I’m taking the road to the Oregon Coast this morning, hoping to avoid the 98 degree high expected this afternoon. It should be at least 20 degrees cooler near the Pacific. It’s also enjoyable to drive the winding road through the Coastal Range to get there and back. It reminds me of a roller coaster, twisting through the Tillamook Forest alongside the Wilson River. It will take a little over an hour-and-a-half to get to my friend’s home on Netarts Bay. We went kayaking the last time I visited, but the dogs will go with me this time. My friends have two big Labradoodles named Quincy & Zane that my schnauzers Tinker & Tally look up to – way up to!

Rog and I went to high school and I.U. together, so our friendship goes back at least 50 years. Last year at this time we went to the College World Series in Omaha to watch Oregon State win the national title. He and his wife moved out to the Coast two years ago and they use our guest room as “home base” when they come into Portland for events like Jason Mraz and Hamilton. Just before they sold their Portland home, we all did a retirement river cruise from Paris to Normandy. Another memorable experience was our trip to the Maui Classic to watch I.U. play basketball. This was actually before my wife and I moved to Portland. I also fondly recall some “bachelor” trips to Mt. Bachelor for skiing. My son Adam even joined us on one of those occasions. I’m looking forward to today’s visit where perhaps we’ll plot our next great adventure.

My son and his family are headed to Disney World this afternoon.  I was able to set them in a nearby condo as part of our Marriott Vacation Club ownership. We’re also using it for both my step daughters honeymoons – one is already set up for Maui later this year. It’s an investment that’s been useful for our entire family and something that’s being passed down through our will. We’ve already enjoyed luxury lodging in Phoenix, Bangkok, Phuket, and Maui in the short time we’ve been involved. Tonight, however, the dogs and I will be bumming off my close friends – the much more affordable “Rog Vacation Club,” at the end of the roller coaster.