September 17 – Portland, Oregon

We had an early morning pickup and were at the airport a little after 6:00am.  No idea why the cruise company booked us such a very early flight.  We were at the hotel around 11:30.  The Saturday Farmer’s Market was going on about a block from the hotel so we walked down to see what they had. 

At the corner was a beautiful 1870’s Italianate mansion.  It was saved from the wrecking ball when the neighborhood in which it resided was demolished.  It is now a museum and theater for live performances.

Then it was on to the farmer’s market.  

Lots of eateries and the usual farmer’s market shops of fruit and vegetables, 

local honey and jellies, 

meats and seafood, lots of plants and flowers...

Abutilon Red Tiger

and lots of shops with crafts and interesting items for sale.  

There was even a Hawaiian Shave Ice place (which we passed on).  We settled for falafels and humus for lunch at a food truck.  Best we have had since our trip to Turkey. 

At 2:00 in the afternoon we were able to check into the cruise and get information for our embarkation tomorrow. While standing in line we chatted with John and Gladi from Wisconsin and Steve and Paula from Florida.  

Jim and Phyllis didn’t arrive until late afternoon.  We are joining them on this trip (they booked first).  So good to be traveling with them again.