Portland Oregon

Finally have a chance to update blog. Arrived in Portland, Oregon, after longer than expected layover in LA.

On flight between LA and Portland we were lucky to see this volcanic mountain from the window. Based on estimated location we think it may be Mount McLoughlin in South Oregon.



We were lucky to be staying in the Nob Hill area of Portland. Lots of beautiful old homes, gardens and parks.

Sadly a number of the houses were being knocked down in late 1980s. Locals protested, many were arrested but ultimately saved many houses with recognition of their historical significance. Just wonderful they are still here.

The one on the right (below) had a beautiful garden and was designated as having a designated backyard habitat for local bird
life.

This area and Portland in general has lots of restaurants, bars, whiskey houses and craft brew houses.


So a welcome happy hour margarita welcomed us after walking around this lovely area on our first afternoon here.

The development of the city of Portland is an interesting example of urban planning. Initially built as a major trading port, with logging the main trade, the blocks especially in the inner city were all made 200 feet long, designed that way so that each blcok was an easy walk and probably more realistically at the time, corner blocks sold or rented at higher prices so the original owners made more by having them this length.

Portland is known as the city of roses so there are roses in all shapes and sizes everywhere. Like many cities in the 20th century, Portland inner city was dying because of the impact of suburbanisation and development of malls. Leaders in the city developed the Portland Downtown Plan. It is clear the locals are aware of this plan and are strongly committed to it. It described key principles such as accessible transport, the centre as a retail and business hub, supporting inner city residential options, preserving and enhancing historical structures, valuing and promoting the centre as cultural and entertainment hub and providing major and minor open space especially along the waterfront.


This meant they did thing like capped the building height, preserved old building and structures, removed a freeway along the river so that it would be a wide open space with views along the river to the old bridges. The plan still guides development today and has resulted in Portland being in the most livable cities list. A fascinating example of urban planning - Newcastle city council could learn a lot!

They also 'tax' developers building property in the inner city a small amount for inner city art with decisions about the art made by citizens. Hence there are examples of art everywhere with a great variety in type and style. The one on the right was a gift from the city of Guadalajara.

Tax incentives (rebates) are also offered for historical preservation.

The Portland Centre for the Performing Arts is a beautiful building in the downtown cultural area. The dome is made from pieces of treated clear glass, with the colours changing through the day dependent on the light.

Food trucks are everywhere in Portland, many of which are clustered in the downtown area. I assume the clustering has been a

way for authorities to manage them and probably appease cafe and restaurant owners. I imagine they would not be supportive of a food truck setting up next to their restaurant. In other cities the clustering has occurred to manage the recent explosion of food trucks.

After picking up our car we headed to Spokane in Washington, up the Columbia Gorge Scenic byway, along the Columbia river. The drive was one of the first of the USA scenic byways. The views were spectacular all the way.

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Nearly there...

Three more sleeps......... our first stop Portland, Oregon, USA.