Powell Butte

Last Friday's forecast indicated 50-degree weather with sunny, clear skies. I took advantage on my day off by tackling another PBOT bike route: Powell Butte - Springwater. The scenic ride through east Portland follows mostly low-traffic streets and paths for 26 miles with two short climbs.

Armed with plenty of layers, I left my apartment at 11:30am. It was an easy connection to the route as I cycled through the charming southeast neighborhoods. A short but very steep side trip to the top of Powell Butte affords panoramic views of Mts. Hood, St. Helens and Adams. I noted the small network of hiking trails for next summer.

I circled back to downtown via the familiar Springwater Trail. Home by 2:30pm. Great ride!

I caught the bus downtown that afternoon to meet new friends for happy hour at the Pearl District's Cider Bite. Afterwards, it was a quick walk to REI where I joined Aunt Judy and Kyle for an informative and inspirational presentation on hiking Mt. Whitney; if it wasn't on my bucket list before, it sure is now!

Sunday beckoned a welcomed sleep-in, morning jog, and brunch with Sierra (co-worker and climbing friend) at Rosswood on the South Waterfront. Later on, I joined friends for a shopping trip at the Columbia employee store (my favorite). Building my community!

A recent turn of events led to a non-traditional Thanksgiving. I was scheduled to work the weekend, but had the holiday off. A chilly but clear day moved me to take a late morning bike ride. The Waterfront Loop is the premier short ride in Portland. The mostly flat route follows the Willamette River trails for 11 miles. The quick trip was just the breath of fresh air I needed! 11:30am-1pm RT.

That afternoon, I met Aunt Judy at the movie theatre in Vancouver to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Tom Hanks did not disappoint in portraying my beloved childhood role model, Mr. Rogers.
























Thanksgiving is a call for gratitude. I am grateful for my friends and family, a place to call home, and our beautiful planet. It's hard to believe that the Christmas season is already upon us!

Northeast Ramble

A quiet day off on Wednesday inspired a bike ride through northeast Portland. PBOT's Northeast Ramble is a 15-mile, mostly flat route on the Neighborhood Greenways (low-traffic streets designed for use by cyclists). I left my apartment around 11am, jumping on the Eastbank Esplanade. Tracking north, I followed Tillamook St. east through Historic Irvington, which is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland--a real contender if I were to stay longterm.

My first time on the Alameda Ridge, I was taken aback by the beautiful homes set against the city views.



In warmer and clearer weather, I would have opted for the side trip to Rocky Butte--a steep climb to a nice park with panoramic views. However, my cold toes (remember thicker socks next time!) had me circle back through Alberta. Rose City Book Pub is a new spot that is ideal for settling into winter and its shrinking daylight hours.

I was back at my apartment by 1pm, pleased to have gotten outside during a short winter sunburst. It wasn't my first time cycling through northeast Portland, but I am enjoying making connections within the city's official greenway system.

I had to work last weekend, but I managed to meet Kyle afterward for a show at southeast's Aladdin Theater. It was my third experience with the small acoustic folk band Birdtalker, and they did not disappoint! Though I went for the opener, Nashville's Americana band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors put on an incredible performance. Another great find for live music--that is just a short walk from my apartment--is Laurelthirst Public House.

"I want to see your sadness, I want to share your sins,

I want to bleed your blood and I want to be let in.

Don’t you just, don’t we all just want to be together?"

-Heavy

Denver Weekend

A quick trip to Denver served as the perfect break from work and the stressors of life. I hadn't been back since last November, so I was excited to visit friends and family, and see what had changed. Anna and Alex warned me that a snowy, cold front had just passed through town, but the weekend forecast warmed up nicely. At such high elevation, the sun feels stronger and warmer. In contrast, the same temperature on a sunny day in Portland can seem colder (unless it's ironically overcast, as the clouds create insulation).

After a short flight on Friday afternoon, I caught the train into town and met my friends, Anna, Lexi and Jordan. We shared tapas at Somebody People, beers at grungy City, O' City, and free non-dairy ice cream scoops at Ben and Jerry's in celebration of World Vegan Day.

Saturday was spent brewery hopping with Anna and Alex. We started in Boulder, hitting Avery Brewing and cozy Twisted Pine Brewing. 

Back in Denver, it was fresh margaritas at Los Chingones. I met my friend Bri that evening at Blue Moon Brewing Company.

I was ready to get outside on Sunday, so Anna and I rallied for a morning work out at Red Rocks--beast mode!

Then we enjoyed a leisure walk at Washington Park. Grabbing lunch at Whole Foods, we spent the afternoon back at the apartment, watching the Steelers game and baking fall treats.

Aspen



I traveled back to Portland that night, feeling grateful for the opportunity to relax and spend time with special people.