Amy’s place

April 7, 2018

Amy’s place wins the prize for most livable Airbnb so far. It’s fairly large; has a useful, well stocked kitchen; comfortable furnishings; an actual bedroom, separated by an actual door (such a small thing, but it’s the only one with this so far); and even a washer and dryer. And great hospitality: there was even a bottle of vino rosso on the table when we arrived. We can’t bring the bikes indoors, but they’re reasonably secure and dry in the back yard under an overhang.

We’re a few miles farther from the urban core here though, which is a bit of a drawback. It’s about five miles from downtown, which might feel too far once we’re carless. It’s too soon to say whether we’ll come back again but for now it works great for us.

Amy’s In Sellwood, our new home for three weeks

Another pedal-strewn path to our doorway

Actually, it’s not quite accurate to say we’re in the Sellwood District. We’re in the Sellwood-Moreland District, which is a blending of two adjacent neighborhoods having distinct commercial centers. We’re actually in the Moreland neighborhood, about two blocks from the shops. It’s small, but sufficient - 2 coffee shops, 2 brewpubs, a movie house, a breakfast joint, several eateries, and a bike store. It has the most convenient coffee house so far: Fairlane Coffee, opening at 6AM seven days a week, is only three blocks away. I’ve opened it up three times already, in the four days we’ve been here so far. At this rate I will earn a free cup from their loyalty program before we leave.

Fairlane Coffee, my new early morning hangout

The weather in Portland is a bit discouraging right now. Yesterday afternoon was fine, and Rachael and I got out together for a good ride out to the Columbia. We had written off today though because of the alarming forecast - heavy winds and heavy wind were predicted for the whole day. We are surprised this morning though to find that the storm has held off for awhile. Rachael decides that it’s worth risking getting wet to avoid the gym, and takes off south for Oregon City - my suggestion, since if the weather breaks on her the strong southwest winds will blow her home.

After she leaves, I step out for my morning coffee (we slept in this AM and had breakfast together for a change), and decide she was right - it’s really nice out right now, and I should be on my bike too. I decide to grab the camera and take a lazy loop along the river, ending up at some yet to be determined coffee shop. I start out by heading south toward the Sellwood Bridge, passing through lovely Sellwood Park along the way. It’s a very pretty time to be out - mild but windy, great light, and the ground blanketed with fallen blossoms and catkins.

Council Crest and the amusement park, from across Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

The urban core, from across Oaks Bottom. That’s OHSU on the left, on the lower slope of Council Crest.

The sidewalk bordering Sellwood Park is blanketed in catkins

The magnolias have been really spectacular this spring, but it looks like the show is coming to an end for the year.

At the south end of Sellwood Park is Oaks Pioneer Church, a historical structure with an interesting history. Built in 1851, it originally stood about five miles south of here in Milwaukee. It was moved downriver by barge as one of its three relocations before settling here at a pretty spot just above the river. Today it functions primarily as a wedding venue, hosting about 300 weddings per year - Rachael and I passed one yesterday on our way home.

After crossing the river over the Sellwood Bridge, I turn north toward downtown. I’m thinking I’ll head over to REI in our old neighborhood and pick up a few items we need for our upcoming departure and then stop in at Caffe Umbria for my caffeine fix for the day before heading back.

I scrap this plan before long though, because the sky is starting to grey over and the winds are picking up. I’m thinking I’ll feel pretty stupid sitting in a coffee shop six miles from home if the weather situation goes south. Instead, I continue riding north a bit longer and then turn back toward Sellwood. There are plenty of nice coffee shops just a few blocks from home. It’s pretty hard cycling getting there though, into about a 20 mph headwind. Eventually I settle into Kahvelogy, just around the corner from Fairlane Coffee, and enjoy a fat chocolate croissant with my coffee.

Fifteen minutes later, The rains begin - hard at first, and then easing back a bit. I feel pretty smug being indoors and only four blocks from home, and take my time finishing my cup. No refill though - Rodriguez is looking unhappy out there in the rain, so soon enough we head home. I’ve timed it well and don’t get too wet. Rachael, when she arrives about ten minutes later, looks considerably less lucky.

The conning tower of the retired submarine USS Blueback, permanently stationed outside OMSI. I’d never noticed before how well its camoflage blends in with the condos across the river.

One of the passenger cars outside the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. I’m not sure if this is part of the exhibit - it looks like it may have been repurposed as an office space.

I like the artwork here - it has the feel of a Northwest Native motif.

It looks like it’s time to head south for the stable.

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