Neverending Monday - October 7

 Today's breakfast was compliments of Dee. I really am rethinking going back to reality!

In order to get a reasonably priced air ticket at such short notice, my flight home doesn't leave until midnight. Considering Dee was my chauffer and still had quite a drive after dropping me off in Portland I had a half day to spend in the city. Kurt wasn't a big fan of me roaming on my own so I ended up booking a half day tour. Dee dropped me off for my Columbia River Gorge and Waterfall hiking tour. (Thank you for your duties as tour guide and being my chauffer, Dee! I am so glad I was able to come!!!) 

The first stop on our tour was Vista House. Oregon wanted to increase tourism so they built the Columbia River Highway to bring people out to the gorge and by all the beautiful waterfalls. The Vista House was built in 1917 as a place for people to rest and refresh (a potty).  Originally about $4,000 was raised for the project but the architect spent almost $100,000. So it was dubbed the "$100,000 Outhouse". Quite the outhouse though! The interior (even the bathrooms) are marble and there are stained glass windows. There is a second floor observation deck but it was closed when we were there. Downstairs they have a display on the Vista House, a gift shop, and small cafe with drinks and snacks. 



We went to four different waterfalls on the tour. They were all incredible, and never more than maybe a 1/4 mile hike off the highway. 
Latourelle Falls
(This might have been my favorite. There is a longer hike here I would really like to do next time)

Shepperd's Dell
Can you imagine the image of this tree on fire in front of the waterfall?

Wahkeena Falls
Beautiful falls but hard to get a good picture of the whole thing...
Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls also has a gift shop, restaurant, and snack bar. At this stop we were free to roam on our own and just met back at the van. It was about .25 mile hike up to the bridge. I got a couple postcards, a sticker, and the greatest socks!

On the drive we got views on Mt St Helen - added to my list for when we are back!

It was a great tour and excellent way to spend a half day in Portland! I kind of wanted to check out Powell Books downtown but I was tired and it was starting to get dark so just got an Uber to the airport. Another thing added to the list for a return trip!
Made a few phone calls from the airport to check in with everyone and let them know I had arrived safely. By the time I got off the phone I was able to check my bag so I didn't have to haul it around the airport with me.  Wandered for a bit to check out the dining options and decided on Deschutes Brewing. I had the fish and chips with a Deschutes King Crispy Pilsner. Hung out a while as they had plug-ins to charge my phone.
After leaving I found my gate and continued to wander. Guess what I found!
So of course I had to have some ice cream before I left. This time I had Mudslide. I think my favorite of all the flavors I had on this trip. Super yummy!!!
Interesting fact  - at Portland Airport the restaurants are not allowed to charge more than off airport locations. So my ice cream and fish and chips cost the same as it would in town. Wish all airports did that!
Flight left right on time and was smooth. Didn't like seeing on the trip map flying over Sioux Falls on the way to Chicago but you don't always have a choice on where you connect...
I had an almost three hour layover in Chicago. If you remember I signed up for the United credit card so I received two free passes to United Club. This really came in handy in Chicago! Found the closest club to my next gate and decided to check it out. Online it said light snacks but I had a full breakfast. And it was actually quite good! 
They did also have eggs but as eggs tend to make a quick departure I thought might not be the best choice before a flight. The breakfast potatoes were some of the best I have ever had! Seasoned and cooked perfectly.
Another smooth flight and on-time flight to Sioux Falls. Mom picked me up at the airport but I didn't stick around long as they were both sick and I was exhausted. I was hoping I would be able to sleep on the plane but this didn't really happen. Made it home and laid down for a nice nap. 
Awesome trip but great to be home!

 




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