My rear hurts, and I forgot my camera!

One of my favorite places in Portland is the Pittock Mansion, and I usually drive there, since its on top of the West Hills....meaning quite the hike! But yesterday, I saw my Dad and his girlfriend, who suggested we start in Northwest Portland, and hike through Forest Park to the mansion. It was a gorgeous day, and the flat, paved trail meandered by Balch Creek. The forest was cool to the touch, pugnent with the smell of moss and tree trunks. I love the way the sun dapples the path with gold, and it was an easy stroll. "Just you wait," said my Dad. Then the trail turned to dirt, and went up, up, up. He led us up that hill like a bat out of hell, a powerhouse hiker. To say the least, I was impressed! I was breathing hard and sweating out those Spanish Coffees I drank the night before. Forest Park is truly impressive, it's the biggest forested city park in the United States. It's 5,000 acres, with patches of old growth, and 70 miles of hiking trails.

When we made it to the top, to Pittock Mansion, the few was absolutely stunning. We could see Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, plus the entire cityscape. The lawn is manicured perfectly, dotted with rose bushes and designer trees. I didn't take the picture below, but wanted you to see the view from someone's camera.

Portland was a wonderful, tiny trip. I went down on Saturday by train, and came back Sunday afternoon. Saturday I also had a blast, my Mom and I frequented our favorite bar, where we had TWO Spanish coffees. I forgot how strong those are! It's like drinking vodka with an I-V for three hours. Anyway, we've been going there for about 10 years or longer, and the owner stopped by and chatted with us for awhile. Hubers has been in his family for decades. Even the bartender asked me how Seattle was treating me. I love going somewhere like that, where I'm recognized. It felt so good to be home, and to see both my wonderful parents!