PDX fam visits & a Slate Truck Ride-Along

We flew into Portland to kick off a week of family visits around the Pacific Northwest. Neither of us had spent much time in PDX in decades, so returning brought back memories of travel days from our younger years. Some places change completely while others still feel familiar.

We based ourselves in Tigard for our first few days, partly so Justin would have an opportunity to check out the new Slate truck prototype. He already has a deposit down on one and managed to snag a same-day reservation for a ride. We also found a model on display at the mall, giving us a closer look before his appointment.

His verdict afterward was decidedly mixed.

When I asked whether he liked it, his answer was essentially, “Am I dying to get one? No. Does it seem unique? Yes.”

He loves the customization possibilities and wants to see the truck succeed, but the realities of buying a first-generation vehicle gave him pause. His biggest concern was the future repair and service network. With production and deliveries still ahead, he feels like there are too many unanswered questions to know whether buying one of the earliest trucks makes sense. For now, the deposit stays, and we’ll see how things develop.

The next day was supposed to include an art market near the Portland waterfront with our niece. We arrived to learn the market had been canceled, so we switched plans and made our own afternoon out of it. We met family for coffee, wandered through Powell’s Books, and grabbed some delicious pizza nearby.

Afterward, everyone headed back to our hotel for swim time before finishing the evening with Paik’s Noodle for dinner.Read more