After a fun (but exhausting week!) aboard the Disney Wonder cruising through Alaska we returned to a very rainy Vancouver on Monday morning. We quickly repacked our bags and turned in early ready for our flight to Portland, Oregon the next morning.

After our flight, we spent the first day settling into our cosy Airbnb cottage – actually most of our time here was spent slowing down and resetting.

A highlight was our little trip out the city to the Columbia River Gorge. We visited the iconic Multnomah Falls and took a short hike to Ponytail Falls (we’re planning to return to this area for a few more nights in a couple of weeks – there’s still more to see!)

Another peaceful afternoon was spent at the International Rose Test Garden. Felix had a great time getting his wiggles out at the playground and we spent a lovely hour or so walking among the rose beds.

On the drive up to Seattle we detoured to Mount St. Helens National Monument, stopping at The Forest Learning Center before continuing on to check into our hotel downtown.

With one full day to explore Seattle we focused on the touristy bits like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle!

WEEK 4 (week 3 Alaska will be a separate post)

• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Wildlife count: 2 bears (Alaska) bald eagles (Alaska), more deer, elk

Thoughts / lessons learnt: Felix’s joy at the playground or just running around reminds us that sometimes simple experiences are the most memorable for all of us. Flexibility and tuning into everyone’s needs is important!