HIKING BABY BOOMER PORTLAND, pt. 2

via David Gillaspie

An incredible part of the city is feeling like you’re never far from the woods.

There’s always a clearing, a trail to follow. And it feels safe enough to dive right in there.

On a Friday I stopped on SW Terwilliger in between appointments.

This is the road on the side of the hill below OHSU. Not exactly the wilderness, but you’d never know.

From one pull-out to the next facing east, a green belt of tall trees buffer the road from the view.

If you can’t see anything in one place, move to the next.

Chances are good you’ll see more than you want, and probably meet others looking for the same thing.

So, what is there to see from Terwilliger Blvd?

A river. Volcanoes. A new bridge. First the bridge.

via David Gillaspie

Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People looks amazing from the  hillside.

This light rail bridge looks like a four masted sailing ship.

Just like early visitors came by boat, this bridge will deliver travelers to a more modern destination.

Speaking of travelers, this couple showed up for the view. Together we looked out on the busy city.

via David Gillaspie

Instead of locals getting a fresh look, they were from far away. Russia.

While we checked out the view I asked if they have a river where they’re from.

“Yes, the Volga River runs through Moscow.”

They were from Moscow?

I put on my tour guide hat and pointed further out.

“Do you have volcanoes in Moscow? Every bump you see on Portland’s east side is a volcano.”

via David Gillaspie

It’s not called Volcano City, but it could be with Mt. Tabor and Mt. Scott ready to blow.

My visitors were impressed.

A quarter turn to the north showed the bank tower and the OHSU pods.

We tried taking shots of the pod. It’s deceptively fast.

via David Gillaspie

From rivers and bridges and volcanos, my two Russian visitors needed to get on with their day. What should they see?

I suggested Fort Vancouver, the original stockade in Washington. Then I thought of the directions.

No go.

Send them to Clinton Street? Down to Pioneer Square?

To show the riches of the city I yelled at a couple of guys walking past.

“Where would you send to visitors from Russia to see the best of Portland.”

They actually stopped and gave great advice. The Rose Garden in Washington Park. The Japanese Garden across from the Rose Garden.

Why didn’t I think of that?

via David Gillaspie

Thanks David and Barney for being the best sort of Portland guys.

Memories from travel often burn the brightest, and our new Russian friends have many.