We packed the car the night before so we could get an early start on July 30th. North of San Francisco we were surprised that the sky was so overcast and wondered if it was going to rain. By the time we arrived in Grants Pass, Oregon, it was downright smoky. When we checked into our room, the clerk told us about the huge fires (at least 5) just north. We were advised to keep our windows closed. |
After we got inside our room we checked the Internet. We found the air quality map above. The red dots signify a "very unhealthy" air quality rating. I'm surprised they didn't evacuate the city. |
The smoke was really bad when we awoke in Grants Pass. How bad...it was so bad, Barbara wouldn't let me get a latte at the drive thru. And it got worse as we headed north. |
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We arrived in Portland early enough to go exploring (aka shopping). First was a ride to the top of the tallest building for happy hour at the Portland City Grill and a grand view of the cityscape and river. |
Our hotel (Red Lion) was on the other side of that river. The good news is our hotel was right next to a direct light rail to downtown. The bad news is that our hotel was right next to the light rail downtown. Our beds shook each time it passed by. |
The next morning we visited the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. The roses were in full bloom and we went nuts taking photographs. |
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