Dave Knows Portland

Finally: One day train service from Portland to Vancouver, BC

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Update: The second train starts running August 19th.

Amtrak CascadesStarting in August, two Amtrak Cascade trains a day will make the cross border journey to Vancouver, BC. This means that, finally, Vancouver bound Portlanders won’t have to transfer to a bus or wait until the next day for the final leg of the trip after Seattle.

The service was supposed to start last summer, but Amtrak wouldn’t agree to the additional fees the Canada Border Services Agency wanted to impose for the second train. The Canadian Government has agreed to waive the fees . . . until after the 2010 Winter Olympics, and which point they will be reconsidered.

A midsummer weekend in Astoria, Oregon

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Mile73.comHeather and I spent last weekend in Astoria. We wanted to check out the 2009 Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, and both of us just happen to adore Astoria.

As usual, Heather has posted an amusing account of our fantastic trip, with photos and videos, at her blog:

Tank Full Of Gas, Chapter 16: Astoria Midsummer Scandinavian Fest – Part 1

Tank Full Of Gas, Chapter 16: Astoria Midsummer Scandinavian Fest – Part 2

Here’s a taste:

Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler, The Norwegian Cow Song from Mile73 on Vimeo.

Camping close to town: Camp Creek

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Update: Heather’s (no doubt more entertaining) account is available at Mile73.com: Tank Full of Gas, Chapter 15: Camp Creek, OR

We got out of town this past weekend to avoid the annual naked bike ride. Well, not really, but last year the ride disturbed our sleep (who knew naked people on bikes could be so loud?) and Heather doesn’t have a bike anyway.

The forecast called for possible thunderstorms Friday, and 20-30% chance of rain through the weekend, but foul weather couldn’t deter Heather us. As per tradition we left Portland about 4pm Friday. We weren’t in a rush, however, as we reserved a campsite in advance. I know! Crazy! Where’s the fun in that?!

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