Road Trippin - The Pacific Coast

We started our coastal trip today down Route 105

We drove through many coastal villages, one of which was Aberdeen - none other than the hometown of Kurt Cobain. We came as we were, but were still unimpressed. I totally get how Kurt could not handle fame well after having lived there. It was very industrial and non-happening. Think Coraopolis.

Then we headed to Westport. It was also relatively quiet and non-happening, but I still found the harbor rather adorable. Plus we rock climbed.

Next stop was the biggest oyster captial of the "world" - Raymond on the Willapa and South Bend.

We are not sure about Oyster Capital, but we are sure to appreciate the industrial backdrop to raw beauty juxtapositon.

I then taught Yahtzee all about the fact that I can "bring home the bacon all fried up in a pan" - the largest ever in Long Beach, Washington. Is now a good time to mention that there was a BAKON bacon infused vodka on the shelf here...and i think it sounds kinda sounds good, or ?

He was not impressed at my bacon bring on...

But deffo more excited that he could drive the car on the beach, and a beautiful beach it is.

After we drove to Cape Disappointment which failed to disappoint, and here is why -

(prayers never hurt either)

Finally, we are in Astoria, so have a new village to visit tomorrow.

We travelled over an amazing bridge to get here

And we are staying at the Cannery Pier Hotel which is a nice treat, including spa and jacuzzi

Sweet dreams and good night.

Taking in Seattle

Seattle is a very picturesque city. The weather is about 70 degrees and it makes for perfect conditions to walk all over the place.

Here are a few piccies from our excursion.

The public market had lots of stands with fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and meats.  Also there were vendors and artists with some pretty unique things for sale.
And not so unique things.

Yahtzee had his first Snickerdoodle cookie

We competed against one another on the "dance floor" in the game room.

My dancing score was an F. Yahtzee had a D.  

D is for Dasha, that's good enough for me.

Video to be shared later (...it is not of me)

Here we are at the top of the Space Needle.

 Plus this official picture:  http://bit.ly/chhnDi

The highlight for me was finding this shoe store,
John Fluevog Shoes - Unique Shoes for Unique Souls 

Yahtz is frightened to learn that they also have an outpost in NYC on Mulberry Street!! We escaped with three pairs of shoes (two for me, one of which is bright orange and the other I am holding in my hot little hands there!) and a pair of egg shell blue "jack kerouac's" for the husband)

Project Poloroid is in progress...

Seafood is fabulous. We ate a little too much as Saltys, including oysters, crab legs and halibut while taking in the view of Seattle - and my husband : )

All our ducks are in a row for the coastal drive tomorrow

the original

It was actually kind of exciting to visit the first ever Starbucks. I am not a Starbucks "fan" so to speak, but when in need they totes do the job. When we were in Seattle, we visited the original and as expected, the coffee was consistent with what is served in the other 1Million Starbucks around the globe.

I be waiting for my latte!

He be chillin with his latte

Pig be wearin diaper - whaaat??

We be havin us some java happiness

we be lovin' Cast Iron Maidens - and bought their CD which we jam to on the harmonica road trip style.

Yo, these ladies also play "the saw"

From Portland to Seattle

We made our way from Portland to Seattle on Sunday, stopping along the Oregon Trail and visiting the Multnomah Waterfalls on the way. I impressed many a people by walking up to the top of the waterfalls in heels and my big NYC bag.

My Calamity Jane, Oregon Trail Debut

Mt. Hood - we ran out of daylight and were not able to reach out and touch her

Ode to Stumptown.

My real love for coffee began when I had my first 9th Street Expresso...when 9th Street Expresso was still serving Stumptown Coffee.  The original Strumptown is on Division Street in Portland and this is also the location they roast the beans.  Yours Truly made it in for a smooth cup of joe (the smoothiest!) and some beans, but was a little disappointed that I did not witness the roasting first hand.  I was pleased that they did not make a mecca out of the joint, but kept it real.  I on the other hand had a hard time keeping it real, in fact my excitement level was so high that our coffee was given to us on the house.

PS to my friends in NYC - if you ever want to keep Dasha happy and our friendship real, Ace hotel serves Stumptown.

Road Trip "Northwestern Style" begins...

Our road trip actually began getting out of the city as soon as we left EV.  We were already stuck in traffic under BQE! Made it to airport w 30 minutes to spare but no way to begin relaxation for a few days.

First stop: Portland, Oregon

We arrived today at 3 local time and did not waste any time in exploring the city. It is not very big but there are lots of people out considering...bikers on riverpath, young folks out in pearl district bars, shopping in old town. Actually surprised with music scene which is healthy. Also peeps are fairly relaxed and friendly here. Our NYC ways are very out of place, including honking horn, impatience in lines (and in general) and inquisitive nature (ie "why don't you recycle" or "do you have any idea what is even in a Manhattan?"

still there is a hippie flare and I am all about that

Me in Columbia River