Figuring out the stops, transfers, directions, and routes can be a real challenge as you get started. As we were heading into the downtown area on the train, we met a very kind lady who gave us a heads up on all the must-sees and even marked them on our maps. Yes, we obviously looked like tourists! While she was assisting me, Donnie was taking part in the other thing we love about cities and public transportation; people watching.
Our first stop (well it was supposed to be our first stop but we got a little confused about our exit) was the Bridgeport Brewery to toast with the wedding party before they head to wine country.
Now that our thirst was quenched we were ready to tackle our remaining Oregon tasks assigned my Caryne and Greg Salyer. First up, food trucks! We located blocks full of them, browsed several times around just astonished by the selections and diversity, then made our choice and had a delicious lunch for 8 bucks.
We had to get our daily hike in, even if it was on pavement, so we wandered various areas and quaint neighborhoods along with hopping on and off different streetcars and trains. I'm pretty impressed with how much of the city we were able to see in an afternoon. We even happened upon an Italian festival taking place in Pioneer Square with food, music, puppet shows, and of course wine! This is a city we could definitely come back to and enjoy.
Per the wise advice of our friend on the train, evidently Portland is known for their happy hours. What luck that one of the best happy hours was also one of the best views of the whole city atPortland City Grill. I know it sounds like we drank our way through the city, but we paced ourselves!
After our treats, we caught another train and transfer bus to WashingtonPark through a neighborhood of huge stately homes. In Washington Park, our assignments included the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. We wandered the rose garden enjoying the beauty and serenity but I made my first blunder of this Amazing Race. I had read the garden hours wrong and thought we had until 9 to see the Japanese Garden. By the time we reached it, we only got as far as the entry. I suppose that means we deserve a penalty task and Caryne and Greg have given us a park of waterfalls south of Portland to check out Monday as we are leaving. But maybe it just means we really are supposed to return here to finish what we started.
This will be my last post for a few days as this weekend is all about Crystal and Troy instead of us. We are so pleased to be here to see the start of their Amazing Race called marriage! I am also excited to be at the airport picking up Whitney and Kevin. This is the longest we have been without seeing our kids!
Stats for our 2 day adventure:
243 mikes Thursday, 13 miles Friday
Gas $68.50
Parking, postcard and ice cream Thurs $3.70
Transit passes $9.50
Lunch, snacks, and liquid refreshments Fri $48
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