The month brought a lot of social happy hours and dinners, and a stream of visitors. First up was Sarah. Originally from New Jersey, I met Sarah while living in Denver. She is a nurse turned software coder with three dogs, a vegan lifestyle, and an adventurous spirit. She spent the previous month working remotely from Bend, and drove into Portland for the first weekend of October. On Sunday, Sarah and Tom ran the 50th Portland Marathon. Sarah just bought a house in Bend, so I am excited to see her more often!
The next weekend, Janell flew into town from Pittsburgh. We have been friends since middle school, and she is one of the best people that I know. She has an artist's mind and a kind soul. I was eager to catch up during our drive to Cannon Beach for sunset.
On Sunday, we hiked at Silver Falls State Park. The waterfalls were not at their fullest, but the early fall foliage and lighting was simply stunning.
During the week, we enjoyed local eats and drinks, and curled up on the couch with Louie and Netflix.
That weekend, Tom and I planned a getaway to southern Oregon for his birthday. I booked a stay at Country Willows Inn--a charming boutique bed and breakfast in Ashland. The five-acre farmstead estate includes an outdoor heated pool, hiking trails, mountain views, lush gardens, and a duck pond. The vintage farmhouse and grounds were very warm and inviting, and the experience was elevated by superb staff and thoughtful personal touches. We can't wait to come back!
We spent Saturday with good friends, Mike and Madison, and their baby, Cal. They took us to one of their favorite wineries, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards. Similar to Portland, Ashland was unseasonably hot and dry, but fortunately free of wildfire smoke. I wondered if the fall leaves were delayed this year due to the high temperatures.
That evening, we went to dinner at Bar Julliet before the theatre performance of The Tempest at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
After breakfast on Sunday, I went for a dip in the pool and a hike at Siskiyou Mountain Park before the five-hour drive home. I feel grateful for our friendship with Mike and Madison; they are very special, and it is always such a treat to spend time with them!
The good weather finally turned, just as our last visitor flew into town. We had two days of wildfire smoke before the rain and cold came at last. Tom and I told Kelsey that she got to experience the "real" Portland--what it's like most of the year. Kelsey and I grew up on the same street in Pittsburgh, and she is my oldest friend. She has a big personality and heart, enjoys books and crafts, and created an organized itinerary for this trip. I enjoyed hearing about her adventures after work.
On Saturday, we drove up to St. Helens for the Spirit of Halloweentown. The next day, we drove to the Gorge to chase waterfalls and brews at Full Sail Brewing Co. in Hood River and Thunder Island Brewing Co. in Cascade Locks.
