Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Day 24 - Portland, OR (Day 2)

The Route
This was a do-over day. Yup, Dick retraced the Portland-to-Dundee-to-Portland route the old way. It was 7 miles longer each way, but much faster and less stressful than yesterday's adventure.

About the Day
We awoke to a light blanket of ash on our cars. It must have settled with the dew or a light rain overnight.

It was sunny and warm today. The temperature reached the high 80's.

Along the Way
Tim worked. Elizabeth had appointments. 

Carol and Anna shopped (for Anna's belated birthday) and enjoyed lunch together.

Dick drove to Dundee to pick up some "forgotten" things and got to say "hi" to Kenny. The return trip included a Home Depot stop for some project materials.

Dinner was a delightful combination: maple syrup salmon, asparagus, wild rice, and oven-baked smores.

We finished the day with a game of Mexican Train.

Travel Observations
Portland looks much different now than when we last visited. It has areas that are terribly unkempt and virtually unrepairable. 

The homeless appear to have taken over many parts of the city. Tents, tarps, carts, and trash line streets, berms, and underpasses. Inoperable cars and RVs are on blocks. Some vehicles are being worked on. The homeless act entitled and surly.

The change appears to be the result of dramatic population growth, the rising cost of housing, and the city's handling of the homeless during COVID.

The Campground
Nice digs here.

Tomorrow
TBD

1 comment:

  1. Wow. Ash! The smoke has been heavy here in WA too. So very sad. So much here has already burned from before. I hope folks can get it under control. Enjoy your projects!

    ReplyDelete

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