Zootopia: Day Two in Portland, Our Future Home

August 5th, 2025. Portland, Oregon.

Portland is two hours ahead of Austin, so I woke about 3:45 a.m. ready to conquer the day. Unlike previous adventures where Dom has organized a precise, value-maximizing itinerary for us, this year, I was in charge. In classic Verastiqui style, that meant one big thing a day, followed by a little of what I like to call we'll see what happens.

What a sleepy little city Portland is. Though the distance highways are full of cars creeping along the elevated asphalt, the noise level in the Pearl District is a pleasant dim of wildlife and quietude. After starting our day with a continental breakfast in the lobby, we headed up to the roof to check out some views of the city. The little patio was mostly empty and a little damp with the morning dew, which meant the children were bored in roughly twenty-seven seconds.

Luckily, we found a snail.

In Austin, that would be escargot already, I heard myself saying, the first of many references to the heat from which we'd fled. I had a lot of jokes about the heat, but since the weather was so pleasant, my family tolerated them.

Everything is better here, I thought. Even I am funnier here.

I didn't think that was possible.

The one big thing for Tuesday was the Oregon Zoo, located just outside of Portland to the west. Or maybe it's considered inside. I don't know. I'm not used to drawing divisions in a city half the size of Austin. It was essential SoCo from Mueller away from us. Anyway.

While the San Diego zoo is large and sprawling, the Oregon Zoo begins in the most intimate of climes. The trees loom far overhead to a sky not on fire. Nature surrounds you like a cool blanket. And you're overcome by the sense that these animals live better than I do.

I've worked hard to develop skills that turn thoughts and feelings into words, but I have nothing else to say about the zoo except that there was a breeze, the natural air fresheners kept everything pleasant, and none of the trash cans were being swarmed by bees (shoutout Houston Zoo!).

We didn't feel rushed as we moved from one exhibit to the next. All the anxiety and frustration that comes with corralling children seemed reasonable and doable without sweat pooling under my arms.

I'm overdoing it on the heat bit, aren't I?

Whatever. You weren't there.

My only regret is that I didn't get the Walking Taco.

On our way over to Beaverton to pick up a nightlight for Rainbow, we stopped at The Canyon Grille for some burgers and fries. This little hole in the wall was absolutely excellent and so much better than taking the kids to McDonald's. Hitting up a dive is exactly the right we'll see what happens vibe.

Grab their signature burger and a milkshake. You can't go wrong.

After getting our order from Target, we headed back to the hotel for some rest. Matador wanted to visit the pool after dinner, and that's when we learned how loud indoor splash pads could be! Rainbow was having none of it, so I took her back upstairs to get dressed again. Then we headed out into the cool evening to get some snacks and buy some souvenirs.

I love a good souvenir, but I bought very little on the trip. A shirt. A magnet. It all felt like clutter to me, and I couldn't indulge like I used to. Maybe I'm getting old.

Cut for time: I could write several paragraphs about the Hatch nightlight and noise machine, of which we already owned two. TL;DR, you need a wifi network to set these things up, and because of reasons, the Hatch won't connect to the hotel wifi. You can, however, turn on your phone's hotspot and configure it that way. But that only works if you disconnect your phone for wifi. All I'm saying is that it was very complicated and Big Brain Daniel figured it out and I want it noted here for future generations.

Tomorrow, the beach! Except... the forecast is calling for rain.

Rain?! In Portland?