Birthday Countdown

For those of you not in the know, we are moving to Los Gatos next week. Also, my birthday is coming. Consider yourself informed.

We returned yesterday from our road trip to Oregon. (Check out selected pics.) A few highlights:

• We drove up I-5 and down 101 and stayed in three Oregon towns: Medford, Seaside, and Newport. We learned a lot about local history, bought virtually nothing but food, and decided the Prius is not the car for us.
  
• Oregon's beaches are absolutely gorgeous--sandy, long, easily accessed, and numerous. (They also happen to be lapped by some of the coldest water you'll ever not stick your toe into.)
• Oregon is very hilly.
• I loved the Japanese Gardens in Portland, where the free tour was particularly helpful in showcasing the careful planning of this delightful park. But don't talk on your cell phone while inside.
• I imagine the smell of thousands of roses in full bloom at the famed International Rose Test Garden must be overwhelming on a sunny day. I wouldn't know, as there was neither blooming nor sunshine going on the day we passed through.
• There's a thriving beachtown industry on the Oregon coast, offering all levels of comfort, from hike-in camping and trails to large hotels and vacation home rentals.
• Gasoline is strictly full-serve in Oregon, and prices are still at least $0.25 cheaper per gallon than in California.
• If you like clam chowder, fish and chips, and oysters then you will be well fed on the Oregon coast.
• If you like coffee, then the many non-Starbucks drive through coffee businesses will keep you well caffeinated while in the state.
  
• S'mores can be made quite satisfactorily in a microwave.