Travel Week One

It's been awhile since we've been inside the airport on Guam…

…or on a plane!

Ed and Cindy picked us up in Portland. We stopped by to see Aaron's mom and then straight to Boon's Treasury in Salem—originally built as a general store by John D. Boon who became the first Oregon State Treasurer. The building itself once served as Oregon's first State Treasury. It is now a brewpub owned by the McMenamins.

Cindy went all out for our 25th anniversary!

❤

The following day we went to visit our dear friend Mary…

…and then to a favorite winery to spend a generous gift certificate from friends.

The beggars are so sophisticated in Salem, they share signs and store them on location.

Ed worked on the conveyor system and drying/heating blowers for Sodbuster Farms. They allowed us to tour their processing facility. As we walked around, we ran into the owner and he gave us a deluxe tour. We even got to walk up on the platforms throughout the conveyor system.

It was very interesting to see how hops are processed.

Sodbuster Farms grows a dozen or so varieties of hops and supplies many of the local breweries.

Hoppy and back on the road, heading for the coast

Detour for a little wine tasting

We arrived at our destination in time to relax and then enjoy sunset.

Our cottage is on the right, in the town of Rockaway Beach.

The only place open to eat was the Sand Dollar Restaurant & Lounge (and they were closing as we walked out around 7 pm). We were happy to sit outside and see the sunset—plus the food and drinks were yummy.

Back at our place

On our way back to Salem we stopped at Nestucca Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Valley view

Pacific City in the distance

There was a bit of a breeze. Somebody was cold.

So many wildflowers

Back in Salem we enjoyed a meal with our friends, the Baselers.

Jane set a lovely table and made a delicious Greek inspired meal.

Everything was delicious but the standout was the fresh tomato.

Dave, Ian and Jane (right)

Cindy's gorgeous hibiscus

Elijah and Lyndzie

A nice evening with dear friends—Yvonne (left) and Roger (right front)

After meeting on Sunday we went to Mexican food with Ruth (left), Yvonne, Roger, Ed, Cindy…

…Mary, Amie, Jared and Roger. It was lovely to have Aaron's mom Jan (right) join us as well. We love it when our world's collide.

There, you can see Jared better. You're welcome!

❤

We worked really hard to see as many people as we could in Salem. 

Our time there is always so short.