Eugene to Portland

Back on the road today up to Portland. The drive was mostly through mountains but the freeway was good and not too busy. I stopped a couple of times for coffee on the way and eventually rolled into Portland. I called a Safeway just before the Hostel I had booked and picked up some food for tea. The Hostel was a little way further up and very much into the 'green' thing. The roof was an eco-roof with shrubs and plants on it, the toilets were flushed with rain water collected in big tanks at the side of the hostel and virtually all waste was recycled. I fancied a beer so asked at the reception and the girl there recommended a bar about 500yds down the road which brewed their own. Not that I had to worry about getting a decent pint here. Portland is considered the micro-brewery capital of the US. I walked down the road and could only find a Pizza restaurant but on further investigation found it had a small bar area tucked down the side. They had a good selection of beers but their Espresso Stout was excellent. It had a great coffee bitter kick and wasn't to gassy. I got chatting to a guy there and we put the world to rights over a few beers, then I some how staggered back to the hostel (the beer was apparently over 8% and not many people manage more than 2 – I can remember drinking at least 3!)