Shot From the Hip

This past weekend I got a view into Joseph's world up in Portland.  It rained quite a bit during the weekend but the experience would no be complete without it.  Good times.  Here are the highlights and gallery: [Portland 2007]

I took Friday off and drove up the 5 to Portland.  The drive up the 5 took 10.5 hrs and was generally uneventful, although Mount Shasta was nice.  I should have taken a picture

This year happened to be the 100th Anniversary of the Portland Rose Festival, and Saturday was their Grand Floral Parade.  Not quite as big as the one in Pasadena, but still nice.

As with any parade, lots of horses
 

Lots of horses mean lots of poo, but not to worry, they had a bevy of colorfully decorated pooper scoopers ready and waiting.

They even used a stretcher to transport the poo. 

Joseph and I watched the parade his friend Larry and his family.  Here's a pic of their little one

As I mentioned Portland would not be Portland without the rain.  You know it's bad when they make a float dedicated to rain.

The front sign says "SUNSHINE THROUGH THE RAIN A Tribute to 100 Years of Faithful Rose Festival Fans."  As you can see we're all decked out with ponchos, umbrellas and tarps.

Some do enjoy the rain, like The Little Mermaind, Baby Moses and My Little Pony.

At the same time as the parade was a dragon boat race.

Eventually it did stop raining and we went around Portland

Pink building.  First one I've seen.  It really stands out against the backdrop of gray concrete and overcast skies. 

Japanese Garden

Portland is pretty green, but after the rains, it gets even greener (if that's possible)


Rose Garden

I'm not much into flowers, but there were a few nice ones.  You do kind of have to look for them though.

A rare moment, seeing fluffy-ish clouds in the Portland skies.

Mt. Hood
 

Vista House

Did I mention that it's green up in Portland

Either the Willamette or the Columbia
 

Rock next to our look out

On Monday I hiked Mt. St. Helens with Eric (separate post) and on Tuesday I had to work remotely from Portland.  Joseph was still kind enough to show me around after work.  Good thing daylight lasts longer up north. On the way back to California I drove along the coast and instead of 10.5 hours, it took me 18 hours.  For those of you that are curious, there is just about enough time to listen to two years worth of WCC Plenary sessions.  I wish I could have taken notes. 

Apparently I was driving a bit too long.  Can you see the fish chasing something in the water?
 

Random plant by the water