On the occasion of Labor day long week end.....

We moved Monday morning Phobia to Tuesday. The images of recent portland trip during the week end are haunting. I am force requesting myself to concentrate on work. Felt like bunking meeting and write something about trip...So it went like this...

Considering economic conditions and time, we decided to take a bus trip from Seattle to Portland on Saturday and return by train...

Day 1:

we managed to get ready by 6:15 AM on saturday and started to near by bus stop to catch a bus to Seattle. Grey Hounds service to Los Angeles was standing there. No idea, if this is the same bus to Portland as well. We sought official confirmation from front desk regarding the same. We managed to get 4 seats for us near emergency exit. No offense, i just observed other part of US and i would make bus a final option when i plan a freaking trip. It is an experience. There was leakage from blowers in the middle of journey and water was leaking on to seats. I am sure, Its not a routine behaviour, but this is an add-on to my frustration or irritation or choose some good words you frequently use for discomfort. We reached portland at 12:00 PM. our friends picked us. We went to Chennai Masala for lunch Buffet (I must appreciate them for creating their mark by using the name "Chennai"). I loved Dosa and i had it after long time.

We are group of dedicated people, we headed towards Mt Hoods for some hiking, rope walk, what else....But bad weather punched back. We managed to get some snaps and moved to Multnomah falls. Excellent place to stop by if you are having interstate trip. Its crowd, a beautiful walkway and scenic view of Columbia river from the top of the falls are invaulable. We had nice dinner from PF Chang's, it was nice enough to get some good sleep...

Day2:

Headed to Astoria beach (Long beach). It was a drive on an undecent rainy day. With changing weather, we couldn't predict the weather at Long beach. But it was decent enough atleast for some time at Long beach. We took some grass at subway, sorry a sub from subway and completed dinner. As there was no activity left, we started to Canon beach which is 60 miles from long beach and presumed to be 20 miles. Thank god, it was sunny enough to get into river and enjoy the beauty of Canon beach. Those distinct rocks reminded me of Alibag beach at Pune. Beach is dog friendly and out pictures proves it enough. I feel, i must stay in the nearby hotel to enjoy the beach to the fullest.

Next stop is Tillamook Cheese factory, I could gain no knowledge about cheese but tasted different kind of cheese there followed by a heavy icecream. We had some brain storming discussion about evolution of world.

This is all one phase of the day, but the real good thing of the day(rather the whole trip) was nice dinner prepared by our friends (girls). some 7 members forming a circle, no dining table, etc etc added homely environment. It was truly a good one.

Day3:

Not much activity, couldn't plan one single thing but ended up with window shopping and a visit to water front at Portland downtown. It was enough pleasent and enough sunny to enjoy. Then farewell to our portland friends and caught train to Seattle.

We had enough fun during our train journey and it was a healthy discussion at dining bar with different people about different culture and 4 hours passed by in no time.

Not to miss out the little panic until we reached Bellevue from Seattle down time :-)

......

Time to do some work and start getting depressed about visa and all.