The Oregon trail

[tracilicious]

This April we'll be in Corvallis, Oregon for the Northwest Unschooling Conference. The conference will take up three or four days of our time, and we want to spend three or four more doing Portland, the coast, etc. Any suggestions?

[CoasterMatt]

Aw man, I thought this was gonna be a thread about the awesome game I used to play at school...

[Ghoulish Delight]

Aw man, I thought this was gonna be a thread about the awesome game I used to play at school...
OMG, hunting buffalo was the BEST.

[tracilicious]

I have three versions of that game that I still play. :blush:

[Not Afraid]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

As far as Oregon goes.....the coastline is beautiful as is Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River. Portland has a several fantastic book stores with the incredible Powell's being one of the absolute best used book stores around.

The Cascades can be stunning in the Spring - depending on the type of winter they've had. I love the mountains in the springtime as a rule.

[Kevy Baby]

Portland is said to have some of the best strip clubs.

[BarTopDancer]

http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/20050921/oregon_trail.gif

[wendybeth]

We like to go to Seaside and Cannon Beach. Fort Stevens is cool as well- they have the remains of a shipwreck on the shore there.

[sleepyjeff]

We like to go to Seaside and Cannon Beach. Fort Stevens is cool as well- they have the remains of a shipwreck on the shore there.


The Wreck of the Peter Iredale(which my family likes to sing to the tune of Edmund Fitzgerald) at Fort Stevens State Park is an annual destination for my family every Labor Day weekend. Normas Restaurant at Seaside has the best clam chowder on the Oregon coast with the two possible exceptions of Mo's, in Newport and the Dory Cove in Lincoln City.
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PORTLAND: I was born on the side of a volcano that resides in this city....it's called Mt. Tabor Park. The crater is now an amphitheater and the Hospital where I was born is now a convalesence center. The reservoirs on the Mt., built in the early part of the last century are a must see. A political fight is underway to save them from being covered up...and the good guys are losing; so see them soon.

The Portland Winterhawks is North Americas most successfull Junior Hockey Franshise....Watching a game there against the Seatle Thunderbirds was listed in Sports Illustrated as one of "Hockeys Top 10 Experiences"....sadly, it looks like the Winterhawks will not be playing much in April this year(they are the youngest team in the league this year and are not winning too many games)...but if you're here early enough in April they still might be playing...check them out.

Sky Tram....going from the riverfront up into the west hills overlooking Portland is our newest boondoggle. If you miss Disneylands skyway consider a ride---this one goes from one Hospital campus to another but is still worth a look. Other options include a free street car in the downtown area that changes colors, an extensive Light Rail system including a spectacular stop at the Oregon Zoo; hundreds of feet below the surface..an elevator will take you from the Rail station to the Zoo itself, and bike trails that crisscross the entire city.

Enchanted Forest Just south of Salem on I-5 is one of the best Theme Parks in the World.....it's pretty small and only has a few great rides but the whole park is built upon a forested hillside and once you step inside the immersion is comparable to the better parts of Disneyland(it shoots DCA out of the water). I am not sure if they are open durring the early parts of April...weekends only perhaps.

The Spruce Goose In McMinnville....about 30 miles West of Oregon City is a small municipal airport/flight museum. The largest wooden plane ever built is open for tours here. How it came to be in this small town, scores of miles away from any bay or harbor is a long story but some of the players are quite familier to everyone on this message board...........

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry..or OMSI. Basically your typical large city Science Museum with a planitarium, IMAX screen, and two or three traveling exhibits.....plus the USS Blueback nuclear submarine....the same one used in the movie The Hunt for Red October...it's open for tours daily. OMSI is also the launch point for Willamette River jet boats. If the weather is nice this is a truly unique and fun way to see Portland((side note. There may be an Oregon City launch too...I am not sure))

The Hotel Lucia Known as the "Hippest Hotel in Portland"...this Downtown Hotel is near many of Portlands trendier spots including Pioneer Square, Powells City Books, Salmon St. Fountain, and much more. The Hotel is known for its' extensive photos that adorn every wall and the cozy rooms with luxurious beds.

