Travels with Dort - Day One

Portland airport

Entry to the USA has become more complex! First we filled in a customs declaration form on paper before checking in at Alaska Airlines. That part was a breeze. Then we proceeded to an area where we provided the same declaration info on computer monitors that also took our photos and, with a push of a button, gave us a printout that included our photos. From there we deposited the original declaration into a box and proceeded to security where we removed our shoes. Dorothy's baggage and purse were "wanded"(for drugs and explosives?), mine were simply pushed through.It was obvious to everyone behind us that Dorothy posed a security threat! When gathering our belongings I asked her "Do you have everything?" After security scrutiny we stopped at the Customs agents who collected our newly created photo/ declaration info sheets.

Now it was time for coffee and a muffin before boarding the flight to Portland on the first leg of our journey. Sated and relaxed, Dorothy reached into her bag for a toothbrush and realized that the clear plastic bag containing her mouth guard, toothbrush, etc was missing. It was 30 minutes to departure. She rushed off to retrace her steps, returning empty handed just in time for the flight.

Much to our surprise we boarded our plane from the tarmac in Vancouver. The plane was a small twin prop. From my seat I could only see one prop spinning. We crossed our fingers, closed our eyes...and, were soon airborne!

The short flight was uneventful and the Portland airport was very nice. There are live musical performances all day in the central meeting area. During a washroom visit Dorothy discovered that the front pouch of her suitcase had a zipper! Guess what she found in the zippered pouch?! Whew! I was relieved that she had found her plastic bag with mouth guard and I wouldn't have to hear gnashing teeth all night!

By the time we boarded our flight to Washington I was starving again. The coffee & muffin were consumed at 6am!! So, when they announced that the only lunch item available was a Texas Style BBQ pork sandwich, I watched impatiently as the flight attendants inched their way down the aisle with the food cart toward row 22. With a stroke of luck, I was given the last sandwich! The last 18 rows had to settle for fruit & cheese trays.

At the hotel we were given a large suite on the 6th floor complete with a mini kitchen. More adventures tomorrow!