Road Trip #3--Portland, Oregon

We had a fabulous day in Portland. The reason we stopped here for two nights was to visit the Columbia River one more time. The last time we were here the weather did not cooperate and we promised ourselves that we should be back for another visit. What a day we had! The weather was gorgeous and the scenery was breath taking. We started by driving off the freeway and onto the scenic route on Hwy 30 in Troutsdale heading east. Absolutely beautiful!

We turned off at the Portland Women's Forum scenic view point for some pictures. This is the best place to take pictures of the river.

The Vista House

It was actually this far away.

Beautiful drive!

At the Vista House.

The land form was interesting.

Ceiling of the Vista House

Looking east on top of the Vista House. Last time we were here the balcony was not even open because of the rain and wind.

Looking west

Cute dog!

I was not going to hike the trail to the Bridal Veil Falls because I had the wrong kind of shoes on. Good thing I went on, it was beautiful!

It was just a stream...

then it got better...

and prettier...

the falls in sight...

gorgeous!

Then we got to Multnomah Falls which is much more popular and crowded. It was difficult to find parking but we managed.

We just sat there and admired God's creation.

Oneonta Gorge

A freight train just happened to pass by.

A piece of Oregon History.

Trying out the burgers at Burgerville. It's like the In-n-out of Oregon, I was told.

Fried asparagus, this was like $5 worth.

We wanted to visit the Rose Garden in Washington Park but the GPS took us around and around trying to get us on a one-way street. We were stuck for a long time and had to take out the map to find our way to Washington Park. It was worth the trouble though.

Someone said there are more than 500 different kinds of roses in this garden. 

Finally, we went to the Pearl District and enjoyed a nice dinner at a French Restaurant called Bluehour. Christian picked this out for their interesting menu. It was one of the restaurants that offer the "Taste of Portland" menu for the month of June. A three-course set dinner for $25 per person.

Very nice ambience.

We did not make reservation but they were able to sit us within 5 minutes.

Wait staff was attentive and friendly.

Starter--smoked salmon

First course--Sweet Pea Tortellini with smoked ham broth, pea tendrils.

Second course--Crisp Duck Confit with spring panzanella, rhubarb compote.

Third course--Strawberry Almond Galette with creme fraiche ice cream. Everything was tasty. What a wonderful ending to a great day in Portland!

Road Trip #2--Sacramento to Portland

The drive from Sacramento to Redding on the 5 was easy, mostly straight, flat highways. After that it started to get a little tricky with hilly and winding roads. The view was beautiful, especially when passing through Mt. Shasta area where you can see the mountain, the lake, etc. On a beautiful day like this, the sight was just wonderful!

After climbing some passes between California and Oregon, we found the Old Farm House in Medford for lunch. It was after 2:30pm and the restaurant was empty which surprised me a bit. Apparently this is a popular restaurant for locals for their home cooking and huge food portions. It took a while for the food to come but lunch was delicious! The waitress was spraying squirt gun at a customer and they had fun.

Christian's burger

My beef sandwich

MOR's tuna sandwich and vegetable soup.

We finally arrived the Country Inn in Portland at around 9:00pm.

There was not much around so we decided to have dinner at the restaurant downstairs.

This fried chicken dinner looked a little sad.

The chicken fried steak was better.

My club sandwich was great and it came with a bowl of chicken tortilla soup.

Road Trip #1--Los Angeles to Sacramento

Two weeks ago, the day after Father's Day, we took a trip from L.A. to Seattle. We planned on spending three nights on the way and visit the Columbia River one more time. The last time we were there the weather was rainy and cloudy, so we decided we just have to go back when we have the chance. 

We left kind of late, like close to noon, but it was exciting to be on a road trip again. While on the Interstate 5, we were met with a huge traffic jam due to road construction near Buttonwillow. There was just a single-lane traffic and we were stuck for more than 30 minutes. Buttonwillow was where we planned on having lunch anyway. I read about this restaurant and food truck that has great El Salvadorean food and thought it would be a good chance to try their papusa. The address I got from TripAdvisor was actually not the correct one and we just couldn't find the restaurant. Finally, we decided to just stop at the food truck back at the freeway exit. Then they told us where the new restaurant was but it was too late already. 

I had never had papusas before, so that was what I ordered. They were actually very good. It's like masa stuffed with meat and cheese on the inside. It's better to order the papusas individually instead of a combo, it's cheaper. 

A huge burrito!

The food truck. It's was just too hot to be eating outside on that day.

The new restaurant is just across from this McDonald's off the freeway.

We checked in to the La Quinta Downtown Sacramento around 7:30pm. This hotel got great reviews but they did mention about the homeless in the area so I was a little nervous about it. But for the low nightly rate, it was just a good deal. Fortunately, it turned out great. We only saw a couple of men outside of the hotel, not even sure if they were homeless. The hotel is basically fenced in and it actually has a nice ground. 

The room was clean and comfortable, except a little small.

Looking out from our window.

We got ready for dinner but decided to go see the state capital. It was around 8pm already and the place was very quiet.

One of the reasons we stopped in Sacramento was this sushi restaurant called Raku. It was recommended to us by the desk clerk at the Ramada Inn when we were here two years ago. We just enjoyed it so much that we decided that we must come back. It's all you can order and eat for $17 (dinner, lunch is $12,99). Too bad they didn't have the fried oysters this time around. 

For some reasons, our GPS took us around a long route getting back to the hotel. Hmmm, don't know if we should trust this GPS.

Country Inn, Ontario Mills

First time using Club Carlson gold status to stay at the Country Inn and Suites. Got upgraded to the concierge suites. Not a bad deal for paying a room rate of $59, including breakfast.

Towel animal! Just like being on a cruise.

Two flat screen TV's.