Multnomah Falls Second highest waterfall in North America and only 40 minutes East of the City on I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. April is also the best month to see the falls! At Cascade Locks, just a few more miles from the falls you can catch the Comumbia River Sternwheeler...as seen in the Jodi Foster movie Maverick. You can even hum the Oregon State Song which the music from Maverick is derived...it goes Wild as the wind in Oregon, blowing up the Canyon...something, something:blush:

Ya HalaAuthentic Lebanese cuisine. Located in SE Portland in the Montivilla district near Mt. Tabor.

Skiing/Mt Hood Ski season can last well into the summer on the higher slopes above Timberline.

Forest Park The largest City Park in the United States....so big that about 20 years ago a plane went down and it took the searchers two weeks to find the wreckage. The Park is crisscrossed with Mt. bike trails.

The Grotto A Beautiful 62 acre Catholic Santctuary. Lush gardens, quiet paths, and peaceful spots to just sit and meditate.

[Morrigoon]

Aw man, I thought this was gonna be a thread about the awesome game I used to play at school...

Totally.

[tracilicious]

Now I really want to play Oregon Trail! I wonder if there's an online version...

Thanks so much for the tips! How far of a drive are these things from Corvallis? I'm thinking maybe we should do a few nights in Portland instead of driving those two days.

[sleepyjeff]

Except for Enchanted Forest and the Spruce Goose most of those I listed are going to be about an hour or more from Corvalis.

Stay in Portland if you can...I'd reccomend the Hotel Lucia in the spirit of swank;)

More economical Hotels can be found out near Troutdale(about 20 minutes East of Downtown) which is not a bad place to stay if you plan on seeing the Multnomah Falls or Mt. Hood....but it is less convenient to much of everything else.

Also wish to amend my list:

Mt St. Helens Drive north on I-5 to Woodland then follow the St. Helens National Monument signs. If you have a full day try to go up to the North side of the volcano to the Windy Ridge Lookout---it is quite eerie.

Beverely Cleary Sculpture Garden Portlands most famous childrens author is celebrated at this wonderful, whimsical little spot in Grant Park in NE Portland.

[Drince88]

The Wreck of the Peter Iredale(which my family likes to sing to the tune of Edmund Fitzgerald) at Fort Stevens State Park is an annual destination for my family every Labor Day weekend.
Can you see the New Carissa stern still in Coos Bay? It ran aground, they tried to burn the fuel off, it broke in half - they pulled the bow off the beach, it broke free, went further up the coast. They finally succeeded in scuttling the bow with a torpedo from a Navy Submarine (after the Navy surface ship failed to sink it).


Sky Tram....going from the riverfront up into the west hills overlooking Portland is our newest boondoggle. If you miss Disneylands skyway consider a ride---this one goes from one Hospital campus to another but is still worth a look. Other options include a free street car in the downtown area that changes colors, an extensive Light Rail system including a spectacular stop at the Oregon Zoo; hundreds of feet below the surface..an elevator will take you from the Rail station to the Zoo itself, and bike trails that crisscross the entire city.
I saw that for the first time this past Christmas (from I-5 - note no 'the' before that!) Very interesting design on the pod (or whatever they call it)


Oregon Museum of Science and Industry..or OMSI. Basically your typical large city Science Museum with a planitarium, IMAX screen, and two or three traveling exhibits.....plus the USS Blueback nuclear submarine....the same one used in the movie The Hunt for Red October...it's open for tours daily. OMSI is also the launch point for Willamette River jet boats. If the weather is nice this is a truly unique and fun way to see Portland((side note. There may be an Oregon City launch too...I am not sure))
Slight technical correction here, the Blue Back is a diesel (last diesel built, I believe).


