May
19
We heart Portland.
by Emily Tags: Add new tag, COYOD, Hosts, Portland
We arrived early in Portland, and are forcing ourselves to press south tomorrow. In two weeks we’ve stayed with 6 different hosts and really got around the town. The Oregon Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association’s staff is like our family now- Judy, Tracy, Melissa, Kate, etc. We got to attend both the HBO screening and Food for Thought, where we gave a little speech about our project, which naturally opened up more conversation with the people there. The connections are endless.
Speaking of connections- Rock Against Alzheimer’s crew is fabulous and we’re stoked we got to hang with them. Then there’s all the COYOD and people we’ve interviewed! We shot 4 stories, and yesterday interviewed specialists at the OHSU Alzheimer’s Center. While we were there, some guy approached us to ask about our bikes. Turns out he’s a COYOD. WTF? We’re going to hopefully connect with him today. We met a documentary filmmaker through a COYOD, and now she’s possibly down to join us for part of the trip…
Max and I are so grateful for all the people who let us bring our big loads into their homes. Our hosts deserve a very big shout out for enhancing our stay far beyond any expectations. Amy Dials- you brought us to pizza and the coolest McMenamin’s Kennedy elementary-school turned multi-pub and movie theater spot; Monica and Jeremy Sarant- thanks for connecting us with your friend at OHSU and taking us on a “little” joy ride of 40 miles; The Klitz’s- thank you for picking us up and making us instantly feel part of your amazing clan (see below for pic, Steve not pictured); The Dyer-Seeley’s- Kate, Gordy and Luke (and Dot and Sophie)- we love you!! As promised to Luke we will stop by 5-15 more times; Cassie and Omar- Stella, Petite Provencale and fun!; and our newest Portland friends Sam and Don- so happy we met Sam on the street, now we are in your home and we really dig you two.
We will miss Portland, but are getting excited for San Fran. And camping. A little time to digest it all and edit footage…

Max, Cyndi, Ryan and Sofi KlitzC
