In other news, I am excited to report that I had my first visitor come through Portland last weekend--an old friend from Pittsburgh. Roy was driving back to Salt Lake City from a four-month work assignment in Vancouver, BC. I was delighted to hear that Portland would be en route as I was thrilled to catch up and hear about his recent adventures.
Saturday began with a drive on America’s first scenic highway, the Historic Columbia River Highway. This 70-mile route runs parallel to I-84 along the Gorge--all the beauty without the traffic. The Sandy River marks the western boundary of the Gorge, where Portland metro ends and the byway begins. Winding through the highway surrounded by the falling autumn leaves was pure perfection. Though sections of the route have yet to reopen after last year's Eagle Creek Fire, I am tempted to return again very soon (possibly on bike).
The road follows the Sandy upstream from Troutdale, then winds uphill through Corbett to the first cliff-top panorama of the Gorge at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Here the Columbia begins as a trickle of snowmelt in the Canadian Rockies. It absorbs a tremendous web of river systems on its 1,200-mile run to the Pacific, swelling into the nation’s fourth-largest river. This spot 725' above the river also provides a good look at the basalt cliffs of the Gorge, formed by Ice Age floods scouring through ancient lava flows.
One mile past the overlook is the 1918 Vista House. This craftsmen’s showcase of hand-cut stone and elegant masonry, includes a display of the history behind the highway construction. Spectacular views abound from the rotunda atop Crown Point.
From Crown Point, the byway drifts down the mountain in gentle arcs, drawing attention to the highway’s original stonework. The road soon enters a deeply shaded oasis where a series of waterfalls tumble from Gorge rim to roadside. In eight miles, the byway skirts the base of five significant falls: Latourell, Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and Multnomah.
The hike to Latourell Falls is a pleasant 2.4-mile loop that travels past two plunging waterfalls.
Saturday afternoon was spent out on the town, working our way from the northwest back to the southeast. Our first stop was a refuel at McMenamins Rams Head. McMenamins is a family-owned chain of brewpubs, music venues, historic hotels, and theater pubs in the PNW. Since 1983, handcrafted beer, wine, cider, spirits and coffee have been served at the eclectic mix of neighborhood gathering spots.
After strolling through the tree-lined streets of NW 23rd and 21st, we stopped downtown for brews at popular Deschutes Brewery, and eventually made it back to my neighborhood to enjoy Mexican tortas at Güero.
Roy assured me that he did not go bored or hungry in my company, so it appears as though the invitation is officially open to anyone who wants to visit! As promised, I've included a few photos of my apartment now that I have furniture. I admit that watching the squirrels run along the top of my neighbors fence is one of the highlights of being home.
After commuting to Pharmaca in Beaverton all week, I was impatient to trade in four wheels for two on Sunday. Portland VegFest had been on my calendar since I moved, mainly due to my positive experience at Denver VegFest over the summer. Inside the Oregon Convention Center, Kyle and I met local vegan vendors and sampled their products. I was also eager to listen to a talk from Chef AJ, as she runs in the same circle as my plant-based heroes. Although slightly aggressive (and a little hyper), her presentation reaffirmed the difference between embracing a whole-foods plant-based diet and being a "junk-food vegan." After all, the nutrition piece of "veganism" is what initially drew me to the lifestyle two years ago. That being said, as I have continued to educate myself, I now personally support all of the ethical factors at play.
Bellies full and hearts content, Kyle and I headed north. Peninsula Park is a neighborhood park that includes the city's first public rose garden and first community center. Completed in 1913, much remains of the original features, including the lantern-style streetlights, stone pillars, vast brickwork and fountain in the center of the rose garden. This northeast gem can be reached in under 30 minutes from my apartment on bike.
I noted several others enjoying the beautiful afternoon weather with a book in hand or stretched out on a yoga mat. As I took it all in, I became hypnotized by the experience of being surrounded by falling leaves (which Kyle reminded is where "autumn" gets its colloquial name). Again, perfection.
To close out the lazy afternoon (and overall killer weekend), Kyle and I hit Ex Novo Brewing Co. (#8) on the way back to the southeast. Upon reflection, I feel very grateful for my first two months in Portland, which has been treating me very well. Cheers to new places, good company, and living fully.
To close out the lazy afternoon (and overall killer weekend), Kyle and I hit Ex Novo Brewing Co. (#8) on the way back to the southeast. Upon reflection, I feel very grateful for my first two months in Portland, which has been treating me very well. Cheers to new places, good company, and living fully.
