Into the Enemy's Territory

A bucket list item for Zach turned into a family affair when the To-Banker clan ascended into the heights of Century Link Stadium to experience the Timbers/Sounders rivalry on the enemy's turf. The excitement was palpable in the van and via fellow fans driving the I-5 north. Earlier in the week, we had heard that tickets to this game were to be the hottest of the MLS season. For the first time, the Century Link management opened the upper tier for sale (which sold out) and it was the home debut of Clint Dempsey playing for the Sounders. A lot was riding on this game.

Thanks to the organic cheer factory, known as the Timbers Army, we quickly learned that the game actually sold out thanks to a Groupon for the game. It is no secret that the Sounders suffer from a fair-weather fan base, yet we were greatly shocked to be twenty minutes before the start and the stadium was nowhere near filled, including the Emerald City Supporters section. Then, when the iconic Seattle cheer was piped in over the loudspeakers, the army nearly lost it with taunts and shaming. Our jeers were quickly muffled thanks to the battle of the tifos, another reason why I love the Timbers Army. Who cares if you are the visiting team and there are no ropes or pulleys; use the army to raise a poignant slap to the face. Though, in all fairness, Seattle's was well done and elicited a chuckle from many.

Even from our high vantage point, we could tell it was a very physical game. Early on, Zach and I conferred that one goal would probably determine the outcome and we were correct. Sadly, it was Seattle that scored and when time was up, we had lost. Heartbroken and hoarse we began to file out of the stadium, only to be stuck in the concourse awaiting the evacuation of the rest of the stadium. With a record attendance of over 67,000, we waited a while and enjoyed the hilarious chants that ran their course through drunk, disappointed football fans.

 

The most endearing memory of the night was walking down, down, down, down the ramps bellowing, "We'll be coming, we'll be coming, we'll be coming down the road, when you hear the noise of the Timbers Army boys, we'll be coming down the road." For all the cheers, it was the most relevant for the reverberation and stunned expressions held by the event staff made it seem as if a mob was descending to pillage and plunder. We may have lost the game, but Portland still has the best fans and this is a night that will live forevermore in To-Banker lore.

Forest Park: The Stone House

In all my years of living in Portland, I never hiked Forest Park. It seemed weird that a behemoth green space would be unexplored by me, but I think reasons for the lack of exploration were due to it being located on the west side and near the industrial area, especially since getting to the gorge took the same amount of time. This year, because our starting point was in southwest and there were repeated interactions with items or people associated with the TV series, Grimm, we decided to find the Stone House that was used as one of the sets for the show.

Finding the trail head was tricky and we did make a wrong stop before we found the one needed. The hike was a mile in, filled with many detours thanks to two, very inquisitive kids. Addysen kept veering for water, while Kaden used any unearthed rock as a soccer ball. It was giggles and questions the entire journey. Our discovery of the stone house elicited a resounding yelp of excitement from Kaden as if we had discovered Blackbeard's treasure. Our pit stop within the ruins made for a hilarious photo shoot; who knew that a stone wall would be deemed the greatest photo background for two adventurous children. For the adults, it was entertainment and a highlight to another great day with two of our greatest partners in crime.

An Evening Paddle

It was long awaited and everything one could hope. An evening on the Willamette alongside two of my favorite people was just what I needed for a canoe fix. Kaden has come a long way since our first trek where he fell asleep against my legs, death gripping a package of peanut butter crackers. This time, armed with his own paddle, I had to move him closer to the bow because he has grown and our paddles kept crashing. He paddled the entire way to the island, along with a constant commentary of the journey.

After a snack on the island, and a quick rescue operation when Gerty became un-moored thanks to a passing speedboat's wake, we started back towards the dock with one change--Kaden changed boats. Robert's boat was tandem and there was an empty seat. On the first part of the journey, Robert had offered Kaden the role of first mate in the SS Rosebud (or Slider, for it seems there is some confusion and lapsing memories in the fleet naming department) but he had declined. I believe curiosity outweighed allegiance to Gerty, so he bailed on me for the return trip.

True confession: I had a twinge of sadness.

