Day Twenty Three - Portland, OR to Farewell Bend State Park, OR

​9:00 or sooooo got up and made oatmeal for the ladies. They had to eat that before their 'bagel' (doughnut) from VooDoo. Then George and I had pastrami and egg wraps. George took them too the pool and I packed up the room. With a baby crying the entire time. Residual affects from something I ate have him only happy nursing or upright. I switched with George to watch the girls and he loaded the car.

Throwing everything in the car to get out of the campsite quickly in CA was still haunting us. At the hotel, we took the time to get everything in its place. We also gathered all the dirty laundry to be able to drop it off at a wash-n-fold. George called them and checked if they could complete it today. Now we can drop off dirty clothes, see the last of the sights, and pick up clean clothes on the way out of town. 

Found the Rose City Food Park for more tacos for me. I am a fiend. I might need to call someone. Burrito for George; bowl and a fish taco for myself. So yummy.

Loved reading the walk while I was waiting

Made our way to the International Rose Test Garden. Beautiful. Girls performed a short show at the amphitheater. George received word that our laundry was ready. Decided we wanted to get on the road and skipped the zoo. ​

Wash and fold laundry service was so worth it. It came out in two bags and I will sort tonight at the campground. Picked a state park right off the interstate at the state line.  Yellowstone should be a quick trip tomorrow. 

At a gas station for ice reup, I got to spend a few moments cuddling with my boy. My sweet boy that made this trip possible. He might not remember it but he is the reason for it.

Amist handing out markers and dressing Minnie, George asked about the amenities at the campground. I said hot showers and flushing toilets. He said, "Ok, cool." Biscuit pipped up with "Flushing toilets?" They have seen their share of vault toilets. More handing out markers and FaceTime with grandparents then mommy had enough. I picked a movie based on running times. Mary Poppins.

Girls watching a movie, I upload videos from Lake Mead, and George mentions wash and fold again in Asheville, NC. So we can bring clean clothes home. And I will have less to complain about. Y'all- he is going on a guy's weekend trip when we get back. Not cool. I have less than a week to get ready for teaching and the two oldest ready for school and he is taking a guy's trip. After this trip. Know this ahead of time because I am predicting bad moods for myself. 

I think the girls can detect bad moods. I am still in one when we look for a place to make dinner. George comments there was no good place and Biscuit says but it is a great place to watch the sunset. And she is right. Few more turns and there is a park with a playground and restrooms. I am slightly irritated that I cannot locate Tiny's second sock when she brings me a flower. Bubble runs off with my phone and brings it back with a picture of the setting sun. ​

I see Tiny run behind and tree when it dawns on me what she is doing. I take off after her to come up short. She already pee peed behind the tree. Walk her up the hill to the bathroom for her to finish. Child is starting to prefer going outside. 

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Rice-Blakey Park is cool from my feet to my knees and warm around my arms and head. Odd sensation. Bubble took it upon herself to check off the picnic on a blanket. She loved it. Great spot for dinner and to stretch legs.

Roaming so I gave up on being productive and went to sleep. First time of intentionally sleeping while underway. It was bliss. Farewell Bend State Park at night is great. Clean bathrooms and no tokens for hot showers. Each time we come to a state park at night, I cannot help to think this would be impossible in NC. I do not know why gates are locked back home but I am grateful the aren't everywhere. ​

Steps taken: 8,384
Miles driven: 372.0