the coast

A couple weeks ago B and I spontaneously decided to drive out to the coast. Its about a 2 hour drive, mostly because the second half is a two lane road through the forest. It's so amazing going through there, some houses scattered here and there, a couple campgrounds, but mostly just lots of trees. We drove through Tillamook to get to Cape Meares, a lookout with a lighthouse from 1890. We looked everywhere for Clam Chowder, found none, and ended up sharing a big bag of dill pickle chips. Pretty good substitute. Just down the way there was beach access so we took a walk. Lots of people go to the beach to fly giant kites. As we were admiring one, a lady lost control and the kite came down super fast landing right in front of me. Those kites seem way bigger on the ground than in the air. Cloooose call. At the northern end of the beach there's a big mountain that has a tunnel straight through. We weren't sure if it was safe but decided to venture though anyway. The weather was amazing and the wind blew the sand across the beach.

insane asylum

This past weekend's cyclocross race was set on the old site of an insane asylum. They recently tore it down to make room for a bunch of townhouses, very strange. Personally, I don't think I'd buy in.
Brian started of really strong in the C group and as I was waiting for him to come around the last turn, I see him walking his bike on the sidelines. Flat tire on the first lap!! He decided to stick around and race with the B group and did so well! Kept up with the pack great and I think really enjoyed the course.
The races are especially fun now because people come with a cowbell in one hand and a bike/kid/coffee (that would be me)/hot dog in the other. No rain this weekend...but maybe next.

here we are

This past weekend we went on a bike ride downtown. We're still enjoying exploring the city, especially by bike, and seem to find something new and interesting on every outing. We stopped at a fountain in the Pearl district and there was a silly guy taking tons of shots of his dogs in the water. He set them up on rocks, had them lay in the water, sat them next to each other, etc. It was pretty entertaining.
On a walk through our neighborhood we came accross a really amaing plant shop and picked up some moss. We went to dinner at Fonda Rosa, a little mexican style restaurant, and it was kinf of funny carrying a plant in. But in the end, it has a happy place in our home. And of course, some more shots of luke.

alpenrose dairy

Race #1 of the Portland cyclocross series on the Alpenrose Dairy farm. The weather was really rainy and grey, which apparently makes all the riders smile. Me, I was bundled up in three layers of jackets.
Brian rode in the Class C group, one step up from before. He did so well! There were about 150 racers this time and the course was pretty packed. Looking down at the velodrome, it looked like a bunch of ants on trails to the hive.
Becuase the season has officially started, there were a lot more people out and a bunch of stands with food, coffee (yes!), gear, etc.

cool hand luke

Feeling slightly better. Has grown an extreme affinity for wet food and will no longer eat the dry stuff. so picky.

sneeze

Whelp, new news isn't that exciting. Kitten is very sick and is sneezing all over the place. He can't breath very well out of his nose so he opens his mouth, its funny but sad. Took him to the vet last week and they said he should be better within 7 days or so...hopefully by tomorrow.
Brian started classes this week. He's taking a couple classes, a seminar, and teaching 2 chemistry labs. So far, everything seems so be going great.
This weekend we'll be driving around Portland for more cyclocross races. *wish him luck*
Other than that, it's raining today and should rain for most of the weekend. Still trying to figure out commuting by bike in the rain....