Deeper true confession: I got teary eyed when he plopped on the seat, squirmed a bit and yelled to me with a glint in his eye, "Hey Mei Mei, this seat is nice!"

Kaden is big enough to sit in a seat AND paddle practically the entire trip. Gah.

Sadness did not last long, for life is about growth and nostalgia can last only so long. Besides, with Robert and Kaden, laughter and discovery reign and our paddle back to the dock did not disappoint.

Not California

Melissa and I will never live down the day we went on the hunt for a trail along the Oregon Coast. We were northwest newbies seeking adventure and something different than the Columbia Gorge since we had traversed so many of its paths while our husbands were submerged beneath huge theological tomes. No, we did not find the trail. Yes, we almost crossed the Oregon-California border. Yes, we did it as a day trip. We had not idea we were so close and, in hindsight, it made us mad to be so close and not go. However, because of this venture, anytime we mention our intentions to hike anything husbands and friends ply us with snarky comments and practically beg to put honing beacons on us. Actually, the honing beacon is my husband's request because my tendency for getting lost detours is great.

That said, when Melissa told Mike that I was coming for the day and we were going hiking, he asked, "Are you going to California?"

We chose to follow the blue path at Miller Woods but ended up on the red and yellow paths, in ponds and near a bee hive. I have found another great adventurer in Hadley for her "oooh what's this" detours mimic my own frequent diversions. While Emarie slept in the baby carrier, the rest of us laughed a lot, picked up too many pine cones and spent a lot of time trying to figure out the path markings and throwing pine cones in random directions, in water and on land.

The closest we came to any southern state or farther was spending an evening on the patio of a Mexican restaurant in downtown McMinnville, enjoying scrumptious food and dear friends. Later that night, we skyped with Zach. Upon telling him that we hiked at Miller Woods he asked, "Was that near California?"

Not California but another great journey, even if it was close to home.

Laid Back Thorns

Out of our interactions with the Thorns players, the evening for Little Thorns Fan Club was the most laid back. The players were relaxed and really willing to chat and laugh with the attendees. Again, I was reminded how much I love the soccer culture of Portland.

To the Gorge!

"Oooo, let's go see that!" declared Kaden after seeing a picture of etched rocks.

With that sentence, Kaden joined my day's plan to hike, which was completely fine with me. I love a partner in crime. Quickly I scrapped the planned eight mile hike in lieu of one a bit more kid friendly. We could not decide between etched rocks and a waterfall, so we took directions for both and a picnic.

On the Washington side of The Dalles is Horsethief Lake (also known as Columbia Hills State Park), home to some of the oldest pictographs in the northwest. This specific area was well documented by Lewis and Clark on their pilgrimage west, especially in regards to the river's raging manner through the narrows and the Indians that lived along its shoreline. True to American expansion, The Dalles Dam was built and flooded the entire region, putting one of the largest burial areas underwater along with tons of pictographs. Thankfully someone in the area had the sense to save some of them before the river swallowed the area.

The sad part of this adventure is that what we thought was a hike, was not. The rocks are located next to the parking lot behind wood-railing fencing. Plus, due to vandalism, many of them are behind a locked gate, including the iconic "She Who Watches", and only available to view on Saturday and Sunday with a group tour. Stupid vandals.

Even though we were disappointed that a hike was not to be, Kaden and I had a great time trying to interpret the drawings, with our guesses ranging from rogue octopus to flying monsters. Plus, we took time to enjoy the lakeside shade for a picnic. We took another pit stop as we headed west for a a strawberry lemonade slushie concoction that Kaden stated was the best drink ever. I am not sure about the 'best drink ever' status, but it was really good and made me declare that Chinese McDonalds need to start serving it.

Since our first attempt at a hike was thwarted, we agreed to stretch our legs at the Wahclella Falls Trail. Two miles later, we were extremely happy adventurers. The trail was spectacular, the scenery engaging and the main waterfall breathtaking. Kaden spent five minutes doing a jig and singing "we found a waterfall" with the rushing water as a backdrop.

Hiking with a five year old is so entertaining as conversation can cover anything, everything and nothing pertaining to what is at hand. I love Kaden's curiosity and I love how we go berserk together over the unexpected, such as the bonus waterfalls.

