As you mention, due to the timing I’ve only seen snow coming southbound. I’ve also done the drive a few times and yeah, a roomette to sleep in is much more civilized. Regardless, I loved learning a bit of both Portland and Seattle. Here’s hoping you two enjoy exploring them if you go.
Given you two lived overseas for a while I thought her Doctorate was in something Chinese related. Are her studies of Navajo weaving personal, or professional? (I’m just curious.)