Decided to do our own auto tour of Portland today so we read up in the tour books, got some maps, spoke to some local people and set out. Just like most major cities, Portland is divided into districts, each with its own flavor. Our first stop was the Pittock Mansion in Washington Park , which is 1000 feet up a hill overlooking the city. The owners were the founders of the Oregonia Newspaper. Beautiful grounds and a magnificent view of Portland.
Then went to the International Rose Test Gardens where they have over 8000 rose bushes. We were a few weeks early and Spring was a bit late so no roses were in bloom but the rhododendrons and azaleas were out and the landscaping is beautiful.
From there we went to the Portland Saturday Market in Old Town which was packed. Seems this is the first nice weather week-end here so everybody’s out and about. It’s cloudy and about 60 but generally nice. Huge market with artists, vendors, lots of jewelry, pottery, food, music, beer and street entertainers, good and bad. Very busy, young, moving, “weird,” as they like to be called, people. A happening place, we spent quite a bit of time here and we were glad we came here on Saturday to see this.
Walked from there to Chinatown, smaller than SanFrancisco’s but still nice, then drove to the Park District where Portland State Univ. is. Very pretty and green parks, although small. Then the Cultural District with gorgeous architecture in buildings and churches.
At the market we spoke to a local who suggested Bridgeport Brewery for microbrews and pub food so we went there to sample the beer they made right there. Reminded me of the Brewhouse in Norwalk with its brick interior and open two floors with exposed beams and beer vats. We sampled 8 of their beers, Harry liked the seasonal Scottish ale and I liked the dark, espresso tasting one. They even make a tiramisu with that one (which we didn’t try). Harry had a burger and I had the Shepherd’s pie, good but so different from what you get in England.
Back to camp to pack up and get ready to leave tomorrow. Heading for Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Ranier in Washington state.