CP in Portland '09, GET SOME

So I did get out of town one other week this summer. At the end of July I jetted back out west to Portland, for a 5 day romp in which included a scenic hike, a workout with some high school wrestlers, the Portland Micro Brewfest, whitewater rafting, and a few nights on the town with my best friends. It made for an interesting weekend indeed.

The weather was perfect, again, just as it had been out on the east coast in late June. Upon my arrival I trucked it all the way from Portland international out to Beaverton via public transportation. Lucky for me, my run in with the rail system in NYC prepared me for the ride. (That last sentence was soaked in sarcasm) The train in Portland was clean, uncrowded, relaxing, and fast; all of which were not included four hours eastward.

The first day, I conquered this hike overlooking the Columbia River Valley, or "The Gorge" as it is referred to out there. It was exactly the experience I was looking for. Moderately difficult with a spectacular view at the end.


Conquering our hike

Day two, I worked out with my buddy's high school wrestling team, well I hit the weightroom next door, I didn't want to get pinned by a high schooler. I'm not exactly a natural born grappler.

Day three, I trucked it back down to Portland to spend the weekend with my college roommates. Instantly the slang shtick, name calling, and putdowns began as if we had never spent any time apart. It was comforting being with all of them again, even being by far the easiest target for badgering. We spent the night whistling and cat calling any women that walked by and catching up on our hectic lives over several pints of our favorite beverages.


The Portland Brewfest

Day four, Brewfest came to town. After spending the morning recovering with a game of pickup basketball and a walk along the river. The grounds were packed full of beer connoisseurs, scandalously clad women, and lots of bearded drunk dudes. We all took a good taste of the many fine brews offered, before sauntering off to dinner.


Cheersing


Doin' Work


Leaving your drunk friends phone number for the waitress :)

On Saturday, we piled into the car for a whitewater rafting trip. Although hung over we were all looking forward to an exciting adventure. The White Salmon River is home to the largest waterfall that can be rafted commercially. The water temp was also running at a brisk 42 degrees, but with the wet suits and the air temp in the upper 80's it was a nice change to plunge under with each rapid.


Gettin' after it


12' Drop!

After rafting, I spent the night camping with friends in a national forest at the base of Mount Adams. There were some good glimpses of the great mountain on the drive, however once down inside the trees there wasn't much to look at. One neat thing did happen after dark; deer kept walking all around our camp site and we'd hear them and shine our flashlights; only to be met by curiously starring eyes glowing green against the brightness.


Camping at the base of Mt. Adams


The grill master

New York/New Jersey and Guido Beach

In late June I took a time out from my super busy summer to travel out to the east coast and visit my brother, his girlfriend, and tour NYC and New Jersey.

Hoboken, NJ: This is where my bro currently lives. I liked this city better than the big one across the river. If you've never been, Hoboken is highly populated but provides the feel of a really large neighborhood. I think its easy to think of it as a district of New York City. Being only 1 sq. mile allows easy walking distance to anywhere within the city. There is plenty to explore, and the population is very very young, median age is probably around 28, just a guess. Some of the best things were the coffee shops, the old school Italian deli's, Carlo's bakery, and being able to look across the river and see the New York skyline lit up at night.



Me and My Bro

South New Jersey: My Dad, Mom and I ventured down the coast all the way to the vacationing beach community of Cape May, NJ. This town is very well known for its Victorian style housing and many miles of clean sandy beaches. No Guido sightings as I made sure to keep a close watch from my really tall beach chair. There are many bed and breakfast offerings here and we were lucky enough to stay at one. The meals were beyond amazing, home cooked apple waffles, an egg bake, juicy bacon, fresh fruit and of course hot coffee.


Guido Patrol: High Alert


B&B in Cape May

Atlantic City, NJ: Ahhhhh Finally, the land of real Guido Beach! We spent a day with some family friends who live near Atlantic City, NJ. The beach had all the tell tale signs of a real GB hangout, and I was sure that a pack of half naked, screaming, drunk, New Jersey beauties was going to appear. Unfortunately, it was not to be seen. I did hear stories of the mythic Guido population and they lived up to the hype, filled with all the gold chains, body piercings, gel abused hair, and steroids freaks you could stomach. Oh yea, I broke even at the casino.


Now you know what I mean

New York City, NY: About day 5 we decided to venture into the big apple. The core of the universe, as many people like think. Here among the hysteria of mass transit, crazy street vendors, homeless people wearing designer jeans, and Japanese tourists we were able to see some of the great landmarks of America and it's dream for capitalism. The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, The NYSE, the future sight of the new World Trade Center, and Yankee Stadium.


Statue of Liberty


That's me grabbing the bull by the balls...litteraly


The New York Stock Exchange


Ground Zero


New Yankee Stadium

Long Island, NY: Our Final mini-trip was out to the north fork of Long Island. We enjoyed fresh sea food, visited a few to many wineries, and stayed a a place called Shelter Island. It was home of the most expensive mixed drink in America. $12 for a rail vodka and soda. $16 for a Long Island ice tea. However, it was to get away from the hussle and bussle of the city while spending time with my brother.


Lost in the vinyard