Thursday 17 March 2016
Hood River, Oregon / White Salmon, WA / Portland, Oregon

It was St. Patrick’s Day and Lady Etain was desperate to celebrate the holiday. It didn’t matter much to Sir Thomas as it was just a commercial holiday in his eyes. But to please his bride, they raced from the field back home and on to Portland to catch some celebrations she really wanted to do regardless of the cost, albeit they were still struggling.

On their way to Portland for Saint Patrick Day (or as Sir Thomas likes to bill int – “All Ireland Day”) Celebrations, they went over the Hood River toll bridge, and dropped by the Riverfront Valero for fuel. Sir Thomas was very pleased to acknowledge a deposit into his bank account from sales on Amazon.

They found street parking near the Irish pub they were meeting friends at. The met up with Sir Athonwy at an Irish Pub, but it was too crowded and busy, as well as not very hospitable to wee ones. So Sir Thomas, Lady Etain, Sir Athonwy and his friend, with the Prince went to get a late lunch at the Veggie Grill which had spectacular Vegan and Vegetarian fare. Lady Etain was a bit disappointed that they ate there as she wanted Irish fare – meat and potatoes. They then went to the Irish festival over at McMannanin’s school/hotel where they were serving traditional Irish grub, drinks, to great music and festivities. While the explorers had a blast, and was amazed with the McMennanin’s hotel built out of a old school, Lady Etain complained that the music, fare, and festivities wasn’t Irish enough and was a bit insulting to her heritage. Sir Thomas was sad that she wasn’t pleased although each year he tries to find activities she’d enjoy on this day, but they were never good enough. This time, Lady Etain and their friend Sir Athonwy found the events in Portland to do.

Mileage: 160 miles