With a predawn start out of San Fran, we drove a long 13 hours to Portland Oregon Monday August 20th- greeted by Dion’s close college friends: Brian, Graham, and Graham’s 9 month pregnant wife Courtney. We grabbed dinner and local microbrews within walking distance from Graham’s house. The menu at Ale House defines the pub as: Local & organic; Reasonably priced; Made from scatch, and Environmentally friendly; descriptions that could just a well apply to the city and neighborhoods of Portland as a whole.
Christy’s first experience in Portland was done the best way possible… on a Cruiser. We rode into downtown, through the tree lined neighborhood pockets and across the river that so comfortably splits the city in two. “Subaru, Subaru, Subaru, look another Subaru” pointing to the fourth parked car in just one block. They are as ubiquitous here as mapped bike lanes, unique McMennamin brewery pubs/theaters, classic bookshops and- as we found out once we reached downtown- great Happy Hour deals.
By the end of the relatively brief time there, Christy had become quiet enamored with the city picturing the brisk fall days, where you kick aside the colorful leaves on the way to a favorite neighborhood coffee shop. With great friends there (and a possible friends’ wedding- Hills?) future visits will likely let her see just how true to reality that vision is of this model NW city.
Christy’s first experience in Portland was done the best way possible… on a Cruiser. We rode into downtown, through the tree lined neighborhood pockets and across the river that so comfortably splits the city in two. “Subaru, Subaru, Subaru, look another Subaru” pointing to the fourth parked car in just one block. They are as ubiquitous here as mapped bike lanes, unique McMennamin brewery pubs/theaters, classic bookshops and- as we found out once we reached downtown- great Happy Hour deals.
By the end of the relatively brief time there, Christy had become quiet enamored with the city picturing the brisk fall days, where you kick aside the colorful leaves on the way to a favorite neighborhood coffee shop. With great friends there (and a possible friends’ wedding- Hills?) future visits will likely let her see just how true to reality that vision is of this model NW city.
Biking through the neighborhood streets of Portland
After an afternoon spent at Powell's bookstore downtown and 2 different Happy Hours, we biked back to Graham and Courtney's house along the river. 
Tuesday night's dinner at Graham and Courtney's house, with Brian Hillier and his girlfriend Katen (our hosts).
Graham, Dion and Hillier- fraternity brothers from University of Washington
2 comments:
I have always heard that Portland/Seattle is a special part of the country. The pictures of Portland, and you description of leaves on a crisp fall day bring it all to life! Can't wait to visit there!
following your trip across the US has been great fun. Friends everywhere you go....
Looking forward to following you across the sea to of all places, China? Love your adventureous spirit....Susan/mom
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