Champagne, Trains and Honeymoon

For the last 2 weeks, Tim and I have been pinching ourselves. It’s been the best 14 days of our lives. From the moment that Weiser landed in Bozeman to kick off the Wedding week, it’s been nonstop fun of friends, family, champagne, and Elvises.

Your Favorite Band

It began with a Sunday afternoon pickup of Weiser at the Bozeman Airport. We were soon joined by Dana, Dave and the Staeblers for an unofficial bachelor/bachelorette party with Igor and the Red Elvises (Your Favorite Band). Festivities continued into Monday when Tim, Mark and I soaked in Yellowstone’s Boiling River. After a day of errands on Tuesday and a delicious barbecue stop at Dan and Rebecca’s, we were back at Chico to welcome the incoming Bradshaws.

Wednesday we saw lots of Chico arrivals and we started to feel like we owned the place. Workmans, Landolts and Wilmores arrived and it was big hugs all around. A beautiful hike in the woods to Pine Creek Falls was the perfect excuse to bring the early comers together and catch up.

Tim and I spent busy days on Thursday, running around Bozeman picking up kegs, people, tequila, people, dresses, tuxes and people. We arrived back to Chico just in time for a soak in the pool with all our favorite folks in the world.

Floating the Yellowstone

Friday, Tim’s rafting expedition hit the water with 5 rafts and 40 floaters. Led by Banny, BJ, Clara, Ross and Bob, this 3 hour tour quickly turned to 5 but based on the grins getting off the boats, I don’t think anyone minded a bit. Then it was up to the Field of Dreams (we really hate that name) for a raucous rehearsal. Sylvia’s Brunswick stew waited at the top of the hill for hungry appetites that evening. Everyone stuffed themselves on homemade Virginia Ham biscuits, stew and Christy’s margarita cupcakes. It was a perfect evening.

Dinner on the Stairs

The husband isn’t supposed to see the bride the day of the wedding. I am not sure if the day of the wedding technically starts at midnight, I hope not since it was 1 am when Tim and I had our final singles smooch. It would be a fast 14 hours until we saw each other again.

I woke up and my 2 lovely bridesmaids, Dana and Katie, and I drove up to Pine Creek Cafe for a very tasty breakfast. Well fed, we returned to Chico for the organized chaos of getting ready for a wedding. 3 hours, 2 bottles of champagne, 2 floorboard dives to avoid a groom sighting and 1 rosy cheeked bride later, Tim and I were standing together for an ideal ceremony. All I know is that Every wedding should have an Elvis. We feel extraordinarily lucky to have had 2.

Elvises

The reception was full of laughter, pies and the people we love. When Tim and I slipped out at midnight, we were glowing with the amazing time we’d had.

Down the Aisle

It was another whirlwind morning of cleanup when Tim and I finally said goodbye to Chico and began our drive North to West Glacier. We arrived at the train station with an hour to spare and relaxed with a Ranger IPA while the full moon rose over the mountains. The Empire Builder pulled into the station just before 9 and we loaded up in our very cozy berth for our next adventure.

Coffee at Sunrise

The train experience is indescribeable. Imagine the comfort of First Class, the gentle rocking motion of a calmed boat and the scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Once we were on the train, we gave up schedules and deadlines. We were responsible for one thing and one thing only, to relax. We did just fine.

Index Peak - From the Train

When we arrived to Seattle Monday morning, we checked our bags at the hotel and headed out to explore the town. First order of business was lunch. We dined on oysters and chowder and began our day long tour of Seattle’s IPAs. Next stop was an eclectic bookstore, where we picked out some good reads. We headed next door to the Library Bistro where we grabbed beers and our books and waited for Seattle’s cloudy skies to be sunny again.

Welcome to Seattle

Returning to the hotel, we went to the rooftop pool and met some charming fellow travelers. One couple told us about their recent trip to Portland and their favorite restaurant there. We took notes. Then it was off to the famed Wild Ginger for dinner. The food was everything we expected. The service was a bit shaky but we left full and very very happy.

Portland Here We Come

The next day we were back on the train for a quick ride down to Portland. We promptly arrived at The Nines our funky downtown hotel, put on our best hipster outfits and went to explore. We walked the few blocks to arrive at Andina – the recommendation of our new Seattle friends. From the Pisco Sours to the steak tartar, this Peruvian restaurant provided the best dining experience that Tim and I have had…maybe ever. It was outrageously good. We went in expecting to get a few tapas before heading to dinner and couldn’t stop ordering food. Dinner was cancelled and we ate small plates all evening. If you go to Portland, go to Andina. If you are 100 miles from Portland, drive to Portland and go to Andina. It’s that good.

Andina - Portland's Best Meal

Today we got up late, now being in full vacation mode, it’s easy to sleep in. We explored more of Portland including getting a most unusual breakfast. Start with a homemade bacon cheddar biscuit. Split biscuit in half. Pile one half of biscuit with farm fresh sausage, lettuce, a chicken leg and an overeasy egg. Top with second half of biscuit. Surround the biscuit tower with sausage gravy. Include lemon marmalade on side. Prepare to be stuffed for the rest of day.

Portlandia

Sunset Dinner on the Columbia River Gorge

After this feast, we figured we better walk off some calories so we toured Portland on foot, crossing the Willamette river in search of new sites, Rose Gardens and Portlandia. Then it was back on the train where we are cruising through the night back to West Glacier. From here it’s a homecoming with Frank and spending the weekend in a National Park that I’ve never seen. The fun has just begun.