Portland Too

Today was round two in Portland, and the time was well spent.  We visited the second location of Voodoo Donuts: Voodoo Too.  It’s a little outside of downtown and located in a former restaurant (we couldn’t figure out if it was originally a Denny’s or a fast food joint or what, but you get the idea).  In short, it’s just as scary as the original, but with more breathing room.  The seats inside range from old school desks (the ones with the attached chairs) to a bench shaped like a coffin.  The donuts, however, are just as good as at the original.  And just as funky.  Oh, and don’t look in the kitchen, it will just ruin the experience for you.

We also drove through downtown and saw a cool park with a great waterfall-type fountain that was popular in the midday sun and saw another building that was on my “to see” list.  The highlight of downtown was a trip to Powell’s Books; Mecca for the literary set.  Powell’s is amazing – it’s a full block in downtown Portland and four stories tall.  There’s a “menu” by the door when you walk in telling you where to find the books you want to peruse (cooking in the blue room, romance in the pink room, etc).  Yes, the rooms are arranged by color, which sounds goofy but makes it easy to get around.  They have new and used selections shelved together, so you don’t have to search twice to get a bargain.  It was amazing, and could have filled a day, but wisely we put a time limit on it (or we’d still be there). 

I also got the GOLF cart into the shop today for an oil change and tire rotation.  We were visited by the “check engine” light several times in Wyoming and Montana, and they fixed that too.  The GOLF cart is now officially ready for the rest of the trip.  Oh, it needs a bath, but that shouldn’t be too hard to arrange.

The overall impression of Portland was much more favorably yesterday.  That was due somewhat to temperatures that were about 15 degrees cooler than the previous day and blue skies.  It was mainly due to having expert guides, though.  I’m in Portland visiting with friends that I worked with in Harrisonburg over 20 years ago, but haven’t seen in over 15 years.  It’s been great fun catching up.  I’m quick to appreciate what a blessing friends are, and recognize how lucky I am to have friendships that have now lasted several decades.  Seeing the natural wonders of the country on this trip is something I'll always remember, but this time spent with friends will be one of my favorite memories from our adventure.  I came across this quote in my readings yesterday, which surely wasn’t an accident:  “Forsake not an old friend, for a new one does not compare with him.  A new friend is like new wine; when it has aged you will drink it with pleasure.” (Sirach, 9:10).  Indeed!  God is good!

Today we start exploring the Pacific Coast!