ESPNU Bracketbusters – Boise State vs Portland State – CBB – ESPNU 7:30p et
The trip out was good. I had good flights and was able to sleep most of the way.
I got into Portland around noon on Friday and had a list of things to do; provided by a friend who recently lived in Portland.
As I was leaving the airport, “Linda”, my GPS couldn’t find Mt. Hood, so I decided to just go to the hotel first.
The hotel was in downtown Portland and was recently renovated; 9 months ago it was a Days Inn. It is now a boutique hotel and really I have no complaints – other than for the dead animal on my bed.
Ok, I know it’s not real, but it still freaked me out.
There were a few extra touches from management – a hand written card, candies & wine.
By the way, I put the black bar across the last name. To "protect the innocent", you may have noticed I never use last names.
I got settled and inquired at the front desk about my list of sights to see.
I really wanted to go see Mt. Hood, however, it was a minimum 3 hour drive round trip. I just didn’t have that in me. I was already dragging from the 6a cross country flight and my body ached from sitting for so long.
Instead, I decided on the things that took a lot less driving and a little more walking.
My first stop was the Portland Japanese Garden, built in 1963
It’s 5.5 acres with five separate gardens, water falls, meandering streams and winding walkways.
As you walk thru the garden it was easy to be taken away with the peace and tranquility of your surroundings.
If it had been a summer day, I would of definitely stayed for much longer.
One of the things that I really enjoyed is all the species of moss growing there. Of course, this photo doesn’t do it justice.
But everywhere you looked, there was a different kind growing on a rock or yard ornament or tree or plant or even on the ground in place of grass.
It was in the mid 50s and in the sun, it felt wonderful! Once you got in a shady area, it was quite chilly. However, I really enjoyed being outside and seeing green! Outside the gates of the Japanese Gardens were trees and trees. They were so gigantic that I couldn’t even get a good picture showing how tall they actually were.
If it had been a summer day, I would of definitely stayed for much longer.
One of the things that I really enjoyed is all the species of moss growing there. Of course, this photo doesn’t do it justice.
But everywhere you looked, there was a different kind growing on a rock or yard ornament or tree or plant or even on the ground in place of grass.
It was in the mid 50s and in the sun, it felt wonderful! Once you got in a shady area, it was quite chilly. However, I really enjoyed being outside and seeing green! Outside the gates of the Japanese Gardens were trees and trees. They were so gigantic that I couldn’t even get a good picture showing how tall they actually were.
Wow - that must of been a HUGE bird!
Before leaving the garden, I went to the overlook to get a shot of Mt. Hood.
Near the Japanese Garden is the International Rose Test Garden. Obviously, it’s not rose season – but I am sure it is absolutely amazing in the summer!
Acres and acres of all endless rose varieties. I didn’t spend too much time here as rose oil is one of the many things I am highly allergic to. Granted, I have to be poked by a thorn or touch a fresh cut stem, but I don’t take chances anymore.
Next I went to Pittock Mansion which was a top a curvy 1 lane road. I didn’t visit the actual mansion, but walked the grounds and took some more photos of Mt. Hood and the city of Portland.
Upton returning to my car, I stopped for one last shot of the trees and vines. I just love seeing all this green! It’s also such a different type of vegetation that I didn’t grow up with (ie: palm trees)
Once back downtown, I stopped at a few shops in the 23rd St. shopping district.
Very quaint area!
Got back to the hotel around 3pm PT and was completely exhausted! I wanted to nap, but also knew the importance of adjusting to the time zone, so I decided to sit outside in the hotel courtyard and take in some rays of sunshine.
I sat and read my book and it was quite relaxing, until the sun went down – then too chilly!
The game on Saturday was fun. I got to work with a few friends from the Charlotte office.
The Peter W. Stott Center is more like a gym than an arena. Portland State has 27,000 students, however, their basketball venue only holds 1,500 fans.
On Saturday evening, I joined a few friends at Jake’s Famous Crawfish for dinner. Apparently one of the top 5 seafood places in the country. I am highly allergic to seafood, but I could tell the seafood was local, fresh and was amazing! I had a steak and it was fabulous!
Another 6am flight on Sunday morning…. Grrrr!
If you haven’t been to Oregon, it is a very “Green” state. Everywhere you look there are signs of the community trying to save the Earth. Huge Recycling efforts as well.
Well, maybe it was the fact that it was 4:45am or the fact that I have the maturity of a 12 year old or a combination of both. I found the flushers funny in the airport bathrooms.
If you go #1 – pull up on handle (less water)
If you go #2 – push down on handle (more water)
The sign saying “#1 & #2” just made me giggle.
And yes, I am 35 (almost)
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