My trip to Portland, OR

So I'm now into the full swing of my summer travel for work.  While I've always loved traveling, this allows me to see much more of the country than I probably would see on my own.  With this trip I finally made it to Portland, OR.  I've been to Seattle and Northern California but not to Oregon and it was on my list.  So here is a little bit about my trip.

I arrived on Thursday afternoon June 2nd after a quick layover in Denver.  It was a little bit of a shock to the system stepping outside to 55 degree weather.  Especially since I had left 90 degree weather.  But I did remember to bring a light jacket to wear.  Something I've learned with lots of travel.  I actually just relaxed in my hotel room and caught up on a few emails and projects that I needed to do.  I know what your thinking, never been to this city and you're sitting in your hotel room.  This is typical for me as I get to see more of the city the rest of the trip.

On Friday we spent the day inside listening to presentations and talking about how to make things better for the rest of the volunteer leaders in that region.  That evening we got on the MAX (Portland's light rail system) and went to another part of town to have dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery.  The food was fantastic.  I ended up having a Kobe beef cheese burger with a side of their homemade Mac & Cheese.  All I have to say is it was AWESOME!!  I also got to spend dinner with some great new friends which made it all the better.  That evening a few of us walked back to the hotel from the restaurant since it was a nice evening.  I like any evening that allows me to be outside with no humidity.  I believe it was about a 2 to 3 mile walk back but worth every step.

On Saturday we wrapped up that morning's agenda and then spent the afternoon getting ready for the Starlight parade.  The local chapter had signed up to participate in the parade and everyone dressed up as pirates.  The theme was to promote protecting your records.  As we were setting up and preparing for the parade we also got to walk around.  We saw lots of great floats and costumes.  We were also put in the middle of the band staging area.  That brought back a flood of great memories from college.  The parade was a blast and everyone had a good time.  We got back to the hotel at midnight and crashed.  Unfortunately I had a 8 am flight that required me to be up by 5:30.  But it was all worth it.

I really enjoyed my trip to Portland and I want to go back.  Next time I'll plan to rent a car and go out to the coast.  I hear their beaches are beautiful.  I also want to do some hiking in the mountains and check out Multnomah Falls.  So until next time Portland! 

Below are some photos of my trip:



The view of Portland from across the river.



The view of Portland from my hotel.

Mount St. Helens

 

This pig balloons were cool.



Me in my pirate costume!





Great Drumline behind us in the parade.