 
The shadows were long as we emerged from the trail with smiles on our faces. Rejuvenated by nature, we headed home, thrilled with our day in the ever beautiful Columbia Gorge.

Seattle Synopsis

Many northern-based friends continually rave about the greatness of Seattle, so when the opportunity came to gallivant about their beloved city for five days, I challenged them to prove it. It was their chance to show me what actually made the Emerald City so great. While I do not foresee me ever living there (good grief, the traffic!) I cannot deny that I enjoyed being a tourist and spending time with great friends.

GAS WORKS PARK

Thanks to a blog devoted to the weird things of Seattle, I had a vague understanding of Gas Works Park. I was not expecting to see it in person, but when TD pulled into the parking lot, I got really excited. Gas company fixtures have become the art sprinkled about the green lawn, though most eyes are immediately drawn to the sprawling downtown Seattle skyline. It was fun to spend time walking, talking and chasing kiddos down the hills. 

DECEPTION PASS

A day spent at Deception Pass was delightful! It was a beautiful, out of the city trek to admire the majestic pass bridge, hike to the non-existent lighthouse, piddle on the beach and enjoy a late afternoon surf snack at a local seafood shop.

PADDLE BOARD!

April raved about the experience; therefore, I told her when I was in Seattle, I wanted to join her new-found love. It did not disappoint, and we spent a spectacular afternoon gazing at Gas Works Park and the Seattle shoreline from the water, all while reminiscing about China and dreaming of her upcoming college days.

Photo courtesy of April's mom

PILGRIMAGE TO BRUCE LEE'S GRAVE

The scavenger hunt to locate Bruce Lee's grave in Lakeview Cemetery was riddled with hilarity. Within the van, from the front seat, Gracie had clicked on a 'how-to find the grave' video which belted into traditional Chinese music and repeatedly showed that the key to the grave was finding a gaudy white heart. Meanwhile, in the back seat Lisa had been telling Kaden and Chloe about the adventure at hand, to which Chloe responded with, "Are we going to die?"

Lisa: "Eventually everyone dies."
Chloe: "If we touch the stones we turn into a snake!"

Laughter ensued and continued well into our walk on the grounds when Chloe dared Kaden to touch a stone, to which he quickly responded, "Addysen did it."

Joel dared Gracie to touch a headstone and fall down.

Our pilgrimage to Bruce and Brandon Lee's grave was a success and I feel extremely Chinese.

THE MAIN EVENT: A PHAN WEDDING

The culmination of the week was celebrating John and Andrea getting married. Weddings with this family are always a delight and I am always honored to join the festivities.

What Are You Wearing?

A daily conversation heard in our house consists of the following:

Kaden: "Uncle Zach, what jersey are you wearing?"
Zach: "I am not sure."
Kaden: "I think you should wear (insert the jersey he is wearing or wants to wear that day.)"

This conversation has been reversed as well. Needless to say, 'twinkies' have frequently been spotted around the abode.

PTFC(s)

It seems everything dear to us has multiplied over the past year; most of our  friends went from one child to two, just as Portland went from one football team to two. Just as it takes double time to care for two youngsters, we have spent ample time loving and soaking up the rowdiness of the Army and Riveters. Jeld Wen has seen a lot of us.

It has been nice to have the Thorns season tickets for consistency and no-hassle days leading up to game days, whereas Zach has spent quite a lot of time watching the Timbers ticket exchange page to snatch very elusive tickets to see our boys in green and gold. He has gotten lucky a few times, but searching is not for the faint of heart.

The greatest part of our game days has been the diversity of those attending with us. Kaden has been a staple sidekick, but other great friends have braved the hooliganism to spend time with us, much to our appreciation. 

Apart from actual games, a highlight has been our ability to acquire extra opportunities to interact with players. One of the many things I love about the teams is their accessibility to the fans whether through post-game autograph sessions or season ticket thank you bashes.

One of our friends from China, an avid football fan, saw some photos of the games and declared that he wanted to visit Portland. We laughed, but agreed that Portland has a great thing going with these two teams and we love being a part of them.