I was down at Portland Thurs (PIR) and Friday (expo/PIR). It's about a 2 hour drive one way there for me - for many years I have stayed over Thursday night in Vancouver. Due to some scheduling/logistical issues, I made the round trip both days this year.
PIR - this is the place to be. Nearly full of vendors and some good deals to be had - came away with a decent haul this year. Can definitely be hit or miss year to year, but still no better way to spend a day off of work, especially with the awesome weather this year.
Expo - I told myself last year that it would be my last, but couldn't help myself and paid $26 for myself and my son to get in (in addition to $15 parking, and a 200 mile round trip @ 12.5mpg x $5+/gal). I should have known better and just stayed home and paid someone $100 to kick me in the balls instead - probably would have been a better experience and over sooner. It's just downright sad at this point. The absolute highlight of the expo swap was seeing the 'mobility scooter train' again. One guy in a motorized scooter, pulling another guy in a non-motorized scooter, with a wagon attached at the rear. I still can't believe they haven't moved the entire thing indoors at this point - everything could definitely fit in there now, likely with plenty of room to spare.
I was able to salvage part of the day Friday by going back to PIR and picking up a few more things we missed or initially passed on Thursday (big thanks to my neighbor who is a long time vendor and gave us a couple of extra vendor passes, we didn't have to pay admission at PIR either day)
I'm wondering about the status of Monroe as well - if the stars align, I may try to attend this year but with very low expectations if I do. The two (maybe even three at one point?) spring Puyallup meets have basically consolidated into one - much smaller - swap (I had to miss it this year as was out of town).
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