later , if capable 🤓

Always a chance Brewcycle could be cancelled so better slip in a beer just in case? Had a bit of clothes shopping to do anyway within walking distance and stumbled across Kells Irish Brew Pub at the end of the rainbow. Spooky eh. The golf was on so thought I would get a Nobilo natch – “ok that is a Sav Blanc Sir “. I knew that of course but if you want to be smart about it I will have a beer then ok. Almost got away with it……. Getting the feel for this Portland weather now – yes there will be rain but there will be breaks. Deal wth it

Very lucky with weather and so Brewcycle kicked off with a great group although we were two men down which makes a difference trust me. It’s a great concept but much harder than it looks – or else I am not in tip top shape ! The 3 pubs were indeed “dive bars” which was all part of the fun and of course the night ended too early . Or not 👀 After one last round back at Backpedal I was talked into this ghost tour starting at 10 pm. On a Sunday night . What could go wrong ?. Now this was a great group and so ” we shall call him Tim” got us an Uber across the river to Javiers Taco place as were a tad hungry by now . Jesus 2 was hanging out for a cigar while Jesus 1 picked up the tab. Another Uber back to Pioneer Square with me new best friends and a short walk to the locale of “Beyond Bizarre” 2 hr walking tour. Tip – rename Beyond Boring. I have been on a lot of tours and this is the worse one ever – maybe because a dry tour to be fair. The hostess seemed like a failed actress who kept telling us about scary things that may have happened in this parking lot or that parking lot . “Do you feel a chill now ?” ” No shit Sweetheart , its 0 degrees in this fucking parking lot at 11 pm! What do you reckon?” . Only saving grace at end was a Voodoo Donut:) Totally sober now which was not a bad thing and bid my friends adieu and got my first solo Uber in USA. Easy as, will do again. So tumbled into bed at 12:30 am and although there will be no hangover tomorrow will be a distinct lack of sleep. And aching legs I suspect. Still it was one hell of a night and end to first full day in Portland. I may not make the week.

And now I know what Jäger bombs are….

Always good to get a reasonable sleep the night before as pretty well awake for next 30 hrs plus. Novotel Brisbane Airport has a captive audience and charges accordingly but is a very comfortable lodging. Long term parking was prebooked for 07:30 amd so duly arrived at 07:31 and very smooth process . Check in was open also and all done and sorted and sipping champagne in Business Lounge by 08:10. This could get dangerous as Flight doesn’t leave for 3 hrs 🤓

Ok make that 4.5 hrs. 90 mins late leaving. These things happen but don’t treat us like idiots . Like update the info , don’t say “boarding soon” when not even a plane at the bloody gate . Just be honest , don’t say delayed til 11:45 when clearly not leaving until 12:30. Of course we made up an hour in the air and landed about 35 mins late . And then the nightmare begins at LAX. The initial processing is great but then you have to get your luggage , line up again and go through about 3 more checks. All in all 90 mins after landing I was asking a harassed lady so where is Alaska ? She said ” about 500 k north ” ” Ok thanks , just the airline will do at this stage ” Seriosly the signage is hopeless so you are always asking someone what do I do here no I have done this a few times ! Anyhow Alaska Airlines is in a termainl far removed from Qantas so my plan to spend a few hours drinking and eating in Lounge looked unlikely . Gate 66 beckoned with the great unwashed . After 10 mins I thought ” its 8 am I need a beer ” so went for a walk and out of corner of eye saw ” Alaska Lounge” . Being a Qantas partner , worth a crack. ” Of course Sir we welcome Qantas Club members” Yay . The next few hours passed quickly…. first US brew and it was free . Needless to say my Trump/ Clinton T shirt generates a few looks and comments but doubt too many know the Python connection

While on Qantas , the fleet is showing its age . Now one doesn’t complain in PE as still an excellent product but each time seems like some cost saving measure employed . No warm towels at start and finish anymore for example. The food is consistently excellent and you will not go hungry or thirsty but they don’t even come around and collect blankets at end. First world problems but as semi regular flyer you notice these things . Still a great airline of course

Alaskan ran well and on time and arrived in Portland feeling weary . Some lovely scenery on the way

Taxi drive to accomodation to meet owner and get lay of the land. Then asked about nearest public transport and mentioned the Tri Met app on iPhone.” Here let me show you ” . Ok where is my phone??? Figured I must have left in taxi and as luck would have it remembered the taxi ID number for some reason. Owner phoned for me and had phone back in 20 minutes luckily . Then it was time to get my US Sim for phone with a quick Streetcar and a few groceries before a quick FaceTime with CLP before collapsing into bed. Weather looks bit grim next few days