BEAUCOUP DE BIÈRE.

Salutations to the shining sun. It was another early morning for me. For about an hour, I had time to plan out my route. I managed to secure a few campgrounds for these next couple days. Many people worry about my lack of plan for this extensive excursion. Paul Theroux said it best, "It is fatal to know too much at the outset. Boredom comes as to quickly to the traveler who knows his route as the novelist who is over certain of his plot." I do not wish to plan each and every step meticulously. There must be room for a little, je ne sais quoi, spontaneity! 

Anyways, my companions decided to join me in the morning madness. We quickly visited a small little farmers market on the other side of town. Leah likes to get bouquets from here. These flowers were fine indeed, and the price was right. Next, we went to a nearby Asian grocery store. I got a slurpable seaweed salad for some morning energy. We returned Leah's car to her apartment and made our way into the centreville. The first item of business was to get some espresso. Here are my tasting notes: brutally bitter, little to no crema, and sugar did not even dissolve. The search continues. Conveniently there was an Ace Hardware nearby. Quickly I ran in and grabbed some secure strapage for my bike. 

Now it was time for the first brewery of our tour. Deschutes Brewery was the first on the list. Their juicy IPA has been a personal favorite of mine for quite some time. The freshness was absolutely apparent. We also ordered fries, grilled cheese, and some soup. We walked a few blocks to 10 Barrels Brewery. At this stop, I went with their sour beer. It was citrusy and refreshing. Portland seems to have a high tolerance for pets. Everyone has a dog, and local businesses are extremely accommodating. This way of life is better. A cute dog never fails to put a smile on your face. After we had completed our beers, we walked across the street to Rouge Brewery. I am familiar with this beer brand and was pleased to partake. We split a whiskey-tasting flight, my beer of choice was the Honey Kölsch. For real, fabulous flavors my friends. 

Collin had to catch the train back to Seattle. This was not goodbye but merely farewell. Leah and I finished our beverages and made our way back toward the apartment. We stopped at one more drinking establishment, Leah's local Irish pub. My rule of thumb is always to drink a Guinness in this type of institution. This task was no issue for me, Guinness is a delicious dessert for these taste buds. We slammed our brews and continued on the route home. I was in desperate need of a new baseball cap. A little Levi's store along the strip was my saving grace. Now all my supplies for this trip are accounted for. Perhaps I might think of something else along the route, but this should not be a major issue. There will be plenty of opportunities to pick up and discard items as the journey advances. We returned to the apartment, and I spent the remainder of the night working on my TEFL assignments. Today I was truly tired. The lack of sleep may had been a significant factor. Tonight sleep will be welcomed. Tomorrow the true Tom travels take place. This is what I have been dreaming about, wish me luck.