🚗Stop 3 — Vancouver, Washington

After breakfast, we got on the road and began our drive toward Vancouver, Washington. Tim had told us earlier that once we passed Baker City, the scenery would get a lot better — and he was right. As soon as we reached Baker and continued west, the landscape opened up and the drive became one of those stretches where you can’t help but look out the window a little longer.

To our right, the Columbia River ran wide and steady, with Washington State stretched out along the opposite bank. The water caught the light in that soft way rivers do, shimmering like brushed silver as it stretched alongside the highway. For a moment, I thought of our friends Joe and Leonardo. They had just finished a Columbia River cruise, sailing along this very same stretch of water we were now driving beside.

I could picture them on the deck in the early evening, probably enjoying one of their favorite cocktails, taking in the scenery as the riverboat glided past the cliffs. They had told us how peaceful the cruise was, how the river seemed to slow everything down, and as we drove, I imagined them savoring that moment the way only they can.

Since I was driving, I couldn’t take any photos myself. But the beauty was so striking that it didn’t matter — it etched itself into my mind. It reminded me of the old days, when you’d be out with a film camera, run out of exposures, and have no choice but to memorize the scene. That’s exactly what this felt like: a picture taken without a camera, held in memory instead of on film.

🏨 Settling In — Sonesta ES Suites

After the long but beautiful drive from Idaho, we arrived at the Sonesta ES Suites and settled into our room. We had dinner, then took the rest of the evening to unwind, grateful for a quiet moment after the long drive. It gave us a chance to rest and recharge for the next day, when we would meet up with Opel, Monette, and Sean, who already had our itinerary lined up for the next few days — and from the looks of it, the schedule was packed with fun. They had thought everything through: places to go, things to see, little surprises tucked in here and there. It was clear they were excited to show us more of their corner of the world that we did not see last year and that made us even more excited for the days ahead.

🌄 Morning at the Proto‑Cathedral, Farmers Market & Moulton Falls

Before heading to the farmers market, we stopped at the Proto‑Cathedral of St. James the Greater and caught the tail end of the morning Mass. When the Mass ended, we stayed for a while, admiring the beauty of the place — the warm light, the stained glass, and the sense of history that settles into old churches like a gentle hush. It was a peaceful way to begin the day.

From there, we continued to the farmers market, which was part of the day Monette had thoughtfully planned out. The market was lively and colorful, full of fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts, and that easy weekend energy that makes wandering fun. We strolled through the stalls, stopping whenever something caught our eye, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together.

We found lunch right there at the market, each of us choosing something different. After finishing our meals, we lingered a bit longer looking for cookies that we sadly sold out.We found lunch right there at the market, each of us choosing something different. After finishing our meals, we lingered a bit longer, looking for the cookies that Jay spotted earlier but they were sadly sold out. The moral of the story is: buy them when you see them!

Before heading back to the hotel, we made one more stop — Moulton Falls, tucked into the forest near Yacolt. It was a quick visit, just long enough to step out of the car, walk toward the bridge, and admire the waterfall spilling steadily below. The cool shade and the sound of rushing water were a gentle shift from the lively energy of the market, a brief moment of calm folded into the day.

After a few minutes, we headed back to the hotel to rest. Stretching out for a bit, recharging, and knowing we had the evening concert ahead made the downtime feel even sweeter.

🎻 Evening Concert — Aaron Meyer

Later that evening, we all met up at the park to enjoy the Sunday Sounds concert featuring Aaron Meyer, the rock violinist whose performances blend classical technique with the energy of modern music — a perfect choice that Monette had thoughtfully included on our itinerary. Aaron Meyer plays with a joyful intensity, the kind that makes you feel the music even before you recognize the melody. His violin doesn’t just sing; it moves, lifts, and dances, pulling the audience right along with it.

The park was already filling with people — families spreading blankets, friends settling into lawn chairs, and kids running around before the music started. The warm evening, the open-air setting, and the anticipation of hearing Aaron Meyer made it feel like the perfect way to end our day in Vancouver. It was one of those nights where everything lined up just right — good friends, good music, and a beautiful summer atmosphere.

After the concert, Opel dropped us off at the hotel, and we all agreed that Tuesday was going to be a packed and exciting day. Monday, on the other hand, would be our chance to relax — a quiet day to unwind, maybe spend some time at the pool, and simply enjoy a slow morning before the fun picked up again.

🧌 Tuesday — Visiting Ole Bolle

Tuesday was one of the most memorable days of our Vancouver stay, thanks to Monette’s wonderful planning. She had suggested we visit the troll — Ole Bolle — and it turned out to be such a fun and unique outing.

Ole Bolle is one of the giant wooden trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, built from recycled wood and tucked into the landscape like a friendly guardian. When we arrived, we stood there for a moment just taking him in — his huge hands, his expressive face, and the way he seemed to be quietly watching over everything. Monette, Opel, and Sean even noticed details in the carving they hadn’t seen before.

There was something magical about the whole scene. It felt like stepping into a storybook, and we couldn’t help but smile as we walked around, noticing all the little details in his design. It was playful, surprising, and exactly the kind of adventure that makes a trip feel special.

🍽️ BBQ at Opel’s

After visiting Ole Bolle, we headed to Opel’s house for a backyard BBQ, and it turned into one of the sweetest, most comforting parts of the day. We sat out in her backyard while she cooked, enjoying the mouthwatering smells drifting from the grill — kabobs sizzling, chicken browning just right, corn getting that perfect char, and of course pansit.

In true Opel fashion, we were banned from trying to help — she made that very clear. The only exceptions were Jay and Sean, who were permitted to clean the corn we’d picked up at the farmers market. They took their assignment seriously, while Monette and I sat back, laughed, and enjoyed the show. It added a playful note to the afternoon, the kind of moment that makes a gathering feel even more like home.

When everything was ready, we gathered around and enjoyed the feast she’d created. The food was delicious, but the company and the atmosphere made it unforgettable — a perfect ending to an already wonderful day.

And, staying true to Filipino hospitality, Opel prepared enough food to feed an army — and even shared plates with her immediate neighbors, a gesture rooted in generosity and community. It was such a lovely touch, and it made the afternoon feel even more warm and welcoming.

🌆 Farewell for Now

After the meal, we tried to help clean up — at least as much as Opel would allow, which wasn’t very much. She waved us off with that familiar “I’ve got it” confidence, and we knew better than to argue.

She walked with us back to the hotel, leftovers in hand “just in case we got hungry later.” As we walked, I found myself thinking about how remarkable it is that we’ve only known these friends for four years. Compared to the lifelong friendships at our other stops, that’s hardly any time at all — and yet it feels like we’ve known them forever. Some friendships settle in quickly, like they were always meant to be part of your life.

🧳 Packing Up for Ashland, Oregon

Back at the hotel, we began packing up again, slipping into that familiar rhythm of getting ready for the next stop. Each time we repacked, our load grew a little lighter — not because we were losing things, but because we were leaving goodies behind at each stop, sharing treats and small comforts with the friends we visited.

We even joked that we could finally put one of the back seats upright again, now that we had dropped off so much pasalubong along the way. Pasalubong is a Filipino tradition — gifts brought from a trip, meant to show thoughtfulness and strengthen connections. Carrying it with us from stop to stop made the journey feel even more meaningful.

With our bags lighter and our hearts full, we settled in for one last quiet night in Vancouver, ready for the road ahead and our next destination: Ashland, Oregon.