Oregon, July 25th to July 27th, 2015

July 25 to July 27

We have spent our time visiting with family and friends, almost daily. We did venture out on Saturday (July 25) to Otis, Oregon, about an hour’s drive from Salem. Our nephew, Darrin, puts on a motorcycle rally called “Run 21 Resurrection.” Having never been to a motorcycle rally before, and having been invited by Darrin to go, we decided to stop in before going to see Brian Wilson (Beach Boys). The rally was fun but a little shocking to see so many women without tops on. I guess that’s what one does at a motorcycle rally.

Lots of folks, tents, RV's, cars and motorcycles. — Lots of folks, tents, RV’s, cars and motorcycles.

Edie wants to buy one of these so bad to pull behind the Prius. I am holding firm. I will not fit in that little thing.

This was called the, "Winnie Bite" The woman on the back tries to bite a hot dog as the bike rolls past. Several did it topless and the crowd liked it when she got a deep bite. — This was called the, “Weenie Bite” The woman on the back tries to bite a hot dog as the bike rolls past. Several did it topless and the crowd liked it when she got a deep bite. This woman wore a top, most didn’t.

Pretty woman checking out the biker rally.

Lot's of nice bikes. — A lot of nice bikes.

Mandatory wet t shirt contest. We hung back for that one. — Mandatory wet t-shirt contest. We hung back for that one.

Darrin gave us the VIP treatment, even though he was incredibly busy, but it was nice to spend a few minutes with him and Barb.

Barb and Darrin. The back of his T-shirt reads, "The Man" It is his event. — Barb and Darrin. The back of his T-shirt reads, “The Man.” It is his event.

Glad we went. I wonder if Sturgis or Hollister motorcycle gatherings are like this one. (Maybe one day.)

We left around 4:00 PM or so and headed back to Spirit Mountain Casino, about a 30 minute drive back towards Salem. We got there way early, parked, took a little nap, and then went inside to get a little something to eat before the performance. The doors opened at 7:00 PM, with the concert starting at 8:00 PM. The venue looked completely full. When Brian Wilson walked out (with some assistance), he immediately sat down behind a big piano. We decided he probably shouldn’t be touring as he’s not really physically (and mentally) able as he kept doing very strange things with his nose and throat. We did thoroughly enjoy Al Jardine, and his son, Matt. Great. Loved hearing all the oldies. Lots of fun. Pleasant stroll down memory lane. Got back to brother John’s house about 11:00 PM.

One day while we were visiting with family, they told us about a local shoe store (Gallagher’s Shoes in Salem) who would look at your feet, measure them, and then get you into great and comfortable shoes. Michael had just bought some new New Balance shoes but he still looked like he was walking on his ankles. We went to Gallagher’s and they got him into some Brooks shoes and he says they’re doing great. Also, they look substantial to support him. I have been having some pain in my heels, so I got me a pair of some very expensive shoes and hope they last for years and years. (We need our feet to keep doing fun things so I’ll not complain too much about the expensive shoes.)

One of the very hot and beautiful days we went to the Capitol in Salem and took a tour to the top to see Pioneer man. I think there was something like 121 steep steps. Good workout for us but we were sure glad to see the top of the building. Quite the view and very beautiful. The Capitol is lovely with lots of black and white marble.

The whole of my life this relief has looked odd to me. The man standing and shielding his eyes with his back to the kids is awkward. — The whole of my life this relief has looked odd to me. The man standing and shielding his eyes with his back to the kids is awkward, unnatural and just bizarre.

A large brass state seal in the center of the floor under the dome.

Original, got outgrown. Mt Hood in the background.

1935 construction. The country was still in the grips of the depression.

After the tour we went to the movie theater to see “Mr. Holmes.” We love Ian McKellen and enjoyed the movie but it was very different from what we were expecting. It was funny because we went to a matinee and while we were waiting for the other people to come into the theater, we decided to do a threat assessment on each person walking into the theater (due to the recent theater shootings). Every person that walked into the theater was at least 70 years old so we thought we would be safe.

That has been our time. Hope yours has been great!