Multnomah Falls Second highest waterfall in North America and only 40 minutes East of the City on I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. April is also the best month to see the falls! At Cascade Locks, just a few more miles from the falls you can catch the Comumbia River Sternwheeler...as seen in the Jodi Foster movie Maverick. You can even hum the Oregon State Song which the music from Maverick is derived...it goes Wild as the wind in Oregon, blowing up the Canyon...something, something:blush:
Sorry, that's not the Oregon State Song (http://www.50states.com/songs/oregon.htm) (don't the oddest things stick in your brain from grade school education?)

Mt St. Helens Drive north on I-5 to Woodland then follow the St. Helens National Monument signs. If you have a full day try to go up to the North side of the volcano to the Windy Ridge Lookout---it is quite eerie.
I FINALLY did that a couple of 4th of Julys ago - Totally cool - though I liked the Johnston Ridge visitor center best of the places we stopped - WATCH THE MOVIE, especially if it's a clear day! However, I'm not sure how soon Johnston Ridge in particular opens, that might be a problem with an April visit.

I agree with everything else sleepyjeff mentioned (though I haven't been to Enchanted Forest since I was in grade school) - but had to add
Winery touring. (http://www.winesnw.com/)

I would NOT stay in Corvallis to do the Portland stuff. You'd be spending too much time on the boring Interstate. Besides, if you're flying in, you'll probably fly into/out of Portland, anyway.

[innerSpaceman]

No one has yet mentioned Crater Lake ... in my opinion Oregon's most beautiful and beguiling spot.

[tracilicious]

I think you guys are right. We're flying in on a Wednesday (preferrably really early), so I think we'll stay Wednesday and Thursday in Portland. Then conference stuff Friday, Saturday, Sunday, kids museum in Portland on Monday with conference people. Kennedy School on Tuesday, coast on Wednesday, fly back early Thursday.

Although now I'm thinking that if we return Tuesday instead of Thursday then we could leave much earlier in the week and do more Portland stuff. I can only miss two classes this semester, so I can only be gone one Tuesday and Thursday.

[BarTopDancer]

http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/20050921/oregon_trail.gif

WOOHOO! I'm an image theif!

[cirquelover]

I live about 20 miles from Corvallis and I grew up there. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help!

Off the top of my head for eating, we love Local Boyz on the OSU campus. It's a Hawaiin place and you get lots of filling chicken or beef and macaroni and rice. Also... Something in the back of my head says you're vegetarians though. If you are there is Nearly Normals, my friends rave about it and it always wins awards.
How about you tell me what you like and I'll make helpful suggestions:D

I know there are lots of clubs in Portland, where's Stinkerbell when you need her! We always do family friendly activities in Portland.

The Kennedy school is really a fun evening with dinner, beer and a movie if it's playing. We really enjoy Gustav's for German food. The Melting Pot for fondue fun. It depends what part of Portland you are in.

Ok, I think I'm rambling, I'll give it some thought and figure out what I'm missing.

[Alex]

Crater lake would be quite a trek for a day visit.

Is this your first time in the area?

What is your tolerance for tourist trap type towns? If low, I'd avoid Seaside/Cannon Beach. Particularly in April, though a pleasant day long drive could be Portland to Lincoln City then north to Astoria and back to Portland and just stop wheverever the mood and scenery strike.

If you like zoos, the Washington Park Zoo or Oregon Zoo (whatever it is called these days) is, in my opinion, one of the best zoos in the country. Powell's is one of the best bookstores in the country though I hardly ever stop by anymore (massive selection no longer has quite the appeal to me now that the internet provides infinitely more massive selection).

If you're into such things, a drive up the gorge to Vista House, Multnomah Falls, and if you're brave enough in April, Onteonta Gorge are all very pleasant days (though make sure you take the scenic road rather than just shooting straight out on I-84.

From this list you can see I'm not much of a "city tourist" and find Portland to be lacking in that regard anyway (but that could just be familiarity) and haven't much to recomment. The museums are mostly standard (including OMSI which is extensive but essentially identical to a dozen other MSIs around the country). However, if such are your thing, the core of Portland is actually very small so you can just stroll around and see most of it. But ultimately my recommendation would be to ignore Portland and go see things within a day's drive of it.

