Back in Portland

After another morning run, we (without showering!) went on a walking tour with Heather's family. An interesting talk about the history of old Portland and the saloons and dodgy people who sold guys to boat owners etc. I just enjoyed getting to see downtown Portland. It's very nice with the river, many bridges the light rail train and the cobbled areas.

 

The famous Voodoo doughnut store

Yes, they have a dedicated skate route on the main road

Japanese tribute monuments

Portland lived up to its reputation for weather. It rained a couple of mornings, including 2 minutes of hailstones while we were driving. At least it wasn't that cold when it rained. It was nice to get some fresh air.

Then after lunch in an Irish bar, with the football in the background, we (still without showering) took the tram (that's confusingly what they call it) up the hill to the top and back down, just for the views.

Bike parking at the bottom

Then off to meet another friend, home, showered, back to Heather's brothers for tea. Each day was exhausting and we flew back at night so were were home by 8.30am. Pretty tired.

Especially as I HAD to be awake by midday to watch the Euro's.

There are things you miss, like the cooler weather, forest trails and the seemingly friendlier more laid back people. But then you get back to New York at 6.30am with 3 hours shut eye (not sleep) and then head out later for a concert (The Maccabees), food and ice cream at 11pm and I guess New York has some benefits to it too!

Then we repeated that last night as we went to a different venue to see Lisa Hannigan. Now off to play soccer tonight!

Update. We won, but I got a yellow card, ha ha. No slide tackling allowed at this level.
The pitches are cool, just a block from the west side Hudson River and you can see the Empire State Building in the background.

Me getting a talking to from the ref!