Oregon

Oregon Boarded the Amtrak Cascades to Portland. beautiful and almost four hours. Everyone was relaxed. Trying to remember to be on "vacation" Used my first Lyft to get from the train to the hotel. I now see how easy it is for people to use this service. The drivers were super nice. One gave us the history of the homeless in Portland. Plan to pick up the rental car Tuesday morning Got a great deal on the Hilton in Portland. conveniently located downtown Everyone was starving so we hit the pastini pastaria for an Italian fixe. John liked it so much he wanted to tip the cook. Taking another lyft to voodoo donuts. (Getting the hang of it). Nora and John were completely fascinated with VooDoo Donuts. Next morning met Coach Bell for breakfast at the Screen Dooor. Their chicken is out of this world and served with... waffles??? Yes Patrick had waffles and chicken. Said it was great. So nice to spend time with coach bell. Her kids are doing great and she looks amazing. So glad she is putting her talents to good use by coaching beginners and special needs. took the subway to the car rental and picked up a black grand caravan. Kids are spoiled since it has a DVD player. Picked John up at the hotel and headed to Spokane. Drove along the Oregon Trail along the Columbia river. Only real disappointment is that the smoke from all the wild fires has reduced the view. Haven't seen a mountain yet. Lots of hills but the mountains are concealed by all the smoke.