Reno to Portland

August 3, 2026

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At 3:00 AM, I check my phone for the time and notice a message from Alaska Airlines stating my flight is delayed by 2 hours with a new departure time of 10:15 AM. This is a BIG problem. I have a connecting flight leaving Portland to Idaho Falls that departs at 10:15 AM, not going to make that. Plus there is only 1 flight a day on Alaska from Portland to Idaho Falls. I realize nobody is going to get me out of this, I have to act. After making new arrangements with a very pleasant Alaska representative, I have a new flight, but on tomorrow, 8/4. That means I must reschedule my connecting bus from Idaho Falls to Lima, MT. Another very understanding representative easily reschedules my bus ride to the 4th. Alaska is taking care of my lodging, transportation and $48 food voucher for my stay in Portland.

Now I can relax again, it's 4:15 AM so I think I'll try to get some more sleep.

Uber gets me to the airport, checking my pack is simple and fast. TSA pre-check is thankfully a breeze.

Now the last piece of the puzzle, to reschedule my motel in Lima. After a brief phone call with the manager of the Beaverhead Inn my arrangement has been transferred to the 4th. All is put back together for a smooth trip to Lima.

The flight to Portland and the Lyft ride to my hotel go without a hitch.

Portland airport has a very new and refined feel

The sky in Portland is smoky giving the sun a deep orange look. I fear the sky in Montana may look the same. In the meantime I need to check in and walk the streets of Portland for an afternoon adventure.

The Hilton Duniway lounge and restaurant

My hotel and room are very comfortable. A Hilton bed always seems to provide excellent sleep comfort.

The streets of Portland are lined with unique buildings and even more individual specialty stores. One restaurant claims life is part pasta and magic. I come upon Powell's Bookstore, it looks like a small interesting place. Come to find out this is the flagship store claiming to be the world's largest independent new and used bookstore. I'm doubtful as how big could this be.

Powells entrance hides its true nature and size

Just a sample of the what it looks like in here

Once inside I discover a labyrinth of rooms filled with book shelves offering every imaginable topic a person could dream of. To top it off they an offer relaxing coffee shop. Powell's is truly a very large and complete bookstore, the largest I've ever seen.

I enjoy my afternoon stroll in this well mannered and attractive city. Frequent electric trains crisscross the streets as if every place you want to go is easily accessible. The citizens all seem polite creating a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.

My evening meal of salmon and Thai carrots is unique and flavorful. A nice closing to the day that started out so early as a potential problem.

Tags: cdt

Tahoma to Reno

August 2, 2026

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My plan is to pickup the CDT at the highest mileage point I have achieved, Lima, Montana. My travels on this trail have been put together in many different ways through several section hikes. If all goes to plan this should be my completion section hike. To get to Lima I have 2 days of travel on several forms of transportation. As I leave for my adventure the morning air is already sweet with the scent of fir trees and the day is warming rapidly. I board the TART bus 0910 hrs at the Tahoma market. After a pleasant ride enjoying views deeper into the forest seldom seen by drivers, on a very uncrowded bus, I arrive in Truckee at 1010 hrs.

Truckee AmTrak station

Have about 4 hours before the AmTrak arrives, this allows me time for a leisurely breakfast. Jax is just across the tracks and they have a splendid hash. I arrive and get a table immediately in a tight 2 top, but it offers enough room for my pack and myself. Within 15 minutes the populace touring about the streets of Truckee decide in unison it seems they are all hungry. Now standing room only exists as the restaurant fills to capacity.

The hash at Jax, always a treat for me

Very easy first leg of my multi transit plan to get to Lima, Montana. The next leg involves AmTrak to Reno.

Truckee AmTrak

The train is 1/2 hour late, but I have a comfortable bench all to myself as the waiting area is empty. I prop my pack at a comfortable angle to use as a backrest and stretch out on my bench. I have my current book to occupy me for the wait. The sounds of the station are varied and constantly changing. In the background is a loop of my generation's music gently making its way to my ears. Mostly families appear seeking information from the visitors center and herd their children towards all the Truckee centric offerings.

In short order it seems the train has arrived. The good news is the coach car has an upper level with nice, plush seats and lots of leg room. The ride is pleasantly smooth with views I never get to see from the highway. My thoughts for a bit center on my great grandfather, Charles Poppe. He was employed as a conductor on the trains that traversed these very tracks.

My great grandfather is the taller man in the middle, Taken between Boca reservoir and Truckee.

A surprisingly large number of people are floating the river, many waving to us as the train glides by. I notice a small power plant never seen before along with homes I didn't know existed. Our arrival in Reno occurs a brief 45 minutes later. The tracks have been relocated below the city streets. We embark below street level and after a quick 3 level stair climb I'm on the street level with a short 1/2 block walk to my hotel, Whitney Peak.

N. Virginia St

A street fair is in full swing replete with a band playing tunes that appeal to a large cross section of the population, including me. After an early supper, satisfied with the trouble free first leg of my trip, I retire to my room preparing for a 0530 start to the airport.

Tags: cdt