My Windows Are Rolled Down: Born on the Fourth of July

Another early morning start to my day as I left Victoria to go to Portland via Seattle. Using the Clipper ferry system, it was a quick two and half hour ride to get to hot, hot Seattle. I picked up my car and set off down the highway to Portland. Really another scorcher and it only got hotter as I continued further south.

Finally, I arrived in Portland around around 5:30. Taking a quick shower to wash the travel grime off of me, my hosts told me about a Blues concert downtown that sounded right up my alley. I headed off. Still too early for fireworks and festivities, I got some food in my belly. The concert was in a waterfront park and surrounding the park were a bunch of shops and restaurants. I chose one with a very busy patio and I was not disappointed. I had my first ever sangria, and let me tell you, I'm a changed woman. I know that not all sangrias are as simple and delicious as this was, I think I'll wait to have another one when I can make it myself. For dinner, I had Dungeness crab deviled eggs and a deconstructed kale caesar salad. Both were very good, filling, and just enough food to help me keep going until fireworks!

Like I said, the patio of the restaurant was busy. Almost hectic. The restaurant was not small and when my server dropped off the check, I asked how many servers were working. On a busy holiday, by the water where the fireworks were going off, next to a Blues concert, they had four people working. I find that to be insane! Anyway, the park was surrounded by a marina, and following the crowds, I headed towards the dock to watch the fireworks. I stopped on the ramp leading to the docks and settled in waiting for the show to begin. The whole ramp was full of people, there were people on the rocks below as well as a beach a bit aways. A bunch of boats filled to the brim with people lined up. Kayakers started paddling out into the water. There were even people swimming in the water to get a good view.

Finally, it was showtime! I must have looked like an idiot with my eyes wide open and a giant grin across my face. This was one of the better fireworks display I've seen in all my years. I think the only one better than this was when I was with my mom and aunt in NYC on top of my aunt's friend's building and the fireworks were shaped like things! That was really cool. This was too!