I've been to Corvallis many times (particularly when I was young since the JW district conference center is in Corvallis) but honestly can't remember a thing about the area (other than the district conference center).

[sleepyjeff]

Some thoughts....

First; Drince is right about all of the corrections. I've been on the Blueback several times and knew it was a diesel sub...but I guess that fact escaped me in my excitement:blush: ..........I had always thought that --Wild as the Wind in Oregon-- was the Official song; I guess I was wrong.



Second; Crater Lake is, without a doubt, the most beautiful spot in Oregon....pictures don't come close to doing it justice....but it is over 4 hours from Corvalis--each way--and that is in dry summer like conditions. In April you are just as likely to encounter snow or even icy roads which could easily double the trip time.

Finally; I must second Alex on the old hwy over the intersate for trips up the Gorge. Hiking up the Onteonta, however, is best done in July.

[Not Afraid]

I've been to Crater Lake once. It was COMPLETELY fogged over and I saw nothing. :(

[sleepyjeff]

That's another thing about Crater Lake......best seen on a clear day; and even if it is clear everywhere else that doesn't mean it will be clear up on the Lake...it kinda has its' own weather.

[DisneyFan25863]

OMG, hunting buffalo was the BEST.

I never got to play Oregon Trail..the computers we had in elementary school were still MS-DOS and couldn't play games like that. Now I feel old.


Mt. St. Helens is a lot of fun to visit.

[sleepyjeff]

We really enjoy Gustav's for German food.

Love Gustav's and its' sister Restaurant Der Rheinlander.....every time I eat there I always wish that Disneylands Village Haus Restuarant would convert to be something more like these full service, immersive eateries:)

The accordian player at the Der Rhienlander knows every single Sherman Brother Song:eek:

[Alex]

Finally; I must second Alex on the old hwy over the intersate for trips up the Gorge. Hiking up the Onteonta, however, is best done in July.

Only if you like hiking up a canyon on the shoulders of a million other people when the water is so low that it really isn't all that interesting to see.

April is about the best time to do it because the water is high making it both a challenge to stay dry and suffiiciently traumatic if you fail to do so. Plus there aren't many people there.

Of course, I once swam in the bowl below the waterfall in February, so my tolerance for that is high. Winter is the absolute best time for the gorge in my opinion and spring is a decent compromise. Summer or fall and you should just go somewhere else.

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, ok, so Crater Lake's too far from Portland. Well, it's a lot less far than from Los Angeles ... but it looks like we're going to need a swanking up there, perhaps next swanking season (this one's getting pretty jammed).

But it kills me to think of missing it in the fog .... and I've personally wanted to return every since it first beguiled me.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I never got to play Oregon Trail..the computers we had in elementary school were still MS-DOS and couldn't play games like that. Now I feel old.
You feel old? The version of Oregon Trail I played was entirely text based and I played it on a Franklin Ace 1200 (http://www.vintage-computer.com/franklinace1200.shtml).

[Alex]

Yeah, I didn't even know there were Windows-based versions of the game.

DisneyFan, probably not a good idea for you to ever use computer technology as a metric for saying you feel old. All you do is make the rest of us feel really old. And there is nothing worse than getting the early-bird special crowd going with a rousing game of "why, back in my day..."

See also: "expressions of amazement that we did calculus without the aid of a graphing calculator."

[Brigitte]

I never got to play it but my sister did. It must not have been around when I was the right age. I'll have to ask her what she remembers from it.

[sleepyjeff]

Only if you like hiking up a canyon on the shoulders of a million other people when the water is so low that it really isn't all that interesting to see.

April is about the best time to do it because the water is high making it both a challenge to stay dry and suffiiciently traumatic if you fail to do so. Plus there aren't many people there.

