This is Donnie and I. We are on the bus to Denver International Airport and couldn't be more excited. The day is finally here. We officially tested COVID negative 3 days ago and our river boat cruise is now just one day away. That's right, we leave Portland via the Columbia River tomorrow morning!
A word about Frontier - not to be negative, but yeah, I'm speaking honestly:
The flight is cheap, the time of day is convenient and to this point (the gate) the process had been very easy. I was however, pretty disappointed to watch a Frontier staff member wheel the disabled passengers down the tunnel and onto the plane, with his mask hanging under his chin!
And once onboard, Donnie and I both noticed the occasional passenger was a bit too relaxed about the FAA mask mandate. One guy a couple of rows ahead, spent the entire flight with his mask off, talking with his hands and spitting his voice loudly in conversation with his masked neighbor. He was never "reminded" by the flight crew to put the damn mask back on!
With Donnie on one side, I was 50% sure I wasn't going to be subjected to too many germs but the chap to my right was snorting phlegm and sniffing loudly most of the flight. Did you know that a vaccinated person presents with a runny nose when they catch COVID? Yeah.... But per the rules, he was permitted to have his mask off while eating and drinking and apparently he was hungry and thirsty on this flight! Needless to say my N95 mask stayed hermetically sealed on my face the duration of the flight. Bathroom breaks, sips of water or little crunchy things in teeny air-travel sized bags were not in the cards for me.
Check it out. White billowing clouds right up until we hit Oregon.... then definitely signs of wildfire smoke lingering heavily.
Once at the hotel, we settled into our room for the night and took in the view over the river, from our balcony. Sunset came with the arrival of the American Song. This weeks passengers were to unload early tomorrow; Sunday. This was their last night, poor things!
As we gazed adoringly at her, some other guy on a balcony nearby, called to us "that's the boat we're taking tomorrow!!" And we replied "us too!!" just in time to notice about 4 other balconies worth of couples who were toasting to their own eager anticipation and good fortune.
Sunday morning at the dock.... She sure was a beaut!
By noon, everyone - all 156 passengers - had been rapid COVID tested again and were aboard (if they passed the test). If they were anything like us, they were unpacked too.
Spoiled much? Why yes. Yes we are. It's a good life and little moments like seeing your state room and it's private balcony for the first time, will never be forgotten.
Super clean, tons of room (including the bathroom) and it smelled nice too.
Just when you think you want to spend all your time in your beautiful room, it's time for lunch. Time to meet the amazing Chef Michael and his culinary treats. This was, after all, a food and wine themed cruise and there were high expectations - Expectations that it turned out, were exceeded! (That is really saying something because both Donnie and I are foodies... who eat like, everything!)
For you; A pic of a Sunday afternoon cruise down the Columbia and toward tonight's destination, Astoria.
Did I mention that it was mid 80's with a breeze? Perfect for enjoying the upper deck with it's comfy chairs and sunshiney views. If I'd died here, I would have had no regrets!
Oh Chef Michael, you shouldn't have. But I'm sure glad you did! This pot roast deliciousness was paired with a Pinot Noir from Oregon.. perfectly. Uh-huh, that would be thanks to a recommendation by Reggie, our onboard sommelier. She was gorgeous, fun, smart and was insanely passionate about wine. Dang!
Pecan pie, outside of Thanksgiving? Don't mind if I do!
Side note for my fellow ridiculously seasick-afflicted readers: Its not like the river is smooth the whole way, but the boat was. No trouble at all!!
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