When we arrived at the motel in Aberdeen it was about 5pm. Our room had a door joining it to the next room. We could hear the tele but it was early and live and let live eh. We got back from dinner around 9pm and we could still hear it but not loud. When we went to sleep around 11 we just thought whoever was in there had gone out and left the tele on. Anyway we went to sleep ok. I (Vic) woke up about 1am and it was still on and I couldnt get back to sleep. If I'm honest I cant watch more than about 20 minutes of American TV. This guy was either out, dead or had got a serious addiction. I mean 8 hours solid !!!

Anyway whats a guy to do. I need sleep. America is the land of the free and the home of the 44 Magnum. I dont want to knock on the door...coward !!! I picked up the phone and Jill said are you phoning the office? Hold on she said I can hear the phone rining next door.......too right. Excuse me old chap Im in the next room, be a sport and turn down the box, pip pip, i said. Sorry he said and switched it off. So no need to pop round a put a cap in his ass !!

Anyway, next morning back in the car and off to Mt Rainier national park. I had downloaded a West coast sat nav programme for my iphone before we left. Have you noticed how women hate the Sat Nav voice. Its Jane at home and Mary Lou here. Anyway she took us a different way than Jill thought we should go. b**** !!!!

We had a long and very scenic drive through the park. Mt Rainier is actually a volcano and although it hasnt erupted for 2000 years experts think it may do again soon. Mt St Helens which is nearby erupted 20 years ago killing 75 people.

Although it was late we decided to keep driving and see if we could make Portland, Oregon. We found a Travelodge Motel. Jill had picked up a magazine which is full of discount vouchers. So we got $20 dollars a night of the rate. Its a small world as the Indian looking chap who owned the place said 'You are English. I lived for a few years in Richmond' He was very helpful.

We decided to stay 2 nights to give us a break from driving. Fortunately there is no one in the room next door or they may have complained. Jill and I were watching bull riding on the TV. s*** it looks dangerous. We cheered for a bull called 'Uncle Buck' and cowboys who wore hats not helmets. The bulls get points for their performance too. Apparently nobody wants Uncle Buck in the draw as he is an 'onary critter. Oh and cowboys actually say 'dang'.

Today we have spent in the sunshine exploring Portland. It is split in half by the Williamette river. We walked in across the Burnside swing bridge. One of about 10 bridges. After coffee/tea we went to Washington park. Its very pretty. Inside it has a Japanese garden which is beautifully manicured. Lunch by the river and a beer in a micro brewery pub with a menu of 100 tap beers.

Modern times....we saw a hobo begging with her cat and two dogs, the obligatory cardboard 'homeless'sign while texting on her iphone!!!!

After lunch we walked along one side of the river then crossed and walked the other side. A lovely relaxing day. Tomorrow we are heading for Highway 101 and the coast.