Wednesday, September 4, 2013, Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, OR

We had seen pictures of Multnomah Falls and thought we would miss it since we had not traveled down the Columbia River Gorge. Joani found it was only about 30 miles from Portland, so it was an easy day trip and Sam was allowed on the trails.

The lodge was an impressive building containing a restaurant, an information center and a store right next to the parking. Everything was so close because there was so little room between the sheer cliffs and the river.

Such a whimsical little window behind the chimney!

This helped to put an old growth tree into perspective.

Just a very short walk up a wide sidewalk brought us to this first glimpse of the falls. Watching the waterfall was mesmerizing - like watching flames dancing in a fire. 

We hiked more than halfway up the trail to the top of the falls before we were worn out! It was paved but very steep which made it pretty strenuous. There were a lot of trails around the falls and we decided we would return when we could spend the whole day.

The steep trail quickly put us in the treetops.

The footbridge was built by R. L. Ringer in 1914.

The footbridge was a work of art.

In the cool humid climate of the gorge, we saw moss laden trees similar to those in the Hoh rain forest. The trees were not as old and the moss was not as thickly draped, but it was still very nice. 

It was rare to catch the bridge not loaded with people.

I-84 traveled along the Columbia River and, once in a while, there was a scenic view turn-out. Even an overcast day was pretty at this stop along the river.

Monday, September 2, 2013, "Art in the Pearl" fine art festival, Pearl District in Portland, OR

Today we explored the Pearl District in Portland, OR. It was an older part of the downtown area that had been cleaned up and renovated. We parked in the brewery blocks garage (we didn't realize parking on the street was free since it was Labor Day) and walked a few blocks to the park.

The Pearl District was hosting "Art in the Pearl" fine art festival. There was some really fabulous and unique art displayed. These tables were fantastic. I don't think I will be buying one at more than $5,000, but maybe someday I can try to make my own version of one.

 Greg Klassen Furniture - The River Collection

 The most amazing work!  Wow!

 Carl Zachmann - Wind Sculpture

 Reproduction of the Shang Dynasty Statue

 Oops!

This guy turned stone on a metal lathe to make these fantastic pieces. Some works were so thin light would show through! He invited customers to touch the pieces, so he was obviously not worried about them being broken. Something else for me to try someday!

I had no idea you could turn stone on a lathe!

 He uses stones that are 2 and 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Some artists were set up to work while an associate managed the tawdry business end of selling things. One woman had a school for sculpture classes using cement as her medium. She said the cement was mixed with aluminum which left the end product more workable. I might have to look into that as well.

 Well, that's different!  Apparently, this vehicle is "Laverne" and she holds 15 bar hoppers.

There were many photographic opportunities in the Pearl if you like the old and new contrast in the buildings - clearly, we do.

The Gadsby Building, built in 1906.

We could not have ordered more perfect weather for the day. Mid-70's, light breeze and fluffy white clouds in a beautiful blue sky.

We stopped in Powell's Books. The main store is three stories and covers an entire city block with an annex across the street for technical and science books. The store is divided into sections, each a different color. The best way to navigate the store is to ask at one of the many information stations where a subject is located. You get a color and row and then find it on the map.

 Powell's Books is huge!

I asked about astronomy and was directed across the street to row 26. I have never seen such an array of books on the subject. It was a bit overwhelming, but I still managed to find a couple of books to buy.

That's right, all of these were about astronomy!

Sunday, September 1, 2013, Cathedral Park in Portland, OR

We visited Cathedral Park in Portland, OR, where we could let Sam off-leash. There were so many squirrels that Joani couldn't let him run. There's no telling how far Sam might chase a squirrel. He got plenty of walking anyway. The park was under the St. Johns Bridge. It was built when bridges were art. Every detail of the bridge seemed to include elements that were only there for their aesthetic value. It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the 70's and sunshine, so we took our time in the park.

Joani caught this ship easing down the Willamette River. I guessed it was full of logs that it had just off-loaded somewhere upstream. I'm sure it was on its way north for another load.

We tried to find Forest Park on the other side of the river, but it was hidden too well. We followed Google maps up some pretty narrow roads that led to gravel roads that finally had signs that said "No Parking." We gave up when the low fuel light came on - we will have to find the real park entrance later.