PopaHALLics #150 "Halls on Holiday: The PNW" (part one)

Join us for a special adventure into the Pacific Northwest! Steve celebrates his retirement with a "retirementmoon" - an almost month-long trip in Oregon and Washington State - and Kate joins him in Seattle. In part one, Steve and his wife travel cross-country on the Empire Builder train; explore funky Portland; travel along the scenic Oregon and Washington coasts; explore the diverse ecosystems of Olympic National Park and the Hoh Rain Forest; visit sites used for filming "The Goonies" and "Twilight"—and more! It's the trip of a lifetime! Join us!

Music:

We've assembled a special Spotify playlist related to the sights and sounds of the trip, Popahallics #150 Playlist (PNW). From "The Black Ball Ferry Line" featuring Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters to Hendrix and Pearl Jam, this enjoyable playlist puts you in the train/van/hot tub boat with us!

Fun Places We Stayed:

• A roomette on Amtrak's Empire Builder train headed west. Cozy!
• McMenamins' Crystal Hotel, Portland, OR. A very cool historic hotel with music-themed rooms, a basement soaking pool, restaurant and concert areas. Located in the Pearl District, it's a good base for exploring downtown Portland.
• Escape Campervan. Our home on wheels for 12 days! Great way to see the country and have a bed, fridge (solar powered), stove (propane), and sink. You're on your own re restroom.
• South Beach State Park, Newport, OR. Miles of broad ocean beach, walking and biking trails, and close proximity to Newport, which has lighthouses, whale watching, etc. Note: The beach is a longer hike from the campground than you think.
• Hart's Camp, formerly known as Cape Kiwanda RV Park, Pacific City, OR. All the amenities you'd expect in a RV park, plus bunnies hopping around the campsites. We met some interesting motocross guys while having a soak in the hot tub. Conveniently located across the road from Pelican Brewing and Haystack Rock.
• Fay Bainbridge Park Campground, Bainbridge Island, WA. Maybe our favorite campground of the trip—and in a city park! The campsites are just a short walk from an almost-mile-long stretch of beach with awesome views of Puget Sound, Seattle and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker.