What We Did On Our Summer, (er, Spring) Vacation

Overall, it was a very nice trip, full of “firsts”, including the first time either Linda or I had ever visited Washington or Oregon. Many thanks to all of you who offered suggestions, and a special thanks to our friends Erik and Elina for all the ideas, including the insistence that we dine at the Herb Garden Restaurant, (more on that later). The flight out went as well as could be expected. I continue to believe that the airlines have based their business model on the film The Incredible Shrinking Man. It is all I can do to contort my body to sit for 5+ hours in the thimble of a seat that is now provided. Now, I cannot afford the outrageous prices charged for first class, but I don’t understand why there isn’t some sort of $200 – 300 option for a realistic seating arrangement. Rowers on medieval slave galleons had better accommodations.
One little oddity also occurred just previous to the flight – Dulles was deserted. Now, it was an early morning flight, but so are most of the ones we go on. We’ve never seen the place so empty of people. We were immediately whisked by unoccupied employees to the United Airlines check-in counter – no line at all. There were only a few folks ahead of us at the security checkpoint, etc. It wasn’t until about 8:00AM that things seemed to pick up. Usually by 6:00AM we’re in the midst of a mob. Don’t know if this is the result of a poor economy, or just some fluke, but it was kind of strange.
At any rate, Seattle was our first destination. As soon as we got our rent-a-car, it was off to the legendary Archie McPhee's! It was a real treat to finally see the place, after having dealt with these fine purveyors of kitsch for the past 20 years, or so. They’re in the process of moving to a new location, so I think stocks looked a little thin, but it was still a pleasure. I picked up a tin of Last Supper after-dinner mints as a souvenir. My spirituality remains a Rock.
We stayed at the Westin Hotel, and had a great view of the city, looking right across at the famous Space Needle. The next day was one of several highlights – we spend it down at the wharf area, and the famous Pike’s Place Market. In a word – fantastic. We spent all day down there, and it was worth it, exploring the maze-like blocks of eateries and shops, (unfortunately, the famous fish tossing was not to be seen that day, at least when we were around). My one disappointment was that there was no geoduck to be found! We must have checked at a score of restaurants, all without success. We were told that this local favorite had been virtually priced out of the market by sales to East Asia, where it’s placed on a long list of those foods for “male enhancement” and virility. ((There are what, about 2 billion East Asians – why do they need MORE virility? These guys need to take an ego check and a cold shower…)) I really wanted to try this food. Regardless, I can’t recommend the Market too highly, it’s essential.
The next day was another highlight, we had dinner at the world famous Herb Farm Restaurant, while staying next door at their sister establishment, Willow’s Lodge. The Lodge is excellent, one of the most comfortable places we’ve ever stayed. As for the meal at the Herb Farm – it was a one of a kind experience, some of the best and fanciest food we’ve ever eaten, and the best and most attentive service and surroundings. Every few weeks, the restaurant and chef base their dinner on a different theme, (there is no menu to choose from). When we went, the theme was “Spring Forager” and ONLY featured local and regional food, much of it from their own farm or contracted locals. Portions are small – because it’s NINE courses! Ingredients included fiddlehead fern, wagyu (Kobe) beef, chevre, Dungeness crab, rabbit, morels, squab, and sturgeon caviar. Each course came with its own specially matched wine. We were in heaven. The chef and/or another member of the staff stopped by each table to explain each course and answer any questions. The whole thing took about 4 ½ hours. Another essential. I’d go back to Washington just for this.
Seattle is a town I’d definitely return to and would love to explore further. I only had one difficulty, and this may say more about me than the town. The driving is soooo slow there! Every single block has a traffic light, and none of them are synchronized. It is virtually impossible to get up a head of steam around there! Some of you are probably thinking that this situation is set up to slow down fast drivers – but the good citizen here DON’T drive fast. They can get downright pokey. I’m used to DC driving, and there everything is so genteel. Oh once in a great while someone on the Interstate might cut me off or roar up onto my bumper. It was then I’d realize I was dealing with another East Coast visitor to the city, and cheerily salute them with my middle finger and the traditional greeting of “Get out of my way and learn how to drive, you worthless fucktard!” It’s the little things that remind one of Home…
The following day we travelled down the coast, visiting the World Kite Museum and the Cranberry Museum (!). We stopped for the night in the Oregon town of Astoria, along the entrance to the Columbia River. We stayed at a newly renovated hotel called the Cannery Pier. What a wonderful deal! As the name suggests, it’s a converted cannery, located about a hundred yards out on an old pier over the river. The main channel lies just a few hundred feet from you, and you can sit at your room’s window or on the deck and watch the freighter and other shipping roll by. Really pretty - another essential. The town is nice too, we didn’t have as much time to explore it as we’d of liked.
Then it was on to Portland. We finally got to meet and have dinner with my ol’ pen pal, Infidel753; and had a wonderful evening discussing life, the universe, and everything. We visited the famous and wonderful Powell’s Books, twice; as well as the Portland Japanese Garden (really beautiful), the International Rose Test Garden (too early to catch it in full bloom), Chinatown, and the Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame – which was pretty neat. It’s not large, but is well worth visiting for even the casual fan. It included a full-sized replica of Robby the Robot as well as the original robot from Lost In Space and a replica of the female demon-bot from Metropolis, (all three are faves of mine). There are all sorts of props from Star Trek and other sci-fi films and series, loads of photos, fanzines, books, posters, and bric-a-brac. Pretty fun stuff!
I really liked Portland, and it was another instance where we felt we needed to return and spend more time exploring all that it had to offer. My one caveat here is that it’s a good-sized metropolitan area – about half the size of DC; and yet I believe the downtown only contains about seven parking spots. Definitely a place for walking and/or public transport.
After two nights in Portland, we went down to Albany to visit my cousin Marcie, (whom I’d not seen in about 15 years). We had a fun time catching up, and she took us to the Evergreen Aviation Museum, where we saw the (in)famous Spruce Goose and a wonderful variety of both combat and civilian aircraft. I honestly think this place is comparable in many ways to NASM. I felt one was allowed better and more access to many of the planes than we get from the Smithsonian. Another essential. We also visited one of the local parks – beautiful scenery – picture perfect. And then it was time to go home. The flight back was again cramped, but at least it was without delay or incident.
I'd conclude by saying we're really happy we went and would enjoy returning. I'd also note that virtually everyone we met was really nice - even airport security! None of the usual casual rudeness I'm used to at home.