Blasting from Milwaukee to Minneapolis to Portland. This is our B 757.

Over Oregon on our approach to PDX our pilot pointed out Mt. Rainier in the background poking up above the clouds near Seattle, and Mt. St. Helens in the foreground.

On our first full day near (in) Portland [since we are the Joneses, we have argued several times about whether the Oregon coast is part of Portland (any sensible person would realize that it is not) or just a part of Oregon] we stopped by Tillamook Cheese Factory. Here we have spotted a hard working farmer and her friendly milk cow. This was a great place to see some cheese production.

Mom was delighted to go tide pooling, where we saw starfish and sea anemones.

Gorse bushes!!! Are we in Oregon, or are we in Scotland?

This pioneer stands atop the Oregon state capitol building (yes, we are still chasing capitols).

As we rounded the side of the building, we saw this fellow. His title is “The Circuit Rider,” and the words carved below the statue state: “Commemorating the labors and achievements of the ministers of the Gospel, who as circuit riders became the friends, counselors and evangels to the pioneers on every American frontier.”

This family self-portrait was taken in the gardens of Willamette University, across the street from the Capitol building.