JJ's Birthday Adventure!

After a super fun birthday trip last year, we decided to spend John's birthday in Pendleton. We took off Friday afternoon and had a gorgeous evening ride and arrived just as the sun went down.

In the interest of tradition, we went out Saturday morning for John's birthday run: 42 minutes for 42 years! Pendleton has the greatest running path down by the river and it's always fun to run there.

VICTORY! Take that, 42!

After breakfast, we hopped on the bike and took a drive through the country side.

It's a short, beautiful drive down to Pilot Rock.

On the way back we slowed down and took the old highway.

We turned off and drove Spring Creek Road out to the end of the pavement.



It's simply beautiful out there with fields in all directions.

We came back to town for one of our favorite lunches ever at Great Pacific.  We love to sit outside and have a beer or two and the most delicious roast beef sandwich ever.  We keep threatening to try something else, but we spend so much time talking about the sandwich that by the time we order, we can't wait to have it.  Something cool is that a couple years ago when we first went there, we requested a little sliver of the Rogue blue cheese on the side.  We didn't ask for it this time, but when our sandwich came, the server told us that the kitchen said we would want it this way.  How cool and so sweet is that?  Here's the birthday boy with his first birthday beer!

After lunch we went back to the hotel and dropped of the motorcycle, changed clothes and took a stroll downtown. We always love to stop and visit with Jerry Severe at the Working Girls Gift Shop. Jerry is a beautiful lady who always recognizes us and loves to swap stories. Plus, I usually end up leaving with some treasure, like these boots!

After shopping, we stop by the Rainbow, where Betty fixes us a couple afternoon drinks.

We head back to our hotel to take advantage of the most awesome hotel pool ever.

Rested, tan, and hungry, we head out for the night. First we stopped at Prodigal Son to try the beer. They have the coolest space in the back to sit and enjoy your drinks.

Then it's off to our favorite Pendleton institution, Hamley's.

We have been Hamley regulars for long time and always look forward to seeing Kristen and Isis and the gang when we come in. Everyone there treats us so well. People often ask us if we have family in Pendleton because we always go there. Not family per se, but the people at Hamley's certainly make us feel that way.

We had a simply delightful time and a great dinner.  Overall, a fun and relaxing day together in this charming little town.

 Happy Birthday, JJ, here's to 42!