Of course, I once swam in the bowl below the waterfall in February, so my tolerance for that is high. Winter is the absolute best time for the gorge in my opinion and spring is a decent compromise. Summer or fall and you should just go somewhere else.


Wow....I'd never dream of doing that hike any time before June...of course I am a fair weather hiker if you will.

You have my awe and admiration for not only hiking that in February; but swimming in the icy cold water beneath the falls.

[tracilicious]

April is about the best time to do it because the water is high making it both a challenge to stay dry and suffiiciently traumatic if you fail to do so. Plus there aren't many people there.


Lol. All this hiking and stuff sounds fantastically adventurous. I, however, will be traveling with a just barely four year old and a one year old, so adventures in icy cold water will have to wait.

I think that we are now going to do Monday-Thursday in Portland (with one of those days on the coast), Friday through Monday with conference stuff, Tuesday flying home (or at the Kennedy School if our flight is late enough). I definitely want to do the Portland zoo. I want to try and find a good Indi band playing during the week that I can sneak off and see.

I'm a little intimidated by the weather. The high for when we're going is mid 60's. That's dead of winter here practically. I hope I can find warm clothes on sale then.

For a Portland hotel we might try our luck with Priceline for the downtown area. I want to make sure it's close to public transportation.

[Not Afraid]

Try the Doug Fir Lounge (http://dougfirlounge.com/calendar.html) for nightlife.

[Alex]

Well, you don't have to do the Onteonta Gorge hike but the drive up the Gorge with easy roadside stops at several impressive waterfalls is something the four year will likely enjoy (if he is good about sitting in the car to get places).

Persistent rain is likely in April so be prepared for that.

[sleepyjeff]

For a Portland hotel we might try our luck with Priceline for the downtown area. I want to make sure it's close to public transportation.

Not to worry. If you are staying Anywhere in Downtown Portland you would be hard pressed to find a hotel that is not within 2 blocks of a bus/trolly/lightrail line.

[sleepyjeff]

Try the Doug Fir Lounge (http://dougfirlounge.com/calendar.html) for nightlife.

Someday I'm going to try that place.

[DisneyFan25863]

You feel old? The version of Oregon Trail I played was entirely text based and I played it on a Franklin Ace 1200 (http://www.vintage-computer.com/franklinace1200.shtml).

My sisters both played some 3D version of it where you get to do all sorts of cool things. The computers we had in elementary school looked like that, but we didn't play OT. I didn't know they made a text based one.

[katiesue]

We didn't have computers at school, Selectric anyone?

[Alex]

Yes, I took high school typing class on IBM Selectrics, though we did have some computers around.

[€uroMeinke]

During my school years all computer were being used to put a man on the moon, out smart the Rooskies, and calculate pi

[MouseWife]

Ha, we did the Oregon Trail all text book. The closest thing we got to technology was working the register in the student store. There was one huge computer in the counselors office.

It was a fun game. I remember a girl got extra credit for bringing in home made beef jerkey. Mmm mmmm.

Oh, Portland. We drove through it. :0)

[Not Afraid]

Could someone please explain the Oregon Train Game to this old fart?

[MouseWife]

Well, from another old fart, from what I can remember, you are set up as a family/or whatever situation and given supplies to make it across the 'Oregon Trail' {starting from which state I can't remember...darn, and I just read a book about one convoy across the Oregon Trail}.

We encountered weather issues, other things. Loss of supplies, that sort of thing. You had to use your supplies/equipment wisely.

Oh, you might have a horse or two and/or oxen.

People died off.

[Ghoulish Delight]

During my school years all computer were being used to put a man on the moon, out smart the Rooskies, and calculate piYeah, what a waste, huh? Think of all the years lost developing better porn and shopping technologies.

[Alex]

{starting from which state I can't remember.

Indepdendence, Missouri.

See, DisneyFan, the fogies are in full "in my day..." mode now. There's no ending it now until one of us recalls the invention of dirt so that we'd have something to play with.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Indepdendence, Missouri.

