We are heading back to Tucson for a month of sun and our next half marathon. This time we are driving down with a very full car. Our goal is to bring a few things, ok a lot of things, from our house in Washington and we want to have our own car while we are in Arizona.
You might be wondering why we stopped in Oregon on the first leg of the drive, since Eugene is only about 5 hours from Redmond, Washington. This is a legitimate question as we have 20 more hours to go! We stayed overnight in Eugene because my husband has a presentation at the local office this morning.
We have never been to Eugene before. We have spent a lot of time in Portland over the years. Our daughter was a competitive gymnast and son was a competitive rock climber, so they both had many meets or competitions all around Oregon. Eugene is beautiful! Perhaps it is just the fact that our hotel is along the Willamette River, or that fall leaves make every place pretty. Either way, we are impressed!
After 5 hours in the car we were eager to stretch our legs. We started out for walk along the river path.
It was a sunny day here, which makes everything better!
I just love this bridge with the clouds behind it
All of Oregon is biking and walking friendly. This is just one of many pathways used by numerous pedestrians
Near this bridge is McMenamins Restaurant. We had never heard of this chain before, but they are all over the Oregon area, there is even near us in Bothell, Washington which we will have to visit when we get back. This chain also includes hotels, breweries, and wineries as well as the restaurants. Ours was specifically McMenamins North Bank Restaurant. We weren’t sure what to expect but what a pleasant surprise!
It was set right on the shore of the Willamette River, with an incredible view! It must be truly stunning in the summer!
We made it in time for happy hour, of course 🙂 So, I started with a blueberry infused vodka cocktail and the hubby went with a craft beer of some sort (mine was so tasty I forgot what he had!)
We were starving, so I went with the goat cheese, pesto and sun dried tomato torta. This came with four perfectly toasted crostini and balsamic vinegar- I loved this!
My entree was the salmon topped with coffee-bacon jam! Unique and delicious!
By now we were getting quite full so I chose to drink my dessert! I had this seasonal pumpkin infused cocktail. It was like a pumpkin milkshake. Just amazing!
We ended the evening strolling back along the river to our hotel. I took one last shot of the sunset. There were quite a few clouds, but it was pretty nonetheless!
Today we have 10 hours in the car to Fresno California-wish us luck!
Invisible-No-More 
Nice photos Dee dee…enjoy 🙂
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did you switch to a self hosted site sophie? I know your blog looks different but I am not sure what that is from, it looks great!
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No i just changed the background color
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Are youguys still in Oregon? Looks so nice with the beautiful fall colors 😊😊
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Nope we are now in Tucson after two, 10 hour driving days. So happy to be out of the car!
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Hiii I saw your photos on Instagram Good luck on Sunday 😊😊😊
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Gorgeous photos. Autumn seems well and truly underway for you. But then I guess you’re still a little bit north of us yet so that’s to be expected.
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I am actually from seattle, so even farther than here in oregon, but yep-fall is happening 🙂
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Fantastic photographs, I really enjoyed sharing your journey, looking forward to more 😊
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thank you!
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Beautiful pics. Enjoy your trip!
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Thanks Linda!
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beautiful photos! this sounds like so much fun & OMG drinking your dessert was definitely the way to go 🙌🏻
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He He, well I shouldn’t be condoning that but, ya! Dessert drinks are the best!
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Such stunning pictures 😍
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Thank you, you are too kind 🙂
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Wow what beautiful photos, I love the trees and the beautiful colors of the leaves lying on the ground. Oh that restaurant looked so nice right on the water like that, you’re right I bet it is stunning in the summertime and busy! When I was thinking about college in high school I wanted to go to college in Oregon…you know why…why would you know why….anyways I loved the tv show…Here Come the Brides and although that took place in Seattle I was drawn to Oregon. Have a safe trip to Tucson and enjoy your stops along the way! 🙂
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I forgot about that show, didn’t really watch it-I was a star trek girl back then. But the show Grimm was set in Portland, and I really liked the sciences they shot in that show.
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Oh I loved Star Trek too…but Here Come the Brides was right up my alley….I’m a true romantic at heart. I never watched Grimm.
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Beautiful pictures. The view over the river path looks straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. I love road trips but I don’t get the occasion often so I take pleasure reading about others journey. Happy I discovered your blog.
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Thank you! It was a fun trip through Oregon, the rest of the way to Tucson was just a big slog through the concert jungle! I am enjoying your blog as well!
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A pumpkin cocktail?! Wow! Sounds like a lovely start to the trip! The photos are wonderful as always. 💖
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Thank you and yes, a pumpkin cocktail is the way to go 🙂
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such a lovely post! thanks for sharing
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Wonderful photos and a nice and “delicious” story, too. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you, its a long way from Denmark but if you are in the area…it is a gorgeous spot to stop for a bit 🙂
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