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Keep Portland Weird, City of Roses, Bridge City, Stumptown, Bridgetown.... along with many others. All being names for Portland. A city I will always just call "home". For months I had planned my friends visit. Adding in as many of my favorite places, and ones I haven't yet been. Figuring out which were feasible after work vs needed to be grouped together for a weekend. Then the smoke from the fires in Canada rolled in. All that planning was destroyed. Pushing us to stay indoors until it cleared, but still fitting in as much as possible:
I will admit, I was sensitive over Portland. Showing it off like a prized cow. Wanting and hoping my friend would go back and tell all our coworkers how amazing of a city it was. But honestly, it didn't matter. I love this city. Its my home, my city, and I get to enjoy it every day regardless what anyone else thinks of it. On the same note, he taught me a few things. Stop rushing. Slow down. Yes, I can enjoy the things around me but when was the last time I stopped and looked at something closer? I need to take more time for the things I really enjoy.... or for the things I don't know I enjoy yet, because I don't give myself time to figure it out. Photo Credits: Kat Wilson & Santhosh Nemmaluri
 After a long weekend in Newport and heading up highway 101 to Tillamook, there was still time before the sun was due to set and for us to make a small detour before heading back to Beaverton... plus, it had finally stopped raining. Driving down highway 26 you can't help but notice a sign that is nothing less than begging for visitors, "It's Down Here to Vernonia" with an arrow pointing. About a half hour through windy roads, you will finally arrive upon a small quant town. A single road, small businesses, restaurants, and repair shops on either side. I stumbled upon this town a few years back while searching for unique points of interest to photograph. In Venonia's case there is a gem hidden on the edge of the lake just outside of the main town, an abandoned mill building turned into a grafitti park. Now, anyone that knows me knows my heart will skip a beat and flutter at the sight of well done street art. This place does that. Photo Credits: Kat Wilson & Santhosh Nemmaluri
With a late start out of Portland Friday afternoon, and many hours of sitting in traffic, we finally made it down to Newport four hours later than expected, but thankfully before dark. Spent the next morning on the beach, walking around the small town, and then headed down to the Aquarium. Oregon Coast Aquarium, exploring and examining every inch of every exhibit for over five hours. Not missing a beat. The sea lions and seals were probably my favorite though. I've seen them out in the wild many times and always thought of them as "dicks" of the sea, but the ones at the aquarium were fun, playful, and enjoyable to sit and watch for about an hour. They've moved up in my book. I kind of want one now. Heading out on Sunday, stopping at the lighthouse for one last view of the ocean before we continued up highway 101. Destination: Tillamook Cheese Factory! Which just opened back up in July after the visitor center had been closed for remodeling. Like everything else, we took our time, watched the curd get packaged, workers ignoring the gawking observers from above, sampling cheese, then waiting for ice cream downstairs. Next stop: Vernonia Photo Credits: Kat Wilson & Santhosh Nemmaluri
When someone visits Portland there are a few must-see's that need to be checked off the list. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the greatest and I only joined for the final weekend of their trip, so that list was short. Starting with iFly as the original plan to go real skydiving was foiled by rain and wind. Then taking a long drive down the Columbia River Gorge with the first stop at Multnomah Falls. I can never get enough of this place. Even after the tremendous sadness end of last summer with the Eagle Creek fire where a couple kids lit our beautiful forest up in flames and seeing the devestation months later here at the falls. I can now see how close it was to taking the lodge. Nonetheless, its still an jaw dropping sight to just stand and watch, feel the wind, and sound of the falls. Breathtaking! Continuing down I-84, stopping at Hood River waterfront park and spending an hour or two walking along the levy and rocks. The view was picturesque of the Columbia River with the backdrop of the mountain range of Washington on one side and Oregon behind us, along with kite surfers and sail boats. Was a great spot to spend a couple hours walking around and soaking up the rainfall. Heading back to Portland, crossing the Bridge of the Gods to Washington side only to turn back and cross back to Oregon. Such a monster bridge that lives up to its name. Then parting ways at the Columbia Gorge outlet stores. Thanks for visiting Portland Nagesh and allowing me to spend a day with you and your lovely family! [I watched a video a few weeks back where T-Rex went across the Multnomah Falls pedestiran bridge. Even though that bridge is now closed due to the damage from the fire, I couldn't help but bring them with]
After riding passenger on the back of a bike in Hyderabad, no helmet, improper riding gear, open toe shoes... and the list goes on. Opposite to everything I was ever taught about riding. This only added another item to the list of things I did in India that is completely not expected from a personality like mine. I over think, over plan, calculate all risks, and avoid things that absolutely scare me. Then this happened yesterday, just one week after returning from my trip! 2016 Honda Rebel 250cc. Isn't she a beauty? My endorsement class is next week. Perfect time for the weather to turn nice. Let's Ride! 
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