Independence Day

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July.  We arrived safely in Seattle on July 1st for a quick overnight stay.  Our car arrived back from Honolulu where we picked it up at the port on July 2nd as planned to make our way down to Portland, OR.  We made a brief stop to pick up some sundries in Seattle.  (Thanks to those of you who helped us out by storing and transporting our stuff for us)  Our drive through Ballard brought back nostalgic thoughts of Hattie's Hat happy hours and weekend farmer's market meandering.  It is most certainly still one of my "happy places".  We could not leave the Seattle area without a stop at the Red Mill Burger for a burger and a shake.  AAHHHH that hit the spot. Cholesterol spiking we were now able to forge ahead on the 3 hour trip to Portland on a beautifully sunny afternoon.

The drive down is mostly highway but on special sunny days there are these amazing treats all along the way.   Mt. Ranier as you leave Seattle, then Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood rise intl the sky and show their still snow covered peaks.  Really awesome.

Arriving in Portland is like staying with an old friend.  It is laid back, unpretentious, teeming with energy and its own unique vibe.  It is a live and let live kind of place that accepts you for whoever you are.  It feels comfortable.  Our condos is in between the Pearl and Alphabet districts and is scores high on walkability.  We arrived during a hot spell but the nights are cool enough for a light jacket.

Our first planned event was to attend the annual Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4th-7th).  We attended several years in a row while living in Seattle and always looked forward to the beautiful waterfront venue and great music.  Of course, we were not disappointed this year.  If you like blues/folk/kick ass guitar players, check out artists like Huckle, Blind Boy Paxton, Joe Louis Walker and Soul Vaccination.

There is always a transcendent, simulcast fireworks display on July 4th shot from barges on the Willamette river as part of the festivities.  It is second only to the fireworks display we used to watch over the Washington monument when we lived near DC.

Mike is busily planning day hikes, foodie indulgences and other excursions for our post festival time in Portland.  I am sure the month here will fly by.

Crowd at one of the 4 stages of music.

Boats rafted to each other for a long weekend of water, sun, music and possibly some  boat drinks.

Happy 4th of July!