Perusing Portland
A view of the elaborate entrance to the Nike Headquarters in Portland.
Our last full day together started with arising from our eight hour slumber and enjoying a continental breakfast at the TownePlace Suites in Beaverton. Afterwards we worked on cleaning out the van, reconciling what Sam and Ben are leaving in the van and what they are taking home. We did a much needed load of laundry, and lounged around our hotel room.
After our lunch sandwiches, we left the hotel to see the Nike Headquarters. We perused the pristine campus before being confronted by a security guard asking to see our Nike employee badges. We admitted our lack of credentials, but struck up a conversation with the guard about Yellowstone (having seen a sticker from the Park on his water bottle) and how we could get a view of the Nike track and Tiger Woods complex.
At the hotel Sam researched kayak rental shops on the Columbia River. Due to high water levels, shops were not renting kayaks for use in the Columbia. I was a bit surprised, but probably shouldn’t have been. After experiencing the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Flagstaff Hill, those coming before on the Oregon Trail would certainly have had to face this obstacle at various rivers they crossed. At this time of the year, the water levels are typically high; we experienced this firsthand when rafting on the turbulent and exhilarating Snake River.
Instead, we decided to exert some energy and enjoy the natural beauty of Portland by biking along the riverfront. We found the area to be extremely bike-friendly. In some areas where we drove, more than half of the roadway was solely for bicyclists! Aimlessly biking around the city in the perfect weather was wonderful.
A view of downtown Portland from our bike ride
Sam and Ben biking along the Portland riverfront
My scrumptious Northwest Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo dinner
After our ride we went back to the hotel to shower before dinner. We shared our last dinner together at the WildFin in Beaverton. The restaurant prided itself on its fresh caught northwestern seafood. We ordered a surf and turf dinner: smoked salmon dip, seafood fettuccini alfredo and ribeye. Our luxurious outdoor dining experience was topped off with rich chocolate cake and ice cream. When it came time to settle up, Sam had already taken care of the bill (thanks again, Sam). This dinner experience was the ideal way to celebrate the conclusion of our trip together.
Portland has been the second big city we have visited on this trip. The urban setting was laden with spray paint and boarded windows. While visiting, we could not sidestep contemplating the current pressing topic of racial equality. On this journey we have stepped away from our normal lives with its inherent complexities into a setting where these could be perhaps set aside. As we finish our trip together, we must emerge invigorated to share our experiences in the outdoors, a sanctuary from societal challenges.
Those traveling on the Oregon Trail quite literally left their lives and the societal challenges they faced to reach a new land of hope and promise. To reach this “land,” they had to journey into the unfamiliar wilderness first, a form of preparation. Perhaps our experiences will allow us an opportunity similar to that of those traveling the Oregon Trail. At the confluence of our modern lifestyles and Western experience, we might be able to come to better understanding of our own and others’ perspectives.
