SeaTownBound. Stop 1- Seattle, WA

August 3rd, 2013
So I understand that I'm already backlogged and realizing that committing to this blog without bringing a computer is a bit of a tricky situation, but thank god for my amazing thumbs and this reliable iPhone.
Yesterday I completed yet another one of my ambitious travel arrangements, flying to Seattle at 730 am from JFK after celebrating my "21st" in the city the night (or 3 hours before) and enjoying just a quick nap before security, bag check and all that comes with airports in general ( I had forgotten just how unfriendly of a place airports are). Actually unbelievable that I went to sleep in NYC and had breakfast in Seattle. Anyway spent the day of Saturday on Ben Greer's tour of Seattle, which  was phenomenal and of course included parks, beautiful lookouts and lots of speedy driving around the 206. We also ate at a beautiful seaside fish shack and explored the famous Pike Place market, ending our day with happy hour and a tour of the Greer household (exactly what all you skid kids expect, open, airy home with lots of love and the most beautiful roofed covered deck overlooking the neighborhood with veggies and herbs from the garden surrounding- Ben's bedroom has endless gems including soccer memorabilia for days, some killer photos from way back and not one, but two Guinness posters).
Now that I've visited Seattle a few times I feel like I can make a few statements about the city. It's massive. So spread out, accessible by car and each neighborhood truly has its own awesome feel. Downtown can be so touristy, but also is full of Seattle-ites who want fresh veggies and yummy food too. There is so much pride in the city, the region and that skyline is unbeatable.
It was an awesome 6 hours and I can't wait to go back for more.
By 6pm we were on the road to Portland, OR.....
Now those of you who know Molly and I know we're a bit chatty and when we go a day or two, let alone 2 weeks without seeing each other there is an overwhelming amount of catching up to be done. So thank god we have a 3 week road trip together.
Our drive to Portland flew by and before we knew it we were at one of the amazing restaurants that had been recommended to us in the city I have been dreaming to visit, since I went to Skidmore, and opened my mind to this hippie lifestyle and became the most cliche liberal arts student ever who must move to Portland or Brooklyn after graduation.
A friend of a friend from Skidmore Becky had offered to host Molly and I and sent of a list of must sees, dos and eats. Becky is a saint. Actually one of the most hospitable, loving and friendly people I've ever met who could not have been more amazing with reccomendations and just everything. Her home is GORGEOUS, and she is just honestly perfect (and obsessed with Portland in the most real way that truly makes me think this could be the best city ever).
We made it to her house long after one of the best meals of our lives at Ox- an Argentinian grill with amazing appetizers and garden fresh sides. Baked ricotta with confit button mushrooms and truffle toast to start, following by short ribs and chorizo from the grill served with the chimmichurri and bread,  with the MOST amazing side dish ever. String beans, goat cheese and a handful of shaved black truffles on top in the gods sauce of butter and love. 16/10 for that one.
We got a bit lost on the other side of Portland trying to find the house in the pitch black without directions- FYI we are not using any GPS on this trip so it's just a great book of US road maps and we allow ourselves to zoom in on our location in google maps when in the city centers.

The Challenge

I don't want to give away all the plans, so I'll just give you a rough layout and then it will be more fun to see all the surprises along the way! Plus who really knows what will happen.

Start point:
Departing NYC: Saturday August 3rd- 7:30 am to......
SEATTLE, WA- where I will be retrieved by my business partner/ wife/ twin/ so-much-more-than-a-college-friend Molly Claire Sinsheimer

points being stayed in along the way. but so much more in between -
Portland, OR
San Francisco, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Grand Canyon, AZ- camping in the Mather Campground- say a little prayer for me (and everyone who will have to be around me during this life-threatening process)
Santa Fe, NM
Alberquerque, NM
Marfa, TX
Austin, TX
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Smokey Mountains, NC- another camping endeavor, UGH but fine whatever.
Charlotte, NC
Washington D.C.
home (maybe....) by August 31st (my long-awaited 21st birthday)

The Team

Molly Sinsheimer and Brenna Goldstein will be driving across America, from Seattle to NYC, with a few pit stops out of the way. 

What will these 2 get into?

No one knows, but everyone will find out.

with guest appearances by 

the infamous Rebecca "BeatsOffBecky" Stern

the one and only Lauren "LoMane" Rappaport

the Sinsheimer boi$s$s

(picture to come after we become best friends)