On Monday, March 21, 2011 I boarded a plane towards Portland, Oregon and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you are a follower of my blog, (and I am grateful for each and every one of you), it has been said from time to time that I have got my poop in a group and took charge of my health. There was some kernel of destiny wrapped up in this vacation because the three people I went to see are very active. I was able to spend quite a bit if time with Jonny, Sara, and Dave. I would have love to have had the opportunity to see Allie, but we had conflicting plans. I do not see the downside to not meeting up with my fourth friend. Now I have even more reasons to make a return visit to what is deemed P-Town.
I must admit that my once-over of the weather forecast at Denver International Airport did not get me pumped up when I saw rain in the forecast everyday. It is not a typical rain in Portland, it rains, but you don't really grow weary of it. I have a notion that it has to do with how illuminated the scenery becomes with the slightest kisses of ultra violet light.
Staying put was short lived. I think I was on the ground for just over an hour before plans to show me the area were set in motion. Most people hop in cars and drive to a scenic place. P-Town has AMAZING bike trails, and bike lanes. Jonny and Dave made some adjustments to a road bike they had for me to use and we were off. Before I knew it we were five miles across town and began hiking up Powell Butte, which is a pretty good 614 ft butte that has a beautiful trail leading up to the top. Here are a couple photos of Dave and Jonny as we began our climb.
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Dave posing for the hike. |
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Jonny evaluating the trail |
When we got to the top we saw this:
It may not look like much but that is overlooking part of the city and we climbed that baby pretty swiftly. Next we hopped on those bikes and soared down the paved trails to the bottom of the butte. There were times when we had to be going in excess of 35 miles per hour down the slopes. We were not only coasting, but we also pumped the pedals. Jonny probably hit those top speeds, while I used caution because of the unfamiliar territory, and Dave played it safe with only one working break that needed adjusting when we returned home.
This was day one of an amazing experience I cannot wait to post the pictures of some amazing nature, landscapes, and areas that made me repeat the phrase, "This is awesome!," like a bumbling idiot. Looking at the pictures below; ask yourself if the guy on the top could have enjoyed such a physically demanding, but spiritually rewarding getaway? I will leave you with said pictures until tomorrow when more will be available.
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I can't find any pictures of me when I was bigger, but I was a hefty boy in 2010 |
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Here is a picture of me standing atop Multnomah Falls, which is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. |