RN: We lived in Portland OR from 1986-2001. There we started our first jobs, bought our first car, our first car, and had two lovely daughters, Midori and Kazumi. We have lots of memories here, so it was nice to drive around and reacquaint ourselves. Portland is easy to navigate because it is split into quadrants by the Willamette River, which runs roughly north to south, and Burnside Ave, which runs west to east. Southwest (SW) Portland contains the business district, OHSU, Portland State University, Lewis & Clark College, our former house, and our friends Karla and Steve.

FE: Before we cruise around the city, we have lunch and desert at Papa Haydn’s, one of our favorites, and their food and desserts are as good as ever…

RN: Now we start cruising around looking for our favorite fountains. This is a splash fountain in Jamison Square in NW Portland.

Here is the Salmon Street Springs by the waterfront along the Willamette River with Mt Hood in the background. Kids love to play in it on a hot day!!

Kids playing

The Salmon Spring Springs changes its fountain pattern regularly… here is a different pattern…

Below is the Ira Keller Fountain Park in the SW business area…

Last of all, here is the famous Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. Again, another great view of Mt Hood.

Roses everywhere!