All of my pots, (large and small) are on their sides. The ones in their barrels and in the ground have about 6" of ground leaves on them. THAT IS ALL YOU CAN DO BESIDES PUT THEM IN A GARAGE OR NORTHSIDE OF SOME BUILDING. I fear, removing the leaves, and I fear leaving them in place! LEAVE THE LEAVES ALONE, THE CROWN IS THE PROBLEM IF THERE WILL BE A PROBLEM. What to do? If I remove them, and they come up and we are hit with a late 'surprise' in the turn of the weather, then I lose them. If I leave them covered, and they are 'signaled' to grow through the leaves, they will be spindly and ultimately weak. I had that happen to one in a large pot last year, in that as soon as it broke through I brought it inside where it got not nearly the light it would have if it were left outdoors. It never was the plant it should have been because of it, I believe! GROWING THRU MULCH IS NOT A PROBLEM, THE ONES YOU BROUGHT IN HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM MANY OF US HAVE EXPERIENCED FORCING HOSTA AND IT IS NOT A LONG TERM PROBLEM. Of course, I lost almost all of the ones I did leave outside, even the ones in barrels, due to the 'fake spring' for a week in March to return abruptly to freezing temps after the too-early signal to "get going"! YOU DONÂT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THE WEATHER EXCEPT WHERE YOU PUT THEM SUCH AS GARAGE AND LEAVE THE MULCH ON TO SUPPRESS EARLY EMERGENCE. So, please, if you were me----what would you do? Upright the pots, leave the leaves on them (even the ones inground) or don't upright the pots yet, and remove the leaves on any of the others! DO UPRIGHT THE POTS, DO NOT REMOVE LEAVES. PRAY NO LATE FREEZE UNLESS YOU THINK THAT ANSWERING YOUR PRAYER WOULD CAUSE SOMEONE ELSE A LARGER PROBLEM OR SAY GODÂS WILL BE DONE, GOD WONÂT CARE IF YOU TAKE PRECAUTIONS!

I lived in Portland for 21 years. A wonderful place, very laid back. I would surely drive up the coast as the others mentioned. It is a very calm and fun drive. I always enjoyed the Pittock Mansion in Portland. Mostly because, if you put your car in neutral in front of the mansion, your car will mysteriously go uphill backwards by itself. It is one of those weird things. Never was sure why that happens. A bit creepy, but really fun! A must do in Portland. Also the Saturday market is wonderful, I think it is still held under the Burnside Bridge. Lots and lots of fun to hang out in downtown. Mt. Hood is beautiful and only 1 hours drive from Portland. Tons of little towns and pubs along the way too. Timberline lodge on the Hood is a nice place to have lunch. Multnomah Falls is also really beautiful, another close drive. A must see. Tillamook Cheese? Yum. I am so thankful Sams carries it here in Texas. No other is better. Give it a try too. I grew up there and will always have my heart in Portland. Have a wonderful time, I am envious!!! Trin

Your pics are absolutely beautiful! I would love to do a hiking vacation. It must be wonderful at night to b e way out there, eating fish you just caught and sleeping under the stars. You will probably really bond with your guy friends and I hope you have lots of pics to show us when you get back. Tale care of those "old" guys. LOL

We were road tripping in Nova Scotia on September 11, 2002 when the World Trade Center etc was bombed. Canadians were so gracious to us. We spent a couple unplanned days touring and in spite of it all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I know you will too...the picture taking opps abound!