Portland
Our day would be spent in the picturesque town of Portland, OR. Founded in 1845, Portland was built around the Willamette River and borders the southern bank of the Columbia River. Once known as Stump town from all the trees harvested along the rivers for timber, it is still a very green place to live. Portland has more park space when compared to its population than most other cities in the United States.
During the morning we enjoyed an informative city tour with visits to the Rhododendron Park, the Pittock mansion and a few other sights around downtown. Even though it was raining steadily, the morning was very enjoyable. After returning to the Sea Lion for lunch, the afternoon was spent discovering the Oregon Historical Society with both our resident expert and resident of Portland, Tom McAllister. Some of us had a very educational walking tour with Tom along the streets of southwest. Later in the afternoon, after everyone was aboard, the Sea Lion threw lines and made her way north, but down the Willamette River to the confluence with the Columbia River. Along the way we learned about the many bridges, there are three in the photo: the Hawthorne, Morrison and Burnside. The rain had stopped and the fading afternoon light was quite nice on the city of bridges. The sun set over Forrest Park as we headed into the dusk and towards our adventure tomorrow at the mouth of the great river of the west.
Our day would be spent in the picturesque town of Portland, OR. Founded in 1845, Portland was built around the Willamette River and borders the southern bank of the Columbia River. Once known as Stump town from all the trees harvested along the rivers for timber, it is still a very green place to live. Portland has more park space when compared to its population than most other cities in the United States.
During the morning we enjoyed an informative city tour with visits to the Rhododendron Park, the Pittock mansion and a few other sights around downtown. Even though it was raining steadily, the morning was very enjoyable. After returning to the Sea Lion for lunch, the afternoon was spent discovering the Oregon Historical Society with both our resident expert and resident of Portland, Tom McAllister. Some of us had a very educational walking tour with Tom along the streets of southwest. Later in the afternoon, after everyone was aboard, the Sea Lion threw lines and made her way north, but down the Willamette River to the confluence with the Columbia River. Along the way we learned about the many bridges, there are three in the photo: the Hawthorne, Morrison and Burnside. The rain had stopped and the fading afternoon light was quite nice on the city of bridges. The sun set over Forrest Park as we headed into the dusk and towards our adventure tomorrow at the mouth of the great river of the west.
