River Front Beers - the Couv - Chart House Dinner

For the duration of our trip, my rise varied little, waking most days between 630-645am. Saturday was no exception. I was the first one up and quickly in the kitchen prepping a pot of coffee using what remained of the Mt Hood gourmet coffee I bought while on the mountain.

It should be noted that up to that point, I hadn’t done a single sit-up or push-up for the entire trip. The way I look at it, the break was well deserved. I enjoyed some coffee then delivered some to Mindy just before taking off on my run. I’m pretty sure that Darwin was up just before I set out on my run.

I checked the local temp via my Droid. It was 40 degrees under partly clear skies (nice). I ran all the way to the river trail past Who-Song & Larry’s. I’ve encountered lots of  runners years past, but this time there were scores more out enjoying the nice, mild weather.

I made it back to Glenn’s place still ahead of 8am. It wasn’t too long before everybody else was up and at it. Mindy said her knee was feeling a lot better. While she showered I got busy making omelets for the house. I used red onion, tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese along with tortilla chips. That gave the omelet some texture as well as a slight crunch. Everybody liked ‘em.

Aside from Darwin, the rest of us didn’t have any firm plans until dinner, which wouldn’t be until 830pm. Darwin’s cousin that he hadn’t seen for 30 years was coming by to pick him up around 130pm so they could spend the day together. After showers, Darwin, Mindy & I packed for Sunday’s trip home minus what we’d need through Sunday morning. 

Darwin’s cousin Eric showed up around 130pm as planned. After a quick meet and greet they took off. We talked about seeing the Body exhibit at OMSI but the $25 admission and the fact that we’d seen it before in Seattle made us reconsider. Besides, we felt it a shame to not spend the time outdoors given the lovely early spring like weather. We opted for a river walk and lunch. Of course, given Mindy’s knee situation, we drove to the Columbia riverfront.

Just like my run earlier that day, there were people out in droves walking along the river and the scenic park that runs along the Vancouver shore. After an hour or so, I suggested we lunch at the McMennamin’s along the river stopping to see the bronze Ilchee statue along the way.

We opted for a table outside along the river front under the canvas awning which also sported heaters. There we shared a pitcher of beer and some food. I ate and drank light keeping in mind our dinner reservations later. I had tried calling mom several times earlier in the day getting a busy signal. I called again from the water front. This time I got through. Said she was on the computer earlier but wasn’t feeling well, side hurt. At first mom insisted that we were already home from Oregon. I explained that we were still there. To prove it, I passed the phone around to everyone else.

Before heading back to Glenn’s we took in Officer’s Row, and old military installment now housing a private airfield, an air museum, and many businesses. I’ve been there a time or two past. Back at Glenn’s, Mindy went for a nap. Come to think of it, so did Glenn, though he didn’t sleep nearly as long as Mindy. I’m thinking it was around 5pm or so when Glenn, Tommy and I headed out for a walk around the neighborhood. I went in and told Mindy so she wouldn’t wake and wonder.

We walked about a mile and a half I’m guessing taking in the many restored homes and then the businesses along

Main St

. Huge improvements since my first trip to Vancouver  many years ago. Glenn shared that he’s been living in the ‘couv for 20 years now in 3 different residences.

Our dinner reservations were at 830pm at the Chart House in the western hills in Southwest Portland. Ahead of leaving for dinner, I did some writing for my blog getting caught up through Friday. And then, after freshening up, we left for dinner around 745pm. Glenn had the directions scrawled out on paper even though we easily could have used my GPS.

Arrived at the Chart House around 810pm. It’s nestled into the hillside overlooking downtown Portland. It was packed. We used their valet service. However, any concern about being undressed was quickly dashed when I saw many others sporting jeans. The plan was to meet Darwin and Eric and possibility Tom Shepherd. I texted Darwin to let him know we were there. Responded quickly that they were on their way, would be a few minutes late.

The restaurant has two levels, both sporting views over looking downtown Portland. We headed to the lower level bar area to await our table, which we were advised was running behind. We sat near a fireplace with a grouping of sofas. Very nice! We all ordered drinks. Tommy & Mindy ordered wine. I went with Jack & Coke, and Glenn went with … not sure. Darwin & Eric showed ten minutes later, and Tom Shepherd ten minutes after them. I’m thinking it was 845pm when we were seated on the lower level near the window overlooking downtown.

The manager came over to chat after learning we had some interest in the names of the buttes and/or hills just outside our window. He did his best to help clarify the names. Meanwhile, Tyler, our server, boasted about their excellent prime rib. Must admit, he did a good enough job selling it that most of us wanted some. Five minutes later the manger stepped over to tell us they were all out!

I opted for my original choice, broiled scallops and a bowl of lobster bisque. Several others went with the steelhead special, including Mindy. But she changed her mind when I shared that it’s salmon, which is what she had for lunch. She changed her order to a filet topped with blue cheese.

My dinner was sinfully delicious. And from listening to the others, theirs was equally scrumptious. After diner we stuck around yucking it up while enjoying the spectacular view of the city and the moon rising over Mt Tabor. Awesome! It was after 10pm and many of us getting incredibly sleepy. After all, it was after 1am CMH time. We split the check four ways with me covering my own and Mindy. Glenn paid the valet parking attendant. We took the back way to the freeway winding our way through the west hills and finally down into the city. Nice drive, though a bit scary rounding blind curves in the dark.

Not sure who did, but someone in the minivan reminded me to stop for gas so we wouldn’t have to come morning. I asked to be reminded at least 5 or 6 times. J We stopped at the ARCO near Safeway on

39^th St.

Darwin

covered the gas and also picked up a 6 pack of IPA. Arrived back at Glenn’s near 11pm where Mindy & I headed straight to bed. Good night moon.