Oregon

Lack of 'net connection and having fun kept us from updating more often. Oregon was one of our favorite places so far. We did and saw so much - here's a snippet
Pendleton - small town with a history of keeping chinese underground after dark - that led to tunnels under most of the town, 30 bars and 18 brothels up until the mid 60's. The tour was fascinating.
Columbia River Gorge - playground to the area - kite boarding, wind surfing, hiking, waterfalls galore. A wonderful place to be outside and only about 50 miles from Portland.
Mt Hood - snow and skiing all year. A great dinner up on the mountain.
Portland - One of many bumper stickers says "Keep Portland Weird" and that says it all. Portland is a great city if you love to bicycle, express yourself, grow flowers and enjoy life. A walking tour opened our eyes to many of the artistic and historical items right before everyone's eyes but that would be missed if not pointed out by someone in the know. Also, home of the Pittock Mansion, Japanese Gardens, Rose Gardens and Portlandia. Definitely a place that needs to be visited.
Leaving Portland we went to the coast (see the photo of B on the beach). The beach is incredibly wide at Cannon Beach. Also, Haystack Rock - a 235 foot monolith rising from the ocean. At low tide, a marine garden there reveals coral, shellfish and various other ocean flora, fauna and life.
The state parks in Oregon are excellent, well kept and cheap.