There is Absolutely NOTHING Like Portland Oregon on a Sunny Day!

Cherry blossoms in bloom along the westbank of the Willamette River!

It definitely doesn’t rain ALL the time in Portland Oregon.  As a matter of fact, we often enjoy these unexpected explosions of early Springtime.  If we weren’t true Oregonians, we’d be packing away our sweater and galoshes and pulling out the flip-flops and shorts.  But, we know this is just a welcome “tease”.  As I was “tooling along on my townie”, I noted that I am constantly amazed at the beauty, the cleanliness and the diversity of Portland!  I enjoy seeing that “Spring had Sprung”, then bike over one of the ten outstanding bridges in downtown to the eastbank of the Willamette River and check out rowing lessons.  

Rowing lessons offered on the eastbank of the river!

A little further down the eastbank is the OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) with the ever-changing array of exhibits and the IMAX theatre. 

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

 Then back across the Hawthorne Bridge to head down to the South Waterfront and check out the new construction there.  Despite a challenged real estate market, they continue with the development.  The park is almost finished and will add an inviting element for the enclave.  The tram to OHSU still a relative new addition to the Portland skyline.  

The tram on it's way up "Pill Hill" to OHSU

 Biking back to downtown with what seemed like the entire population of the Portland metro area all enjoying the sunshine and warmth, you would occasionally see what “keeps Portland weird”.  

Bagpiper on unicycleStolling musician!

 And, finally a bite to eat at the Saturday Market.  Today market the “Grand Opening” of the 37th annual Portland Saturday Market!  

Tie-dye and flambuoyance at the Portland Saturday Market!

And, a possible Jimi Hendrix sighting???   

Jimi, is that you???

One of my favorite Jimi Hendrix tunes:  “All Along the Watchtower” 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14qTXRkAKr8

More on My Continuing Obsession w/Being a “Tourist” in Portland Oregon!

Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center in Portland Oregon

So, I’m continuing my exploration of Portland and our former five days of “wall-to-wall sunshine” made another hike a requirement!!  You can see more about my park adventures and Forest Park, in particular, in a former post at http://fabulousportland.com/2010/01/23/in-appreciation-of-one-of-the-many-portland-wonders/ .  This time I meandered up the trails to the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center and found an absolute wealth of information on the fabulous park trails in Portland!  They offered plenty of trail maps (instead of my usual wandering aimlessly, I can plan for the areas of the park I want to discover), lots of historical data about the park and information on the endless varieties of trees.  We have a world-famous collection of conifers, by the way.  You can choose to hike through the Evergreens or enjoy the Oaks, Elms and Magnolias.  All the trees are labeled and the trail names reflect the interesting variety.  I didn’t realize there was a fire in 1889 that burned almost everything to the ground.  Trees were re-planted by Hoyt Arboretum in 1931.  Some of the native trees were left and, thus, there is a unique mixture of native and exotic species!  There are over 8,000 specimens representing more than 111 plant families.  It’s fun being a tourist in your own backyard!!! 

A nice piece of real estate in Portland Oregon

If you continue up the trails (and you have your choice of varying durations and exertion) you can choose to visit the Pittock Mansion!  This grand old dame is full of Portland history and charm and the spectacular view can include all of downtown Portland plus Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams and even Mt Rainier!!!

In Appreciation of One of the Many Portland Wonders!

I was thinking I would go cross-country skiing this weekend, but the warm mountain conditions made me re-think.  We had this welcome respite from the rain and the sun peeked out on a warm-ish Saturday in Portland, Oregon and I headed to Forest Park.  It’s actually so amazing that we have this landmark park right in our city limits (well, some of it is in the Portland city limits while the rest resides in unincorporated Multnomah County).  But, we can enjoy over 5,000 acres of beautiful, lush forest with 70 miles of recreational trails (including the Wildwood Trail that I hiked today).  It is one of the country’s largest urban forest reserves!!There are 112 bird species and over 62 mammal species alongside 2nd growth trees and some old growth.  Today some of the trails had a “need for speed” and others had a “need for cleats” (as the mud was deep and mucky).  I’m always fascinated by the hikers, runners, mountain bikers, meandering families with baby strollers, dogs and kids.  It’s a fabulous local natural resource!   What a great day!!!