Vacationing in 'War-Torn' Portland, Part 1
By Peggy Dover / for the Rogue Valley Times
Published 7:00 am Thursday, November 6, 2025
I’m determined to write this despite choking fits, watery eyes, and a restless nose. My throat feels like it has endured miles of scorching heat. This is a firsthand account, and while 50 miles might be an exaggeration, the discomfort is real. Each morning I hope for relief, a peaceful end to this misery. But suddenly, I’m overcome by another gut-wrenching spasm and collapse, exhausted, only to find myself watching yet another episode of "Murder She Wrote."
“Oh, no, tear gas isn’t to blame. This is day five of a horrendous head cold that won’t turn loose.”
The cold is relentless, leaving little to do but endure it. I’ve lit the first cozy fire of the season and am sipping hot ginger lemon tea with honey. Jessica Fletcher just solved a murder in Cabot Cove while vacationing in London.
But ten days ago, things were quite different. Lane and I packed our bags and caught Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Klamath Falls, heading to Portland.
Author’s Summary
This vivid personal account captures the struggle of enduring illness amid travels, reflecting both resilience and quiet moments of comfort during a challenging trip.