Just Hangin Out – August 24, 2018 – Dori’s Travel Adventures

Since Kate and Dan both had to work today, Frank and I were on our own here at the urban homestead. Frank was armed with his kindle so that suited him just fine.

At 8:30 I set off for the Columbia Pool for their aqua aerobics class. On the way I noticed how dry the grass was. Portland has a wet season from September until March, then a dry season. Kate told us that it hasn’t rained much at all this summer.

My phone’s GPS took me straight to Columbia Pool which is the neighborhood recreation center.

Most of the folks in the class had white hair. Glad that hasn’t happened to me yet.

On the way home I noticed how creative Portlanders are with their grass strips between their sidewalk and the street. After all, why would you waste good gardening area?

Corn and pumpkin abounded in this raised bed along the curb. Here the house did not have a sidewalk, only a beaten down grass path.

Here’s an apple tree growing in the grass strip. I had to resist the urge to pick one.

These two houses are right across the street from Kate’s. The one on the left is a “certified backyard habitat”while the owner on the right must be a transplant from Berks County, PA.

After Kate and Dan got home from work, they suggested we all go for a scooter ride. Portland just got Lime, which are battery powered scooters. They work a lot like the rent a bike programs. With the app, you can track where the nearest scooter is, go pick it up and off you go. Kate and Dan went and gathered two scooters. Then after a very brief instruction time, Frank and I tried out the scooters In front of Kate’s house. I thought riding the scooter was a blast, but Frank did not share the same sentiments. So after snagging another scooter, Kate, Dan, and I were off for a 5 mile adventure around their neighborhood. I loved our ride except for a bumpy section on a bike trail by the Columbia slough.

Ma and Pa Kettle trying out these new fangled machines!

On our journey we passed the Columbia slough. The log jam islands are for nesting birds.

Dan and I taking a break to view the slough.

After eating pizza at a nearby restaurant, we ended the evening around a fire pit that Dan had made. It was a great way to end our second day in Portland.