Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Northwest

 We recently went out to visit the donkeys in Oregon City.

Some of our adventures in Oregon City have involved a lot of missed turns, but we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to find the sanctuary.

The donkeys were charming, but we weren't surprised by that.

I admit, I never really thought about donkeys being huggers, but that is a thing, at least for some of them.

We learned a lot about donkey history and behavior. 

Yes, there is some helpful information posted, but the best part is listening to the humans there sharing what they know, and having better and better stories for every questions you ask.

 One of the most popular activities was brushing the donkeys.

They have all sorts of surfaces and textures available in their environment, but they still seem to appreciate the personal attention.

The visits are delightful, but also you know that the fee you pay goes to support the animals, and can feel good about that. 

Many of them have come from difficult situations; helping them find safety and rest is a worthy goal.

Accessibility: The ground is fairly smooth, but also while we were there, a van came in with a wheelchair user. They allowed the van in the paddock and made sure that needs were met so that the visitor could enjoy their time too.

It is worth nothing that in addition to having donkeys with brain injuries or needing special footwear, the sanctuary is also working on being able to provide therapy for visitors with PTSD and autism. I think if you have any specific access concerns, it is safe to ask.

COVID: It is outside, though even that is getting scarier now. There were more people than I expected, though I can't really say it got crowded either.
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Use your best judgment.

https://www.oregondonkeys.org/

Eugene, OR: Texas Roadhouse

The Texas Roadhouse has many locations, including one in Eugene. We heard good things about it, but then we had some confusion, because there is also an Original Roadhouse, though in Springfield. One roadhouse is adjacent to Valley River Center and one to Gateway Mall. I am not sure everything good we heard was specifically about the Texas Roadhouse (near VRC). That is the one we went to, so that is the only one I can review.

For one friend, we know it was definitely the correct one because she specifically loves the rolls and cinnamon butter, which showed up on our table right away. The staff very kindly packed up some extra rolls and butter to go. That was good service.

One of the most impressive things for me was this case, where you can select the cut of beef that you would like cooked for you. Dear reader, I hope you will not be too disappointed to find out that all three of us ordered chicken. Just based on our tastes and the menu descriptions (and maybe a little bit of a price point that discouraged me from going for prime rib), we ordered chicken country-fried, herb-crusted, and smothered.

They were all fine, and the sides were generally good, except for my mashed potatoes. It tasted like they were smashed potatoes made with Russets, with the bits of peel messing up the texture and flavor, but also under-seasoned. If you want potatoes, get the steak fries.

I was surprised to see the sides plated separately from the main course, and from each other. That is unusual, and made the table more cluttered than ideal, though if you have eaters who don't like their food touching, that may be just what they need.

My mashed potatoes might have been better if the country gravy had been poured over them while being poured over my country-fried chicken.

Or maybe it wouldn't have made a difference. It was just weird for mashed potatoes to not be good when everything else was. The sauteed mushrooms were excellent. So, I do not question the general popularity; I am just puzzled by that specific issue.

COVID: Terrible. Only one staff member was masked (though it was nice that he was our waiter). All of the staff were friendly, and it is not even surprising at such a Texas/country place, but it was disappointing. Also, while the restaurant is large, so they could have distanced parties more, they did not.

Accessibility: It seems pretty navigable for mobility devices. There is an accessible bathroom stall, though the swing doors to get into the bathroom could be an issue. Also, it is not safe for peanut allergies, or for those with compromised immune systems, because except for the one waiter they do not care about COVID.

https://www.texasroadhouse.com/

Troutdale, OR: Sugarpine Drive-In

 I specify the "drive-in" part, because that was our experience.

It would have been possible to go in, and we would have had more menu options. We had heard more regarding the sundaes, so those were our priority, but also the drive-though line moved fairly quickly, and the walk-in one did not. We were there on a sunny Saturday, but everything you read about the restaurant says to expect an hour wait, so that appears to be typical. We were pleasantly surprised at the speed of the drive-through experience.

It would not be appropriate to take identifiable pictures of strangers, and also we stayed in the car and it made getting pictures harder. They had some nice flowers planted on the side and I hope you will enjoy them.

We passed people eating the the waffle grilled cheese sandwiches, and they looked very good. We also could smell the pulled pork and it smelled very good. It just wasn't draw enough. 

There are some other options for food. Da Pine Grind food truck was there, with its own menu, and you can order some things online, though not the soft serve (with a high risk of melting if the timing doesn't work out). Both the drive-in and the truck have large QR codes that you can scan for assistance in ordering.

The high traffic makes sense. The drive-in is right on the Sandy river, with easy access to multiple parks and relatively close to the outlet malls. Also, the soft serve is very good.

