Thanksgiving, Columbia River Gorge

Vista House from Chanticleer Point
Originally uploaded by nordlys.

We were in Portland, too, and the weather was decidedly better there, but it's the Gorge that sticks with you. This little getaway included two nights at Skamania Lodge, which is not only in one of the most beautiful places on earth, but provides a restful, welcoming atmosphere with lots to do as well as the opportunity to do nothing: walking trails, huge fireplace, library, pool, sauna, outdoor hot tub/spa, fitness center, you name it. The views are just spectacular, beginning with the (rather challenging) drive along the river on Route 14.

Before we left on Friday, we took in the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center, which explains the geologic beginnings of the Gorge, First Peoples, and more modern history as well. The weather remained grey and wet for our drive downriver to Portland, and the road to Vista House was, disappointingly, closed but there were some misty and mystical views to be had all the same. More Gorge pictures here.

The 411 for Portland:

• Fifth Avenue Suites Hotel, soon to be transformed into a Hotel Monaco, which is scary -- I love the location and the friendliness of this place, not to mention its cheerful rooms.
• Shopping (mostly of the window variety) on 23rd Avenue in Nob Hill
  
• Seeing Helen Mirren in The Queen at Fox Towers
  
• Typhoon! Yum. Crab pad thai, Miang Kum (little spinach wraps you make yourself that burst with flavor), coconut ice cream . . . .
• Flying Elephant Deli around the corner from Nordstrom
• Everything lit up for the holidays, people singing in the streets, "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer" on jazz trumpet . . . .

Busy, busy. We never even made it to the Pearl District, but then I guess you have to leave something for next time. Well, that's it for the hedonist report. Back to reality.