Family Get Together In Oregon

Tuesday, Gail and I flew up to Portland to meet up with my sister Sarah from Anchorage, my sister Berta and her husband Paul from Sligo, Ireland, my brother Steve's widow Lorie and her fiance Brian from Oregon, and my son Nick from Napa.  We all stayed at McMenamins Edgefield outside of Portland.  It was a great pick for hanging around and enjoying the grounds with its amazing gardens and fall colors.  The building, the county poor house at one time, is restored and full of art reflecting the history of its past residents.  There are also several pubs, restaurants, a brewery, a winery, golf course, picnic areas, and more.

Paul, Gail, Sarah, Berta, Nick, and Lorie.  Brian hadn't arrived yet.

Steam rising at 8:00 in the morning from the 102 degree salt water swimming pool. We enjoyed long soaks at night and early morning.

 The view from the balcony near our room.

 Vegetable garden entrance.

 A bronze statue honoring the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia.

 Paul, Gail, and Berta in The Red Shack.

 Mystery berries.

Hops vines climbing the water tower.

 Picnic area at McMenamins.

 Berta and Nick.

 We spent a lot of time eating!

 A garden trellis made by McMenamins' plummer.

 Thursday morning, Lorie drove Berta, Paul, and me up for a look at the Columbia River Gorge.  The Waterfall and trail areas are now closed due to the past summer's fires.

 We were feeling the famed Gorge winds!

Berta and Gail in the garden.

Tony Smiley, known as The Loop Ninja, put on a great show in the winery on Thursday night.

YouTube clip of Tony Smiley performing one of his songs.

Berta and Paul enjoying the show.

I flew home Friday. Gail is spending a couple more days exploring her old haunts in Portland before taking the train all the way back to Oceanside.