Day 8: Rest, Recharge, and a Fresh Start
After two quiet days in my Airbnb cocoon, it was time to move again. Honestly, I barely left that tiny house. Other than walking Max for potty breaks and saying hi to Ashley parked outside, I spent my time curled up binge-watching Netflix, letting myself just be. Travel doesn’t always need to be nonstop adventure; sometimes it’s about pressing pause and giving your body and mind a chance to rest.
Before checking out, I swung by the Whole Foods just down the street to make a quick Amazon return—one of those little errands that road life doesn’t excuse you from. Then I treated myself to brunch. A Yelp search led me to the sweetest little dog-friendly spot, the kind of place where the food was as good as the vibe. Max even made a friend with the pup at the next table, tails wagging and noses bumping like old pals.
On my way out of Portland, I decided to take a small detour into downtown. I wanted to see if anything had changed since I last visited. Familiar streets came rushing back to me, especially the ones I had biked years ago from a hotel rental. Portland’s downtown still had that charm—tree-lined streets, cozy corners, the hum of possibility. I remembered a stretch of years when I seriously considered moving here, even browsing loft listings online. Today, I noticed loft prices had dipped, but HOA fees had ballooned. It made me wonder how many people still chase that downtown dream.
From there, I headed west toward Cedar Hills, a neighborhood on the border of Portland and Beaverton. I had booked a stay at a new IHG property—using my points. There was a special discount for points stays, so it felt like the perfect deal.
When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised: the hotel was nearly empty, sparkling clean, and staffed with genuinely friendly people. They even upgraded me to their best room, complete with a Peloton bike. The true cherry on top? Underground parking with elevator access straight to my floor. The neighborhood already felt safe, but knowing Ashley was secure in a garage and just steps away from me made me feel at peace.
It wasn’t a day of big sightseeing or epic drives, but it was a day of small luxuries—the kind that make long journeys feel balanced. A cozy room, friendly faces, safe parking, and a little extra comfort. Sometimes, that’s exactly the adventure I need.
