Dreamy Oregon Moon

Daily Mileage=0 (we hoofed it );Total trip=whatever it was yesterday.

CORRECTION TO LAST NIGHT'S BLOG: We only went down 200 feet to the sea lions cave, not 2000 feet. Sorry for the mistake. When in the elevator going down in the rock, it seemed like 2000!)

Today we just toured and walked the city of Portland. We figured that's the only way to see and get the true flavor of a city. We started out having a "wholesome" breakfast at a coffee shop that is a knock-off of Starbucks. And for those of you who know us, you know how I feel about Starbucks (Mare speaking). It was OK and I even had the veggie sausage; let's just say I've had better.

They have a very interesting feature in the city. There are these wonderful water fountains that just keep bubbling up. Apparently they placed them throughout the downtown area for the construction workers (years ago) so that they would have something to drink other than alcohol! Here's Rich partaking.
We then traveled by Light Rail (which is a trolley above ground) to the Old Town/Chinatown section of the city. The "train" ride was nothing like we've experienced in awhile. It was quite civilized! First, it's free in the "downtown area" and they announce the stops in English and Spanish and even tell you which side the doors will open! Sounds just like NYC, doesn't it!!!

We went to a wonderful Chinese garden that reminded me more of a Japanese garden (although I'm not sure of the subtleties between the two). It was a beautiful oasis of paradise in the middle of a cosmopolitan city. We took an audio tour while we were there and had a couple of hours of tranquility even though there were trucks, cars and a city right outside the walls. Of course the flowers/trees and architecture were perfect. When you could see the high risers outside of the walls, they too, seem to blend in with the peaceful surroundings.

Portland is known for its gardens. In fact, it is known as the "Rose City." Outside of Pasadena, which hosts the Rose Parade and Bowl, it has the next largest celebration for roses in the country. Everything you see, even the manhole covers has roses on it. I never knew that but now I do. They even have a test rose garden that is supposed to be extraordinary. And, after speaking to some locals we met tonight at Jake's bar (what can I say?) we will probably stop there tomorrow before we leave!

(JUST A NOTE HERE: Our friends Paul & Susan would say that you get a lot of good tips and conversation from talking to "locals" at the bars. Well, we have found that to be true. We've sought of known it for years, because we are the locals in Hilton Head and have given many tourists tips to those visiting our town. So, over the last several weeks, while sitting in microbreweries, bars and restaurants we have met many helpful souls. We've never been steered wrong. The only problem we have, is that usually we want to stay longer to do what they suggest in the area. Therein lies the rub. Sometimes we do what they suggest and sometimes we just have to move along or we may not ever return. In either case, the strangers we meet along the way have been wonderful souls that have changed our perspectives and lives. And, just maybe we've had the same influence on them. Pretty philosophical for two retired folks, huh?)

We spent the rest of the day walking all the various sections of the city (Pearl, Old Town, Historic River section, University Area and on and on.) It's not that it is a very large city but you can walk for a while. It reminds us of a smaller version of NYC. They even have streets like 5th Ave followed by 6th Ave followed by Broadway.... so you get our point.

We went down by the river (Willamette River) and had lunch there. They've done a very nice job of creating a walk/running path along the river for most of the city. It's a breath of fresh air for the city. Again, there are a lot of nice green areas and art around the city. By the way, Oregon has some law that says it has to spend 1% of all development taxes on the arts with no provision for such things as education. Not to get into a political debate, however, one wonders where do they stand in education in the nation!

We stopped at the Oregon Historical Society Museum and saw a interesting and well done display on Oregon's history. It was a nice break and we learned a lot about what those poor pioneers had to do to get across the Oregon Trail. We have trouble doing it today, so it really is quite amazing what they did back then!!

Lastly, the people of Portland look to Mt. Hood to determine what the weather will be like on a daily basis. As we drove into the city, we could see Mt. Hood which is about 50 miles away still topped with snow. One can't help but be humbled looking at such a peak (which happens to be a volcano). Mount St. Helena has finally reopened its trails to the top. They are only allowing 100 people at a time to hike it. It last erupted in the late 1980's. While we are amazed at its beauty, we can't help but ask, "Why would people live so close to such a potentially violent structure?" Then we stop and ask ourselves, "Why do we live on a barrier island, that could be washed away in a storm?"

That's it for tonight. Love & Joy, Mare & Rich

PS Here's a photo that our Nikki will love. It's one more of the "artsy" things around the city and fits in with Rich's theme of the animals we meet along the way.... Enjoy! This one is especially for you Nikki!