So fellow travelers, this Portland trip is focused on savoring my favorite elements of this quirky city.

Foraging in vintage shops which abound in treasures and Goodwill stores which offer bargains on items we forgot to pack, like a fleece jacket to stave off cooler coastal temps.

Gastronomic delights dreamed of for the past year, revisited and found true to the memories. Marionberry shakes,  kimchee quesadillas, beer infused mac and cheese to name a few.

Photo note:  Wet Dog Cafe, Astoria. The wait staff was amused I’d come all the way from New York to have that mac and cheese.

 

Getting lost in vast ocean views.

 

 

 

Sunset Beach after a hike (post pending)

 

Today I wandered around the Portland Farmers Market. 

Each Saturday the central green space of the PSU campus becomes a feast for the senses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local produce, most of it organic,  food products like honey, jams, pickles, fresh pasta and breads. If, somehow, you are still hungry after the bounty of tasty samples, there is a tempting collection of food booths scattered throughout the market offering options from wagu beef tacos to veggie curries.

 

Lavender and honey ice cream was all I needed to feel content while enjoying the musical entertainment at the little stage under the trees.

Today’s featured performance was a smooth jazz trio whose take on classic crooner hits brought me back to childhood memories of radio infused Sunday drives.

Sinatra vs Bennet was an unending debate between my grandparents. ( With all due respect to Frank and my grandpa, I lean towards Tony, the young upstart my grandmother favored.)

 

But it was this colorful musical duo with their sweet terrier pup that I was glad to find.

I met them last year and heard the story behind their journey to the safe haven of PDX. In their eyes like so many others, this city became a harbor for stormtossed souls seeking acceptance.  The rhythms of their Hawaiian folk tunes carved a triptych word pattern.

 

Shredded lives

 broken threads

 rewoven

 stronger now

 tapestry

 framed in hope

 

 

Walk gently on the path my friends and may adventure find you ready.