Powell's, TriMet, Airport more good eats
Trip Start
Dec 12, 2007
1
4
17
Trip End
Dec 28, 2007
Loading Map
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
Where I stayed
with a friend
What I did
Beaverton, Oregon
Thursday, December 13, 2007
After a rejuvenating coffee we hopped a streetcar that took us around parts of the city for free. Fareless Square includes most of downtown Portland (within the boundaries of the Willamette River, NW Irving Street, and the I-405 freeway), as well as MAX stations from the Rose Quarter to Lloyd Center and bus stops along NE Multnomah to 13th Avenue. We went up and down and around the city and looked at buildings old and new, big and small. Riding a bus or tram is a great way to chat and see the city at the same time.
Portland got its' start about the same time as Kamloops did – in the gold mining times. Geologically, Portland is built on a volcanic lava field with about 32 cinder cones in the region. Why was that a surprise to me? Mount St. Helens’ and Mount Hood are so close; however, I thought they were “out there” and not that near the city. There are 11 bridges over the Willamette River (and 3 over the Columbia). I kept trying to find a t-shirt reflecting the 11 bridges; however, have not been able to find one I liked colour or size wise. I’ll keep looking for one on my way back.
Before heading out to dinner, we rode the MAX commuter train all the way out to the Airport where we wandered like world travelers a bit and shopped for travel-like items. I find airports are always interesting – people carrying bags: coming from and going to faraway places – or so it seems. Reminds me of my journeys by plane last year. On the way back in we got to see the city all lit up, reflecting on the river. Portland is a pretty city, especially in holiday dress.
We’d been looking forward to the well advertised prime rib dinner at Elmer’s (a Washington, Oregon chain - http://www.elmers-restaurants.com/) all afternoon; however, when we got there, there was none left!!! Apparently a group of visiting deputy fire chiefs from Washington had ordered most of it up with the rest being ordered by a film crew. We were more than a little cranky at that; however wound up ordering some other beef dishes and while wishing it was the special – all in all it was a delicious meal. We thought perhaps the staff was just being trained as their timing of bringing dishes was a bit off; however, we were definitely well fed that evening. Again peanut butter cream pie for dessert and a long, healthy sleep.