See, DisneyFan, the fogies are in full "in my day..." mode now. There's no ending it now until one of us recalls the invention of dirt so that we'd have something to play with.There's got to be some corrolary to Godwin's Law that addresses this.

I'm not old enough to remember dirt being invented, but I am old enough to remember when the patent ran out and the ripoff generic dirt that everyone settles for these days came out. You can't get REAL dirt anymore these days.

[BarTopDancer]

Could someone please explain the Oregon Train Game to this old fart?

BUFFALO HUNTING!!!!!!!

[Drince88]

Oh, and although you'll have two kids in tow, remember, Oregon has no sales tax, and there's a decent Nordstrom's Downtown!

And don't be surprised if your the pressure change gets to your ears as you're going between the zoo and the MAX (light rail) station that serves it. They have some cool displays of the "layers of dirt" in the station itself.

[~MS~]

Oh wow, late to this dicussion but our first ever computer, Apple IIE, the ONLY game the kids had was Oregon trails.....and they would fight daily over who got to play first....we all loved it and took turns letting folks die off to write their tomb stones...yeah we're twisted LOL

[cirquelover]

The public library in Corvallis has a wonderful kids floor. It is downstairs and they have an activity corner for little ones with puppets, puzzles and toys. Plus many activities and programs.
Downtown there are many specialty shops and restaurants. There are/were a couple of childrens toy shops that are very unique.
Papa's pizza has a huge playroom for kids filled with slides, play structures, ball pit and more. My son always has a blast there.

[BarTopDancer]

The public library in Corvallis has a wonderful kids floor. It is downstairs and they have an activity corner for little ones with puppets, puzzles and toys.

I read this as has puppies instead of puppets.

Plus many activities and programs.
Downtown there are many specialty shops and restaurants. There are/were a couple of childrens toy shops that are very unique.
Papa's pizza has a huge playroom for kids filled with slides, play structures, ball pit and more. My son always has a blast there.

But do they have text based buffalo hunting?

[sleepyjeff]

.
Papa's pizza has a huge playroom for kids filled with slides, play structures, ball pit and more. My son always has a blast there.

Papa's pizza......we practically lived at the one here in Portland a few years back when my son was younger.

[Jazzman]

For pizza downtown I always head to Escape From New York on 23rd. It's simple, no frills and unexplainably good. Afterward it's up the street to Moonstruck Chocolate for a so-good-it-should-be-illegal truffle and Mexican Hot Chocolate, then finish off with a good stout at McMennimans.

Flying Pie Pizza is good too, but I'm always so excited for New York that we go there right away.

If you're into beer, definitely hit the Rogue Brewery. Get the sampler. It's around ten bucks and they bring out a plank with (if I'm remembering correctly) six or seven little beers on it. It's truly Homer Heaven. And their food is second to none.

[sleepyjeff]

Flying Pie Pizza is good too, but I'm always so excited for New York that we go there right away.



Flying Pie(a dangerous 4 blocks from my business) now has a 3 screen Movie Theater next door.

http://www.academytheaterpdx.com/

[Alex]

Wow, Escape from New York brings back some memories.

There's an Escape from New York pizza chain in San Francisco and I've always wondered if the Portland place turned into a chain or if it is just the same name.

[tracilicious]

Thanks for the recs. :) I'm not into beer, but I've heard such good things about Portland beer that maybe I'll become a convert.

We're trying to decide where to stay. We don't want to rent a car until we're ready to leave Portland, so we need our hotel to have easy access to public transportation (which I hear is fantastic there). I'm wondering if we need to stay downtown, or if other Portland hotels (that are cheaper than the downtown hotels for the same quality of hotel) are close enough to transportation to make it worth saving the money.

So far the definite's on our agenda are: Oregon zoo, Japanese garden, Powells, maybe Museum of Science, riding the trolley, and I don't know what else. We've decided on Newport for the coast trip, but I'm not sure if we should drive from Portland to Newport to Corvallis all in one day or try to spend a night in Newport. I'd rather not add a third hotel, but that seems like a lot of driving for one day.

