I had mild symptoms: A low-grade fever overnight, trouble sleeping, a headache for a few hours, some fatigue and a dry throat. Paul and Edith had no symptoms. Atticus finally tested positive a few days later with symptoms that stretched back to Thursday: A few bouts of coughing and a headache. All in all, one of the mildest colds that Atticus and I have had.
But at least we had two weeks of memories to look back on while we remained in isolation. We started the trip by flying into Seattle and the next morning driving a couple of hours south to Portland, Ore. We arrived by lunchtime, eating at a food stall area with outdoor seating. Paul and I split a pad thai and paneer poutine, Edith got a burger and Atticus a grilled cheese.
Then Paul directed us to Macleay Park and a lovely trail along a small river (or large creek?). We saw a blue heron and took a walk that was just beautiful. It was 70 degrees and perfect.
The next day, after taking our cruise-required Covid tests and all getting negatives, we began our visit to the scenic Columbia River Gorge waterfall route. We stopped at a few, including the busy Multnomah Falls, where we crossed the bridge directly in front of the falls and took about a mile-long hike.
Apparently the waterfall route and parking lots can get very, very busy, but there were parking spots everywhere we wanted to be. It was a gray and misty day with intermittent rain -- and also a weekday -- so that surely helped. Even in the mid-50s, though, the weather wasn't bad. Glad we packed rain jackets!
A stop at a fish hatchery and dam was surprisingly interesting. Who knew sturgeon could be so large? The biggest one there was, I think, 10-feet long, 500 pounds and 80 years old! At the dam we saw a fish ladder, and Atticus was interested in how the lock worked. We watched the water lower, but alas no boat.
Supper was at Full Sail Brewing in Hood River, followed by a view of Mount Hood -- not too scenic since we could see only bits of the peak through the clouds.
The next morning we stopped at VooDoo Doughnuts on the drive back to Seattle. Could we have had a more stereotypical two days in Oregon? Hikes, waterfalls, food carts, beer and donuts!
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