Portland, Oregon is a laid back city. No other words to describe it. Even more than Seattle, it is almost as if Portlanders view their city as their own small town that they want to keep secret from the rest of the state and country. It is a big city with a small town feel. The downtown area is charming, the countryside, lined with wineries and rolling hills, is beautiful, and off in the distance you get the a view of some of the most beautiful mountains in the Pacific NW.

Our first full day in Portland was spent in wine country. After meeting some people from the San Francisco area who are quite familiar with Napa area, their thoughts of Oregon wine country was that it gives Napa a run for its money. I have nothing to compare it to, but this was a great tasting experience. Tons of local vineyards are ready to share their wine with you and answer any questions you may have. Oregon vineyards are known for their Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, with a few other varieties tossed in. I picked up a few bottles from Erath Wineries. Can't wait to enjoy those bottles.

Day two was spent taking a scenic DRIVE. And I do mean DRIVE. We did go a bit out of our way to see Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge but the views were well worth it. The historic Highway 30 is worth the drive. Following alongside I-84 and lined with waterfalls and cliffs on one side and the Columbia River on the other, the drive is very enjoyable. Towards the end of the drive, we took a 14 mile detour from about 100 feet above sea level to just over 4000 feet above sea level. The drive promised a view of the 5 major points in the Pacific NW--Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Jefferson. All were visible. All were beautiful.

Today, our last full day in Portland, we enjoyed the downtown area. Portland has the largest open market in the country with some beautiful hand made treasures and great local food. I enjoyed a simple piece of pizza while Erica enjoyed the fish and chips sandwich. Both were fantastic! We also enjoyed Powell's Books, one of the largest bookstores in the country. A great place to pick up a new or used book. Our final stop today was the Japanese Gardens in downtown Portland. A quiet spot in the city with beautiful Japanese landscaping, flora, and fauna.

Check out some great pictures AND please read the other post that I am writing in conjunction with this Portland entry. A special farewell and welcome blog entry as the tides are shifting on Blue Asphalt.

Later!

Picture 1: Japanese Garden in Portland
Picture 2: Me! Enjoying a good slice!
Picture 3: Erica! Enjoying a fish and chips sandwich!
Picture 4: Mt. Hood from 4,000 ft.
Picture 5: Erica and I in front of Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge
Picture 6: Multnomah Falls
Picture 7: Oregon wine country