Jeannie and I took the kids up to Portland for the weekend, and made a fun trip of it for ourselves while they attended an anime convention, Kumoricon 2009.
The convention was interesting to say the least, with thousands of teens and adults dressed in "cosplay" characters. Cary and Sarah's group went as characters from "Organization 13", whatever that is! They had a wonderful time, meeting with voice actors, posing for pictures, and hanging out with friends and other anime geeks, dweebs and nerds!!
Jean and I took off for a day of exploring, first stopping at the Portland Japanese Gardens (image) in Washington Park, and absolutely beautiful place to spend a rainy day... anywhere.
After an afternoon nap, we picked up the kids and sought out APizza Sholls restaurant in the Hawthorne/Mt. Tabor district. Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" touted this place on one of his shows, and you can see why. Everything fresh and local. When they run out of dough, the close up shop for the night, and you can't order more than one or two toppings!.... they won't let you! Kinda like the "Soup Nazi" of pizza!
Sunday morning, we dropped the kids off again, and stopped in for donuts and coffee at the legendary Voodoo Doughnuts, home of the 'cock& balls' and the bacon maple bar donuts! Our timing was great, as we walked around the area, the line outside had grown to stretch down the block!
We then scooted off for a drive around the neighborhoods, up in the hills above downtown, and through the charming homes and cool cafes and shops in the Hawthorne District. Back in downtown, we jumped on the street car to the touristy cable car that takes you from the riverfront up to the OSHU center on the top of Marquam Hill. Then it was back to the Pearl District, for lunch and a romp through Powells Books, easily the busiest business in Portland. An entire city block of new and used books on three floors!
We called the kids and headed back to the hotel to pick them up. As we pulled up,the valet looked at us through the throngs of kids decked out in their pink wigs, costumes and swords. The exasperated look on his face,his shrug and forced smile spoke volumes. I couldn't have said it better!
Monday, September 07, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
August 24th - My First Century Ride
Eugene to the Base of Mary's Peak on google.
My first century ride in 28 years! The ride was from Eugene, through the Fern Ridge Reservoir area, north along the Applegate Trail and Territorial Highway through Franklin, Cheshire and Monroe.
Then on to the foothills again, through Alpine, Bellfountain, and then west on Decker Road to the Alsea Highway (34).
Made it about 4 more miles up the highway, before the mountain got the best of me.
Turned around and headed back for a total ride of 104 miles. Not bad for 46!
My first century ride in 28 years! The ride was from Eugene, through the Fern Ridge Reservoir area, north along the Applegate Trail and Territorial Highway through Franklin, Cheshire and Monroe.
Then on to the foothills again, through Alpine, Bellfountain, and then west on Decker Road to the Alsea Highway (34).
Made it about 4 more miles up the highway, before the mountain got the best of me.
Turned around and headed back for a total ride of 104 miles. Not bad for 46!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Bike Ride - 58 miles to Dexter Lake
Pedometer map of ride
Get up early, and ride before it gets too hot.
At least that's what I was thinking the night before.
Slept through the alarm and Jeannie getting ready for work.
On the road by 10, I decided to ride to Dexter Lake (this is where the roadhouse bar scene from Animal House was filmed).
Headed through Eugene and Springfield and finally got out into the country on the road to Jasper.
Stopped for a drink, chatting with a Park Ranger for about 10 minutes.
Back on the road, noting that everything smelled very sweet in the summer heat.
The smell of fresh cut hay as a loaded truck passed by. Pine trees and blackberries filled the air everywhere.
Rode through three covered bridges along the way. Tempted to stop and cool off in the river, but kept going anyway.
A quick stop for water and granola in Lowell, and back on the road.
Decision time... ride down into Cottage Grove and back home through the Lorrane Valley? or cut it short and get out of the heat? Cottage Grove it is!... no wait... it's too damn hot... After meandering through the fields of Pleasant Hill, I point the bike back towards Eugene. The wine country will wait another day.
Road past a huge group of parked cars at the entrance "Bring Beach / Glassbar Island" . A perfect day for skinny dipping, at least that's what most of Eugene was thinking! Me... I just wanted to get home.
Back into Springfield, I encountered an unusual site, as a work crew was repairing the bike path under I-5. Three flaggers were in place for the sole purpose of routing bicyclists through the construction zone! As is often noted.... only in Eugene!
Back in town... a cruise through and empty U of O, past the fairgrounds ... more sweet smells of food and fair goodies.... and on to home.
Get up early, and ride before it gets too hot.
At least that's what I was thinking the night before.
Slept through the alarm and Jeannie getting ready for work.
On the road by 10, I decided to ride to Dexter Lake (this is where the roadhouse bar scene from Animal House was filmed).
Headed through Eugene and Springfield and finally got out into the country on the road to Jasper.
Stopped for a drink, chatting with a Park Ranger for about 10 minutes.
Back on the road, noting that everything smelled very sweet in the summer heat.
The smell of fresh cut hay as a loaded truck passed by. Pine trees and blackberries filled the air everywhere.
Rode through three covered bridges along the way. Tempted to stop and cool off in the river, but kept going anyway.
A quick stop for water and granola in Lowell, and back on the road.
Decision time... ride down into Cottage Grove and back home through the Lorrane Valley? or cut it short and get out of the heat? Cottage Grove it is!... no wait... it's too damn hot... After meandering through the fields of Pleasant Hill, I point the bike back towards Eugene. The wine country will wait another day.
Road past a huge group of parked cars at the entrance "Bring Beach / Glassbar Island" . A perfect day for skinny dipping, at least that's what most of Eugene was thinking! Me... I just wanted to get home.
Back into Springfield, I encountered an unusual site, as a work crew was repairing the bike path under I-5. Three flaggers were in place for the sole purpose of routing bicyclists through the construction zone! As is often noted.... only in Eugene!
Back in town... a cruise through and empty U of O, past the fairgrounds ... more sweet smells of food and fair goodies.... and on to home.
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