We tried the classic Larch Mountain Sundae, as well as the Cherry Cherry Cocoa Puff. They do rotate other flavors through, but these were most appealing to us. The soft serve base was delicious, along with the brownie/blondie additions.Who wouldn't like something cold and sweet after tubing on the river? Also they staff was friendly and helpful, and how busy they clearly were did not affect that. 

There can be very different experiences.

COVID: We dealt with two staff members, one taking our order and payment and the other handing it into the car. Both were masked and great and we felt like this was a safe transaction.

No one in the walk-up line was masked, and they were not distancing. Even with part of the line being outside, everyone was in close orders, and I would not have felt safe at all.

Accessibility: I could not tell if there were steps or ramps or anything like that, but so many mobility issues come with immune system issues that again, using the walk-up does not seem like a good idea. It might work for the truck. 

This is a shame, because the menu is very conscientious in providing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.  The popularity is deserved, but it can create issues, especially in a time of pandemic.

https://sugarpinedrivein.com/

Beaverton, OR: Vintage Tek Equipment Museum

 Tucked away on the Tektronix campus in Beaverton is a museum of the company's past.

You may have an idea from other sources of how important Tek has been to the technological development of the area, but it is easy to not know much about how that happened. You can learn a lot here.

While there is reasonable signage for the displays, if you are offered a tour, take it. The context, anecdotes, and demonstrations really add to the full story.

There is memorabilia from the color printing group and from the Grass Valley Group, including an Emmy for technical achievement. 

Surprisingly, there was even a musical section with a theremin and some memorabilia of Tek's connection to Rodgers Organ Company.

Of course, the vast bulk of the equipment on display consists of oscilloscopes. This is where it is most inspiring.

It is ultimately a story of innovation: fiddling around with what you want until you have created it, then finding out that other people want it too.

That includes learning how to make various parts yourself, even including cathode ray tubes.

As interesting as the journey into the past is, there is more to the museum than the past.

They also operate a lending library, where you can borrow various items and get assistance with their use as needed.

They will also do repairs on vintage Tek products. That is a very specific need, but it's good news if that is your need.

It has deservedly drawn attention as a place worth visiting.

https://www.electronicproducts.com/10-sites-of-electrical-history-to-visit-on-your-next-road-trip/

It's worth the trip.

COVID: Masks are required on visitors and worn by the volunteer staff.

Accessibility: There is a ramp for entrance and an ADA-compliant bathroom. I was not sure if the aisles were wide enough for mobility devices, but I asked our tour guide and he confirmed that they have have many mobility devices come through, and have conducted tours for other groups with special needs. If you have a specific concern I am sure they will address it.

https://vintagetek.org/

Rock Creek: McBee's Shakes Crepes and Cones

McBee's has really good crepes. 

They serve more than crepes -- the sign lists those between shakes and cones -- but I have been most impressed with the crepes, especially after trying a few other locations.

It is not just that they are well made, but there is a variety of both sweet and savory (especially with the savory) that can cover a wide variety of tastes.

It seems like some places don't know how to punch something up other than by putting in avocado (or figs), perhaps fine sometimes, but easily repetitive.

With McBee's there is the basic ham and cheese, of course, but then you can get ultra fancy with salmon and capers, or vegetarian with pesto and tomatoes or artichoke puree, or somewhere in between with grilled chicken and roasted peppers.

Yes, about half of the sweet crepes have Nutella, which is pretty standard, but there is also one with lemon curd, which is much less common.

The crepes would be reason enough to go, but that is before you have gotten to the ice cream.

We tried out one of the ice cream pies for a birthday not long ago, and enjoyed it.

Even more recently, I tried one of the landslides, which is sort of the answer to if you can't decide between a split or a cone.

Landslides are an option along with the previously mentioned cone and shakes, as well as quakes and sundaes. You can also take home a pint of Dole Whip or one of the other flavors if you wish. 

 

Through the end of August, Wednesday nights are "happy hour", with $3 root beer floats and Gummy Shark Bowls.

There should be some option to work for almost everyone.

 

COVID: Staff is masked and distancing was possible on a Saturday at least. The space is small, so there is at least the possibility of crowding if enough people are there at the same time, and people do take their masks off to eat.

Accessibility: The space is pretty navigable. Depending on where you get on to the sidewalk outside, there may be stairs. However, there are entrances from both sides of the building, giving some more options for where to park. If your issue is nut allergies, they do use nuts and cannot guarantee no cross-contamination.

McBee's is located off of West Union, near 185th.

https://www.creativefoodentertainment.com/mcbees/mcMain.php