2556.7 MILES:  The Grotto displays over 100 statues on 62 acres of land and stands in gratitude to an answered prayer. Ambrose Mayer  promised God that if his mother recovered from serious illness following the birth of a young daughter, he, young Ambrose, would do something great for the Church when he grew up.  His mother did recover and over the years the promise was not forgotten.  Ambrose grew up, became a Servite priest, and kept looking for the opportunity to fulfill his promise.  The purchase of the property in northeast Portland was just the beginning. The Grotto community was first formed when permission was granted by the Order to commence the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother back in 1923. Learn more here.

   
PORTLAND: Nothing warms a morning like a tasty breakfast. The same woman at the desk who cast me out into the cold recommended this place: Everett Street Bistro. If the latte were any larger, I’d be able to swim in it. And those eggs… Chorizo scambled eggs, tillamook white cheddar and scallions topped with tomato jam and avacado. And that toast. I won’t need to eat till dinner. Then again, with a full tummy, it’s a perfect time for wine!

   
PORTLAND: The picture says it all. I toyed with staying another day, but the front desk’s sad news of complete sell out cast my fate. No plan. No destination. The fun begins… After breakfast.

   
PORTLAND: I was too pooped to post this last night… My evening ended with a chance find: live jazz and dinner. Tasty humus, taboli, and more match with a greek salad. The music, food and tasty rita were a perfect end to the day.

    
WILLAMETTE RIVER: After a full day of hiking all over western Portland, I climbed aboard Willamette Jetboats for a high-speed tour of the river from the bridges up to the falls. I not only got a view from the water, but I got a view OF the water. Whether it’s showbiz or sadism, I can’t be sure that makes the boat captain do what he does… It’s a flat-bottom jet-powered boat. Got the picture? Now, picture going fast–really fast–when the captain suddenly puts the boat in a sharp bank turn and REVERSES THE ENGINE. The resulting flat spin sprays everyone. Good thing my trusty Nikon was safe in a plastic bag! I’m posting pictures from the Treo. The really good ones will follow later.