Overlook Hotel

My alarm sounded at 4:20 a.m. and I pulled myself out of bed and jumped into the shower. Before you knew it, I was out the door and at the San Francisco airport and heading through the heightened security. I checked everything in order to avoid a strip search, and surprisingly I got through the line pretty quickly. I had some extra time prior to my 6:55 a.m. departure, but it was too early for a cocktail so I opted for a cup o' Joe at the Peet's stand.

Fortunately we departed on schedule and landed in Portland right around 8:30 a.m. I collected my bag and then headed over to the Budget counter for my rental car.

"Let's see, sir. Oh yes, your Chrysler Sebring is in F-25," said the attendant.

"Um, actually I think I had a Mustang convertible," I said.

"Yes, you have a Mustang convertible or comparable car. Besides, you'll enjoy the Sebring's handling much better than the Mustang," she said.

I'll be the judge of that, I thought to myself.

I found the car, loaded my bag and headed out eastbound. After less than an hour drive, I was high on the banks of Mt. Hood and I pulled up to Timberline Lodge. The parking lot was more full than I had expected for a summer day. But after I got out of my car and got a closer look, I saw why. You see, ski season hasn't yet ended at Timberline. At $43 a pop, you too, could spend a summer day skiing and boarding on this Oregon volcano.


















After checking out the resort and lodge where they filmed exterior shots for the fictitious "Overlook Hotel" in the movie The Shining, I peeled down the convertible top and hit the road once again.