Autopilot to Portland

Posted on May 17th, 2016

Throughout the wedding planning process, Ian has consistently asked for only two things: a solid selection of craft beer at all wedding-related events, and a Tesla as our getaway car.  The first one is easy peasy.  But the second has presented a bit of a challenge.  For one, you can’t exactly rent a Tesla.  And I’m also not sure Ian should plan on being sober enough to safely drive a rented Tesla by the end of the night.  Just being realistic over here.

Fate intervened, and I had the opportunity to semi-remedy this situation.  In March, I attended a JDRF gala in Orange County, California, where they were offering an auction package that included a 24 hour Tesla test drive.  I jumped on it.  I just hope Ian doesn’t expect me to come through with that major of a birthday present every year.

We wanted to make the most of 24 hours with a souped-up Tesla, so a road trip was certainly in order.  Seattle is close to approximately two things.  One, Vancouver, requires an international border crossing.  The other is Portland, Oregon.  I hadn’t given Portland much thought before moving to Seattle.  I had always just kind of thought it was a smaller, crunchier version of Seattle.  Based on the impression I received in the 14 hours Ian and I spent there last weekend, it appears I was not far off base.

Back to the Tesla: I’m not a car person, so I didn’t have particularly high expectations.  But I am somewhat of an innovative technology and engineering person, and I realized the Tesla was much more of a feat of technological breakthrough than a car.  We drove to Portland and back on autopilot.  It took some getting used to, but I was so impressed.

The Tesla was definitely the main event, and our Portland exploration was just a bonus.  We stayed in a gorgeous suite at the Hotel Monaco right downtown– their use of wallpaper was on point, and you know I loved the navy couch with white piping.

I had hoped we’d make it to the International Rose Garden, but the weather was not cooperating.  There was one thing, however, we knew we couldn’t skip: Voodoo Doughnuts.

Guys, they were right.  Good things do come in pink boxes.  The Ain’t That a Peach fritter and blueberry cake doughnuts were my favorites, but as you can see, we did our due diligence by trying basically all of them.

Anyway.  We’re saving up for a Tesla now.  You’re welcome to join us for a ride when we can afford to buy one of our very own in 2032.