[Alex]

I assume you're going to Newport for the aquarium (which, in my opinion, even better than Monterey Bay)?

It's only about an hour to Corvallis from Newport so if you leave Portland early you'll have plenty of time for a full day in Newport and then a quick jump over to Corvallis at the end of your day.

It would be about 3.5 hours of driving total (2.5 from Portland then another hour to Corvallis). Though that is assuming you take I-5 down to Corvallis and cut over to Newport. If you take 101 down the coast that would add 30 minutes to an hour depending on where you reached the coast (my preferred scenic route would be Portland to Tillamook, stop for cheese, drive south to Newport but that would be a 3-5 hour trip depending on your stops and whatnot).

[tracilicious]

I'm not sure if we'll do the aquarium. I was thinking Newport for the lighthouse (which is number one on Indi's list of must do's). Anywhere with a lighthouse will do though, as I prefer as little time in the car as possible.

[tracilicious]

Also, on my list of must do's is hitting the Portland music scene while Michael and the kids sleep.

[Alex]

Ah, I didn't even know that Newport had a prominent lighthouse (never understood why they are considered such attractions other than that they generally have pretty views).

Well, if you have any interest in aquariums, Newport's is really good. They also used to have a Sambo's but that isn't there anymore (the aquarium and a strong memory of eating at the Sambo's when I was about 8 are all I know about the town).

[tracilicious]

Ok, we just got back from OR. I've missed the LoT lately (and I changed computers and haven't loaded yahoo yet for those that might have IM'ed me). I'll post pics and a trip report asap! Smooches, lot.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Ok, so I didn't look at the posting dates and thought this was a new thread. About 10 posts in, I start thinking "Hmm, didn't we do a thread like this a few months ago?"

I'm apparently brain dead at the moment. :blush:

[sleepyjeff]

Welcome back.......no, wait....um. Well, you know what I mean;)

Hope your time in our fair state was pleasant.

[Snowflake]

You feel old? The version of Oregon Trail I played was entirely text based and I played it on a Franklin Ace 1200 (http://www.vintage-computer.com/franklinace1200.shtml).

I feel old, at work we were playing Adventure, DOS based.....

[tracilicious]

Ok, I still need to write trip highlights out, but here's some pics. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39726443@N00/sets/72157600175281662/)

[Kevy Baby]

Ok, I still need to write trip highlights out, but here's some pics. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39726443@N00/sets/72157600175281662/)Fun pics - thanks for sharing

[Not Afraid]

Jade has gotten so big!!! I LOVE Indy's trailer shirt. Cool pics.

[MouseWife]

Cool pics!

I think I have that same picture from like your bridge picture. I can't remember exactly where I took it...hence, I also call it 'A Bridge'.

{I had meant {and started} a photo journal so that I could know exactly everything...that lasted about 1 day....}

[ozron]

Great pics! Have to add my 20 cents worth:

Japanese Gardens: one of my favorite places. Sooo beautiful, and something new and different every time. You should see it all dressed in snow!

Rocco's: Great funky spot and some of the best pizza on the planet!

Powell's: When one of the things a city is known for is a bookstore, you know you're in the right place! Took a friend from NYC there and his first reaction was, "WOW! We don't have anything like this at home!" You can literally spend hours here.

And about that other place you visited....

The male polar bear is named Tasul. He is a kick! Nine feet of big playful puppy. Who could kill you.

The black bear exhibit just opened. I think it is the best use of existing terrain ever. Most of the habitats there are basically just fences around existing forest space.

I'm glad you rode the train. The summer season ride is even better, as it is a forty-five minute run through the woods outside the zoo down to the rose and Japanese gardens. And that's when we run the steam engine almost every day.

Of course, I want to hear all about your visit. (And where was I?)

And lastly, this is Portland...

So many beers, so little time.

see you at the zoo

ron