More sun!!!

The sun was out once again in the grand ol' city of Portland and of course I had to take advantage of this rare occasion. I had coffee and walked around with a good friend of mine, who is in Portland visiting some of her friends. It was my first contact with a friend from home and it was great to see a familiar face and just enjoy some good company. She inspired me to get out and explore by telling me that there is so much to do here. At our apartment I always see people parked on the side of the road and I have always wondered what they are doing. I decided to investigate. What I found was a trial around the top of the mountain we live on, which is called "Mount Talbert". Of course I could not resist and I had to go hiking. I grabbed my camera and headed off. I had no idea where the trails would lead me but I figured I could always just turn around and go back the way I came. Along the way there was a map of the trials and one was called "The Summit Trail". The top of the mountain? I'm there! Enjoy the pictures....

The start of my hike.

Where I was headed...
...to the "Summit"!
The trail.
So green!
Leaving my mark at the top of the mountain.
I made it!!
Hiking down to a beautiful sunset.

I have been told since we got here that there is so much to do in Portland. So when asked why I have not explored more, my excuse is always that its raining or too cold but the locals told me that I couldn't let that keep me inside. You see, people in California see rain or coldness and they think "stay inside" but not the Oregonians! I would not go so far as to say that I am an Oregonian quite yet, but I think I am on my way. Rain...sun...cold...snow...you cannot let that keep you from enjoying God's creation!!

Sun...in Portland??

This post is for all of you who thinks that it only rains in Oregon! Today the sun was out and it was beautiful! Of course it was still 52 degrees, but at least the sun was out. On my way home from work I was thinking about what I was going to do. I had two options, one, go to the gym or two, relax and watch some Alias. I decided I was going to relax because it was Friday and I was tired. But when I got home I was amazed by the sunshine and decided to take advantage of this rare opportunity. So Magna (my bike) and I hit the road. I thought I would take my camera and have a leisure ride around while I waited for Andrew to get home. As soon as I left our apartment complex I was quickly reminded that we live on a small hill and we live at the bottom. What I thought would be a fun, leisure ride turned into a workout up the hill! Despite my legs burning to death, the view was gorgeous and it felt so great to get out. I did take my camera along and just took some random pictures. The ones with the huge mountain are of Mount Hood. If it is a clear morning, I get an amazing view of Mt. Hood. So beautiful!!

Mt. Hood
The grocery store that we shop at

See, there is sun!!

Our apartment is in there somewhere