Dog Sledding

We are a few days too early and the snow is late arriving in Churchill, we must use carts instead of sleds. Regardless, the dogs are great and the experience fantastic.

There is not enough snow to use these real sleds.

A famous dog sledder, Dave Daley, owns this operation. His dogs are part of the family and treated as such.

Dave delivers an impassioned orientation speech.

Six dogs pull our rigs. One person sits in front, one stands behind, a musher drives.

Four teams run in each group.

Off we go!!! That is the top of Carol's head in the bottom of the picture. 

Here we are returning from our run.

The last group rounds the final turn.

Sled dogs live to sled. This is the leaders of one team after four pulls.

Moving Day

Today we move from the Willamette Valley to Portland, from wine tasting to craft beer tasting. Portland, OR has reportedly one of the best craft beer scenes in the US.

But first CJ has one last winery to visit. Elk Cove is located in the northwestern most part of the Willamette Valley. It can be considered on the way to Portland (in a convoluted long sort of way). Elk Cove has the highest elevation of all Willamette Valley wineries. It has a gorgeous setting amongst some of its vines. They source from several locations of their own vines. Family members live and watch over each of the vineyards.

To the west of Portland is the Tiguard craft beer trail. We work our way into Portland via two breweries on that trail.

Three Mugs Brewing Company disappoints. The White Chocolate Wonder is sold out. CJ finds a few good ones but nothing great.

Our launch point for downtown begins at Cooper Mountain Ale Works. CJ is quite pleased with his selection of four dark ales.

We are lodging at the AC by Marriott. Because of Portland's crime reputation we elect to COMPLETELY unload the car. There are no porters and only a single airport type cart. It takes us three trips to the room to unload the car.

Willamette Valley - Day 3

Carol has seen an advert for a winery that is only open twice a year. We have a late appointment so we go in search of the place. It is the small berg of Amity. After two passes through Amity, CJ puts the address into the GPS.

We find the Pelos Sandberg vineyards, home to iOTA Wines. This is a mom & pop, literally. It is a husband, wife, and sister.

The turning maple colors continue to amaze us. It has been so long since we've seen them.

We have a final appointment at Eyrie Wines. Another knowledgeable fellow walks us through their catalog.

We had planned three or four wineries per day. In the Willamette Valley the tastings are proper and long. We find two per day a good pace.

Willamette Valley - Day 2

Adelsheim is our first stop of the day. Carol gets a hunk for a server. He is also extremely knowledgeable. We augment the tasting with a burrata appetizer.

A gorgeous back road takes us to Domanine Roy & Fils. This is a magnificent cellar door with better views of vineyards. Unfortunately, we are disappointed by the wines.

 

Willamette Valley - Oregon Pinot Noir

On the way to our hotel in Newberg, we stop at Argyle for a tasting. Most of the wineries require a reservation although at this time of year there are not many visitors and it is not essential.

We walk for pizza and dine on it in the room with a bottle of Argyle pinot noir; probably a sacrilege.

Oregon's Pacific Coast

US Route 101 runs the length of the west coast. Most call it the Pacific Coast Highway. Here in Oregon, they call it the Oregon Coast Highway. Sometimes the road runs along a beach. More often, there are series of curvy climbs and drops between sea level sections.

Our goal is to drive south to the Oregon cheese town of Tillamook. We had no post Churchill plan until an evening with Carol's family suggested Tillamook and Hood River. Suddenly, CJ had a very logical way to do great touring and accomplish our goals to a workable schedule.

We find a cool place to have lunch. Blue Heron has more boutique food products than any place we've been; and most appear to be quality. What it does not have is quality wine. Shame on them when they are adjacent to the Willamette Valley.

Tacoma

We spend three evenings in Tacoma. The main reason is to visit Carol's brother, niece, and new grand nephew. The plan was for two days. Carol's recent trip to the emergency room and general fatigue and desire to spend a quiet day recovering is the purpose of the third day.

We have good views of Mt. Rainier from our room.

Unlike Mt. Fuji, two months ago, Rainier is not hiding from us. She is on magnificent display.

We walk uphill to lunch at a cool pizza house/burger joint/college bar. Interesting internal architecture and decorating.

Like Seattle and San Francisco, Tacoma is a town with striking hills within the city.