#8--More Days in Portland

More Days in Portland

September 12th, 13th, 14th, & 15th

Not since we traveled to New Zealand last February have we seen trees the stature of the Sequoias here in Hillsboro, Oregon. Several of these stately trees are found on the court house square having been planted as three year old seedlings in 1880 by John Porter. He had come to the West to participate in the California Gold Rush in 1848-1880 and had brought the seed cones from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.

The many parks in Hillsboro are well worth exploring. One afternoon we hiked the trails in Noble Park, several acres of lovely forest land purchased by the people of the city to prevent its development. In another park where we had a lunch picnic we photographed a gigantic carved Indian—quite an amazing feat for the carver.

Hillsboro has a Saturday outdoor market which we wandered through for quite a while that afternoon. Fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as varied crafts, were available throughout.

We watched as many cute youngsters frolicked in the city fountain nearby.

Spending an evening at The Venetian, a newly renovated theater in downtown Hillsboro, for the live production of Steel Magnolias was well spent time. We thought that the parts were cast perfectly, which made for an outstanding performance.

Sunday was our planned trip to the Pacific coast. We drove from Hillsboro through the mountains to the coastal town of Cannon Beach. Here we walked along trails high above the beach watching the breakers washing in with their unmistakable crashing sound.

After a lunch break at a restaurant called Crazy Sue’s, we traveled South to a beach where we could enjoy the scenery and the sea much closer than before. Although there were many couples and families having fun at the beach, we were surprised to see that it wasn’t crowded. What is so remarkable is how much of the Oregon coast is made accessible to everyone. What a gift that is!

Two more highlights of our Oregon visit were taking time to walk through the fragrant and lovely 4 ½ acre rose garden as well as being able to explore the picturesque authentic Japanese garden in Portland. From there we headed back to the Union Station. It was difficult to bid farewell--wondering when the next time would be when we would be together with Maia.

Soon we were boarding the Coast Starlight train in the early afternoon and relaxing in the Sightseer Lounge as our train sped past acres of vineyards, groves of hazelnut trees, fields of corn and pastures of sheep and cows.

After passing through Eugene, Oregon, the train headed into the Cascades where we went through innumerable tunnels. The vivid pink sky after sunset reflected in the mountain lakes. Within a short time, a tangerine colored full moon rose above the silhouetted mountains. What a sight that was!

As the train wound its way to Klamath Falls in the southern end of the state and across the California border, we settled in for the night in our comfortable coach seats.