As you may have been able to tell I was a bit put-out by the whole volcano business, so despite the delightful surrounds, I was pretty happy to leave Mossyrock and head on down south of the border to Oregon.
Another good reason to be in Oregon is the fact that gas is 20c a gallon cheaper.
We only had to drive around 100 miles to get to Portland, which made it a nice easy 2 hours (with rest stop). Along with out early departure, this meant we arrived with enough time to actually do something rather than just set up, eat dinner and go to bed.
Next stop, the Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden and the Hoyt Arboretum.
Apparently it just hasn't been my week for CF cards, as we arrived at the Japanese Garden, a veritable plethora of photo opportunities, only to see the familiar "no CF" flashing on the top of my camera. Once is an accident, twice is just stupid.
It's a real shame too, since it was a REALLY beautiful and serene place.
So all pictures courtesy of Kat....
Disgruntled man with heavy pack walking through gate:
As you can see the garden is stunning:
I really like this picture of one of the winding pathways:
If you were ever to need a tranquil place for some meditation and solitude, this surely has to be it:
A little Zen anyone?
Great colours and shapes:
Another great shape - the water are (of course) filled with Koi - which allegedly can live up to 200+ years?!
Ahh more tranquility:
It seems to me like someone is getting all artistic!!
As to be expected the rose garden had plenty of rose plants, but no roses yet. Ahh well, I'm sure if you came here in a couple of months it would look spectacular.
As for the Arboretum, we looked at a map, thought it wasn't far, and then proceeded to walk uphill for 1.5 miles only to realise there was probably another 1-1.5 miles to go. Sadly, we decided against pressing on and went to the Portland Art Museum instead (yes this is all very highbrow).
There was some "dancer" exhibition on, which also featured the original posters for the Moulin Rouge. As you may know art is not exactly my thing, but hey it wasn't too bad.
More fascinating were the collections of 2000 years of Buddhist art, and early Chinese art (some of the pieces were over 2000 years old - simply amazing).
By the time we left the museum it was after 6pm, so it was time for a quick shop, drive home, eat, drink and be merry. Correct.
I'll finish this post with yesterday and today's info, tonight!
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