24 hours in Portland

It seems we spend much of our time talking about food. When you've been biking all day, food is the reward. Well today seemed like lots of eating and we did almost no biking. Breakfast, before we caught the train to Portland was at the Morning Glory Cafe, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant right beside the train station. Prefect. Norm tried the granola coated French Toast again and this time it was delicious, topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup. Great spot, highly recommended.

And check that bike rack. Eugene knows how to treat their cyclists. Next stop Portland, 2 1/2 hours on the train. Once we arrived we biked about 10 blocks to the International Youth Hostel, left our bikes and bags and went to walk about. 

A Victorian style old mansion with many younger than us staying here. It is always nice to raise the average age. Mind you we are right next door in the building below. Not quite as fancy but still cozy.

You can see our bedroom window out front. 

So we have about a day here. Tomorrow we catch the train at 2.30 for Mr. Vernon for our last ride to Anacortes. We decided to check out the classier Northwest district this time. Lots of boutiques, restaurants and designer type stores. The Salt and Straw got our attention. We lined up. I had a scoop of Gooey Chocolate Brownie and a scoop of Salt and ribbons of Carmel ice cream. Norm had a small Bourbon laced ice cream. A great lunch! We then walking, into the Pearl District where had a real lunch at the Bridgeport Brew Pub. This time I had a small salad and Norm opted for the Bratwurst meal, with purple cabbage and spatzle noodles.

Hungry yet? Onward we walked and guess what, right around the next corner is Powell's Books. Ok only one more book each allowed. And I just happened to find the Knit And Purl store where I got wool for my next project. Sure glad it isn't heavy or take up too much space. (I hope) 

We could now check into our room at the hostel. Not bad, clean, large, no tv or telephone but a good size. Shared bathroom, kitchen and back garden where we sat for some time reading our books until the very talkative older gentleman was just a little too loud and full of himself that we had to escape. Enough of his loud claims to walk two miles three days a week, and run the same distance on the other days. And his odd love of cereals like Captain Crunch and Lucky Charms. We'll see what he has for breakfast in the morning.

We finished our day and end of our trip with our final meal at the Olive Place having a variety of middle eastern appetizers - garlic prawns, spanakopita, hummus, pita, olives and roasted feta as we toasted our perfect holiday. And we talked about what was the best - the Oregon Coast and where should be go next :) 

One last entry tomorrow and will let you know just how far we actually biked. Stay tuned.