We woke up to an early breakfast. We are staying at a B&B in Portland, and the house smelled so delicious! So nice to wake up to a full breakfast made just for you. Our stay included free day passes for Portland’s great public transit system. We left the SV parked. The first day on the whole trip it didn’t move! It almost happened in Seattle, but then I needed a haircut.
We love riding, but sometimes dealing with the ATGATT gear when playing tourist can be a pain. Yes, we could have seen more city by riding, but we chose to experience it on the busses and trains instead. I think it is a nice way to get a feel for a place as a local.
We took the bus into the downtown area and walked around for a bit. We both wanted to visit Washington Park, so we hoped the first train heading that way. The park has a nice shuttle that runs around inside of it as well, so we didn’t have to hike between the different parts. It is a huge park. There are hundred of acres to explore. We made a bee-line for the Japanese Garden as it had come highly recommended by several people who know more about these things that us.
We caught one of the free tours just as we arrived and got some learning for the next four-five minutes or so. The tour was nice as it helped me appreciate some of the more subtle aspects of the park like where some of the stone came from. Why the paths were not straight for example, so the viewer spends more time looking around enjoying the park as the path twists and turns.
The park was a very relaxing and serene place. I could have easily spent all day there enjoying the calmness, but our stomachs were telling us it was time to go find food! We hoped the bus back into downtown and feasted on some tasty food before continuing to explore.
We didn’t get to see as much as we wanted and could easily spend a few more days here, but we got to get the taste we were hoping for on a very relaxed pace.
Mt Hood is just poking out of the clouds in the center.
Interesting mask
Interesting scoot
We liked this mural
and thought this sign was funny.
Thanks to everyone who has been sending me emails and leaving comments. I appreciate them even if I haven’t replied yet. It’s quite a lot of work just to get the posts and videos up. I do read all comments and will respond. :)
Tomorrow some blogger meetups!
thanks for the tip William, enjoy the video.
Video: Portland Japanese Gardens
Beautiful photos and video of Portland. For a city, it's not too bad. We have a lot of family reunions in the area partly due to the wide variety of activities. Everything from hiking to shopping...
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your posts and I must admit, checking out your SPOT map to see where you are. Day 33, has the trip so far seemed long, short?
we both really enjoyed portland. We have wanted to go for so long and finally we were there. we are trying to figure out when we can squeeze in another trip - probably a flight out.
Deleteglad you are enjoying the posts and the spot.
the trip doesn't seem long or short; it just feels normal. Alaska does seem like it happened a while ago though if that makes sense.
Chris:
ReplyDeletedon't worry about having to post daily and cut into your short time. Have fun, relax, see the sights, snap photos and enjoy your time together. We can wait . . .
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Not to worry about responding. I've not been commenting so much. I'm impressed with how much content you're putting out each day. The photos and text continue to be wonderful. I know you enjoy doing it and I'm grateful you are taking the time to do it. Heather would like to know what the food dishes are called. We both have enjoyed the occasional post over at "Tastiness".
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along.
~Keith
I do enjoy doing it. It helps me remember and "re-enjoy" the fun bits. It is also quite fun to interact in the comments. When I get some more time, I will be putting full details of all the food on the food blog
DeleteYou keep on posting like you do, not to worry about the comments. You captured Portland quite well. I am with Richard on this: it's quite pretty for a city.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time with the fellow bloggers of Oregon.
thanks Sonja :)
DeleteI still want another shot at portland. oregon bloggers were fun.
I hate going to Portland....Traffic is always tied up and I never can figure out how public transportation is supposed to work...I enjoy the slower pace of life here in the southern end of the Willamette Valley.... Not sure of your route or time but there are some mighty fine roads along with lots of wineries between here and Portland... Or Run the east side down hwy 213 and drive through (you could stop too) through Silver Falls State Park. Its a very nice ride..
ReplyDeletewe enjoyed portland, and we found the public transit quite easy to use. We got a day pass that worked for the trains and buses. Compared to other cities we've used public transit in (SFO, Chicago, NYC, Seattle, MSP) it was on the easy side. they even have an app to track the location of the buses in real time.
DeleteWould you believe that we've never gone to the Japanese Gardens in Portland. Sure we've lived in Corvallis for 11 years, but I am not sure whay we haven't gone. I think maybe we'll have to.
ReplyDeleteit was great having you and the misses over. We had a fabulous time and you are welcome any time. Our door is always open. It was nice to meet up with people that have so many of the same interest and ideals. Enjoy the coast today.
I'd recommend going. We'd like to go again. It was nice.
DeleteIt was great to spend some time with you and your mister. I agree with you on the shared interests and ideals. a rare find indeed. ours is also open to you both if you end up over in our part of the world. we will be back to oregon, but not sure when yet.