Up early and tents packed, it was time to hit the dunes. Training film viewed, paperwork signed, fitted with helmets and firmly buckled in, we attacked the dunes in our 4 seater ATV. About five minutes in and white knuckles, I feared this was going to be the longest hour of my life! As I got used to it, it turned out to be quite fun, and the hour passed quickly. A brief stop at McD's for early lunch and wifi, and we were soon on the road again. Over the beach hangs a heavy fog, which is typical for the area, due to water and air temperature differences. Less than 100m from the beach and it's lovely blue sky.
By 4.30pm we hit the outskirts of Portland and the Argyle Wines tasting room. Many tastes and dollars later, Aaron leaves with his 7 bottles and we then get to know Duckpond Wines. Not a patch on the previous wines, that have been served at many a White House dinner, if framed letters on the walls are to be believed. No sales at Duckpond, but good instructions on how to negotiate peak hour Portland traffic.a beautiful surprise was waiting for us as we pulled into the historical hotel we were staying at, Edgefield. Run by the McMenamins group, who own quite a few such properties over here, it is not just a hotel, but has a winery and distillery onsite. Wine tasting, whiskey tasting, small intimate dining areas, cafés, bars and stores, along with lovely day spa and pool room and spa pool. Rooms are all individually decorated with hand painted murals and quotes on the walls. Stunning. Bathroom down the hall is a very small price to pay and reinforces the history of this old converted hospital.