Post-pandemic, I took my first flight to the Seattle-Portland area. Anu was in India and I decided to take my second solo trip ever, after a decade. The first one was to Zion National Park. I met up with my niece Sweety in Portland after spending the day in the Mt Hood area. Kayaking in Trillium lake with a view of Mt Hood was really special, as was hanging out at the historic Timberline Lodge. Then we went to local attractions near Portland including local water falls, the famous Multnomah falls and Portland Vista House. I ate the best grape leaves and Muhammara at a Hoda's restaurant in Portland.
Next stop was Mt Rainier. Last time I was there was more than a decade ago and it was snowed out. But this time, the weather couldn't be better. I did a long arduous 5 mile hike to above Panorama point which was breathtaking every minute of the way. Another unique thing was that my lodge had no internet. So I was forced to just be one with nature, which was a very unique experience. Then I met some old friends in Seattle and headed back to the bay.
