Road Trip Series, Chapter 4

Aug. 31 – Sept. 1, Days 10-11

Portland, OR

September 1, 2018, 10:55am; Day 11 — I was not able to write last night as I was busy posting photos on instagram. From now on, I will really try to post just once a week. It becomes tedious sometimes. And besides, posting things when I’m traveling or exploring places draws me away from the place. I’d rather do something else. But of course, I want to share things too.

Anyway, yesterday was Day 10: I spent most of it driving along the coast of Oregon which offered fantastic views. I at least got to see one lighthouse up close. And I got to watch whales! Parts of them, at least. Mostly their backs and tail fins. I also realized then, as I was driving toward Portland, that that was the last time during this trip that I will get to see the Pacific Ocean. I was suddenly gripped by the thought that I wasn’t really able to spend much time by it, observing and appreciating what it had to offer. But I’ll see it again when I get back. I realized that all my life I’ve been close, or even surrounded, by the Pacific ocean—In the Philippines, and in California—and now I’m leaving it behind, It’ll be the longest that I’ll be away from it. Looking back though, these past few days that I’ve been traveling along the coast, I was able to recall and appreciate more the unmerited grace that the ocean was generously tossing out, and that I’ve been lucky enough to receive. Things that didn’t really seem apparent, immediate, or noteworthy at the time: The waves crashing down the shores and against cliffs, spraying mist—an amazing, refreshing view; the light from the sun the perpetual waves carry, flashing here and there in random points—nature’s improvised light show; the whales!; and just the vastness of it—a space to clear your mind. I like being by the ocean. From the High Sierra in California to Oregon’s Coast, I will now be heading east!

September 1, 2018, 10:30pm. Day 11: Trees, bikes, coffee, plants, books, graffiti, food, people. Portland. This place has a good mix of both nature and city. I like it. Spent the day mostly walking in the downtown area. Although the Laurelhurst neighborhood where I’m currently staying at is a nice area too. Walking along the sidewalk, you notice a variety of plants, flowers and trees lined up beside you. And in the park across the street there were sequoias and redwoods! I was impressed; I didn’t know Portland housed these humble giants too. I was glad I was able to identify and confirm that they were indeed sequoias and redwoods, by looking at their bark, their general shape, leaves, etc. At least now I know how to identify and differentiate between the two. What struck me the most as I was walking in the park was how different the attitude and energy were of the people, as opposed to their attitude and energy when I first visited Portland the winter of last year. Last time, the vibe was impossibly mellow, like people from the shops and streets just woke up 5 minutes prior to my seeing them, put on their beanies, then went to work; and you wouldn’t even notice they were actually doing their jobs because they looked too chill to work. This time, I could describe them as being aggressively active—I could see it in their faces. All wanting to work out and be fit. I saw people running, doing yoga, tai chi, riding bikes, on roller blades, doing push-ups and suicide drills. I saw all these in the morning, as I walked across the park.

I got to Heart Coffee, intrigued by this different, new vibe. I had coffee and did some writing and almost posted in my blog. But I got stuck with figuring out a title for the post. The coffee here, as usual and as my friends always say, is the best. Went to the farmer’s market for lunch and watched some random people performing and playing some music, got lost in Powell’s Books and roamed around there for about an hour (I could stay there the whole day), walked some more around downtown then to the Waterfront park and sat on the grass, under a tree, to read a book.

Got back and finally met the owners of this house. They were very nice and have done a lot of traveling too. Shera said she used to backpack in the backcountry before. I asked about Glacier National Park and she offered me to take their trail guide book. I don’t think I’ll take it though, I’ll just borrow it for the night. Unless they insist again tomorrow. Overall, it was a nice day. Today I got to see a different side of Portland, a good contrast from last time’s winter visit, in which the general color of the scenes was white because of snow. Now, it’s mostly green with patches of different other colors because of the plants and trees and buildings and graffiti. Last time the vibe was so laid back, mellow. Now it’s more lively and upbeat. I would gladly visit Portland again, whichever mood it happened to be in.

September 2, Day 12

Spokane, WA

Drove mostly today. Andrew and Shera, my hosts in Portland, were very nice to give me their Trail Guide in Glacier National Park book. Yes, they insisted again. So I accepted the offer and thanked them. Finally saw Multnomah Falls today but the trail to the very top was closed so I only got as far as the Benson Bridge. It was crowded, but I think I got some good shots. A few of them, taken by kind strangers, looked as though I was being showered on by the falls, which fell directly on my head.

From Portland, I would now be driving north east, stopping by Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and then to a small town in Montana, just right outside of Glacier National Park. The drive I took was through the Columbia River Highway, a scenic drive that runs along the southside of the Columbia River. There are numerous waterfalls there, including the one I stopped by, a few hiking trails (the Pacific Crest Trail passes through this area), and also some small towns right next to the river.

After the falls, I went on a hunt to find the Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT—a long distance trail crossing California, Oregon, and Washington with one end located on the US-Canada border and the other on the US-Mexico border; it is approximately 2,600 miles (4,200km.) and usually takes 4-6 months if you’re doing a thru-hike. I hope to someday be able to do this trail. I drove around, stopped here and there and looked at the maps to see if I could find it. I just wanted to see the sign where it says PCT, take a picture of myself with the sign, and maybe walk a little bit of the trail. And I did. I was able to do all that with a kid-in-a-candy-store smile on my face. Someday, I hope to have the guts to do that trail.

I also stopped by the town of Hood River. A quaint, colorful town right by the river. I just drove by the downtown area but it did seem like it was nice place to walk and explore the little shops they have there. I stayed at their waterfront park, which had awesome views, had lunch and read a book before I headed to where I am now. I will have to wake up early tomorrow so I could get to Coeur d’Alene early! Good night!

September 3, Day 13

Coeur d’Alene, ID

Finally got to see Coeur d’Alene! There’s really not much to do here but it has this small-town vibe that I just like. Although it is considered to be the largest city in the county to which it belongs. Spent most of the morning doing chores—laundry, car wash, grocery—then I got to chill at a coffee shop, Union Coffee Roasters. In the afternoon and early evening, I mostly stayed at the park and by lake Coeur d’Alene.

Got back to my Airbnb, which is by far the nicest place I’ve stayed at, and only for $54 per night! A great deal. Had dinner, which consisted of sausages, baby carrots, and two slices of sourdough bread. It’s a weird combination, but that’s what I had. Watched departures, took a shower, and now am writing this. Oh by the way, I got to post something on my site today – “There’s Something About Poetic Writings.” I couldn’t really think of a good title for it. Anyway, I’ll just try to figure out how to work this Go-Pro-like Sony video camera my dad gave me, for me to use when I get to Glacier National Park. And then… sleep.

September 4, Day 14

Kalispell, MT

Two weeks! Explored Tubbs Hill by the Lake this morning and then walked around downtown Coeur d’Alene. Had quite a fancy brunch by the lake at Le Peep: stuffed French toast, bacon, and cappuccino on an outdoor seating overlooking the lake. It was the best . . .. Also, today, I can confidently say that I’ve just had the best ice cream in my whole life yet. It was from a small ice cream parlor in Plains, Montana called Ripples Ice Cream. It was heavenly, sublime.

And then I learned that there’s a wildfire spreading in Glacier National Park that’s been going on for a few days now, so most of the west side (where I was supposed to enter through) was closed.

My plans and hopes went up in smoke.