3rd Annual Great American Distillers

The cow and I rode our bikes to the Gerding theater for the distillers festival on Saturday evening. The building is the old armory that has been completely re-fabricated for the theater. It was a really great venue for this event because it allowed people to roam through different sections of the theater/armory.
There was every type of booze you could imagine - the cow and I were in hog heaven. I think my favorite is the pepper infused vodka's like "Hot Monkey" from Rogue and the cow always enjoys a good grappa. We then strolled around the block to this new bar named Teardrop. They are a couple of guys from San Francisco who are making their own mixers; such as, tonic, bitters, soda, etc. I had a fabulous Aviation Gin and homemade tonic.

Cool Wood Panels

I got a present and they are so very cool. Here is the story. My neighbor had these really cool panels hanging in her house. I asked, "hey neighbor where did you get those?" She said, "My dad tore apart a 1950's ranch house and these panels were part of the entryway." She took two of them and cleaned them up, painted them and hung them on her wall. They look great.

I went for a walk with her the other day and she said, "hey, I need to give you a key to our house, do you mind coming over to get it?" When she opened the garage she had the key to her place attached to my cool wood panels. She had a total of four panels so she gave me the two that have been in her garage. Love her!

Cannon Beach after a great hike

After we got off the mountain and our legs were feeling a bit noodlie, the cow and I drove about 10 miles to Cannon Beach for a snack. It turned out to be a great idea. We strolled along the water. Sat on a patio and shared some vino and hung around well after the sunset. We had a great day.

Saddle Mountain Hike

Rating: Difficult. Saddle Mountain was a relatively short hike of 2.5 miles to the top (5 roundtrip) but after counting 11 switchbacks we lost track and decided it probably wasn't a good idea to count. This hike did not mess around. Right at the trail head you started climbing. The beginning of the path was a steady elevation gain - not to steep; however, when we started hitting switchback after switchback the dirt gave way to rock and chainlink fencing which was hammered into the ground for traction. The elevation gain from the parking lot to the top of Saddle Mountain is 1600+feet. The last part of the climb was the most difficult as the trail fell into a deep valley and then straight up the side of the mountain. If you look closely at the last picture you will see the trail leading from one mountain to the other on the right hand side just above the rock outcropping. Take a look at this posting as the idea of the climb is a bit more clear. Roll over the camera on the map to get an idea of what it is like to ride the crazy hike of Saddle Mountain.

August is for Romance

Outdoor weddings in Portland can be an ifffy option. Our friends wedding on Saturday was set in a lovely garden. I was most impressed that there were NO tents ready for assembly in case the rain showed up to the party. The sky was a bit ominous but the ceremony did not get a drop. After the nuptials they provided snacks and drinks in the garden. The reception was held at the University Club (members only). It was a fine affair. The cow and I enjoyed a drink in the "Library" prior to a fabulous (veggie friendly) dinner of Chilled sorrel soup, Halibut with oyster mushrooms and a ginger glaze and herbed polenta cakes with chevre. The wine was flowing throughout dinner and once the toasts had been made everyone headed to the dance floor downstairs. The band was fun kind of a 40's swing. The drinks were still flowing and conversation lively, the cow was talking to some chick while I was dancing. The night ended with two yummy pieces of cake, one blueberry and the other a deep dark chocolate.

Nicoise

The cow makes one fabulous nicoise. The potatoes are exquisite, the green beans are delicate but the grilled tuna is the most buttery, mouth pleasing item on the plate. Bon appetit!

I wasn't fast enough!

I don't have a picture because I wasn't fast enough. Let me explain. I was walking along this morning and saw a smaller car, let's say a PT Cruiser with a sign on the side of the door. You know the kind the ubiquitous business decal that makes people stop and stare and hopefully call for an appointment.
I almost fell trying to read and re-read the side of the car because I thought - what the hell? No way. We have all scene the HUGE Recreational Vehicles barreling down the freeway with the gigantic mural of the wolf painted on the back or side. Well, I saw the guy that actually does the art work. His business was call RV Mural Art!

Wildcat Mountain

Took a bit of a hike on Saturday. It was classified as a moderate 6 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1200 feet, but it felt rather easy.

The cow and I got a rather late start Saturday morning due to massive amounts of partying with the neighbors the night before. I really wasn't feeling in the mood to hike but I slapped my shoes on and headed for the woods. It was cool under the canopy and some of the views would have been even better if it were not for fires burning in the area.

There is quite a bit of logging going on here and you can see some of the older, taller trees behind the young saplings. We were on the trail for about two and a half hours and only saw one other group. It was fabulously quiet and lonely at the top.

Once down we drove about 4miles to Estacada to check out Fearless Brewing Company. Enjoyed a couple of beers on the patio before heading home.

International Rose Garden

What a great day to visit the Rose Garden of Portland. It was sunny, warm and the flowers were smelling so very sweet. The cow's parents were in town and he had to work so I took them on a tour of the parks.
When I arrived I thought, why are all of these people taking pirctures of flowers. But, after a few minutes I was mesmerized by the colors, textures, smells and various types of roses. The park was established in 1917 and there is not an admission fee; although, donations are greatly appreciated. Portland Parks and Recreation maintains the gardens 4.5 acres. There are over 10,000 rose bushes that are watered via an underground sprinkler systems that primarily waters the roots of the plants. It is a beautiful place to be on a lazy summer afternoon.