Early morning, I boarded the plane. Daylight was barely evident. I was tired. But, in those same moments, I was overwhelmingly excited for the long week to come. The airplane would be headed for Portland, Oregon.
That would be my second experience in Portland. Based on my first, I could not wait for the awaiting flight to the City of Roses. My first trip was in the summer time, but this experience would come with the colder temperatures of the Thanksgiving season. When I arrived at the airport, my good friend from North Carolina, Chloe, was there to pick me up in her SUV, and we departed for the area of town that she now calls home. The air temperature was hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the skies were luminous and gray. The skyline and views of the bridges welcomed me perfectly to Portland on a Monday morning.
Our first order of business, after getting the house tour and taking the dog out of course, was to enjoy a mellow hike. We followed Wildwood Trail uphill to Pittock Mansion, where there’s a breath-taking view of Portland’s skyline. (On clearer days, Mt. Hood looms in the background.) One of the best parts of the Portland area: you can drive from the center of downtown Portland in any direction for thirty minutes and be deep in nature, enjoying unique geographies without noise pollution or even many humans around. The hike to that view was a great introduction to my nine-day stay.
That would be my second experience in Portland. Based on my first, I could not wait for the awaiting flight to the City of Roses. My first trip was in the summer time, but this experience would come with the colder temperatures of the Thanksgiving season. When I arrived at the airport, my good friend from North Carolina, Chloe, was there to pick me up in her SUV, and we departed for the area of town that she now calls home. The air temperature was hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the skies were luminous and gray. The skyline and views of the bridges welcomed me perfectly to Portland on a Monday morning.
Our first order of business, after getting the house tour and taking the dog out of course, was to enjoy a mellow hike. We followed Wildwood Trail uphill to Pittock Mansion, where there’s a breath-taking view of Portland’s skyline. (On clearer days, Mt. Hood looms in the background.) One of the best parts of the Portland area: you can drive from the center of downtown Portland in any direction for thirty minutes and be deep in nature, enjoying unique geographies without noise pollution or even many humans around. The hike to that view was a great introduction to my nine-day stay.
The following days were each perfect in their own way. The energy of the city is so unique to any American city I’ve visited. Whether it be at a dive bar, a Vegan restaurant, or a skatepark, I continually met people that had common threads. Social threads, experiential threads, geographical threads. A club DJ and ex-skateboarder that knew skaters of the dirty south and invited us to his next gig at a bar in southeast Portland. A local from central California that had the best stories and even better lines at Burnside Skatepark. A friend from North Carolina, now living in Portland, whom I randomly crossed paths with at the Safeway.
Surprises each day made every one special and wonderfully uncertain. And this was so well complemented by natural beauty of the area and its limitless options for recreation.
Surprises each day made every one special and wonderfully uncertain. And this was so well complemented by natural beauty of the area and its limitless options for recreation.
There was a particularly special day, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Chloe, her roommate Jessica, and I searched out a hike named "4-T Trail". The route started at the MAX Station by the Portland Zoo, from where we crossed Interstate 5 to discover a beautiful natural trail in lush Oregon forest. The trail led us onward via neighborhood roads to an astounding view of the city and four scenic mountain peaks. Mt. Ranier, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, & Mt. Adams. From the multiple peak panorama, we continued walking via a downhill sloping trail that winded slowly toward the OSHU campus, from which we rode a tram down into the city. The sun had set just as we finished the last of our natural trail walk, and we took in the ultimate view of Portland’s city lights at dusk. Following this spectacular adventure, we met with a friend who joined us for a coffee and quick meal in the Mississippi Street region. There is so much magic in the city, especially in certain districts, and this was one of them. That night, despite a larger group bailing on plans, Chloe and I proceeded to go out on the town for some dancing, drinks, and quality people-watching.
Some highlights of the trip: Being invited to skate the Newberg Skatepark with a new friend, which coincidentally became a mission for Thrasher/OJ footage with a videographer I knew of previously. Meeting an older skater at the park that day; later being invited to his backyard pool, where I came to skate and met Bryce Kanights. Linking up with friends from LA and SF who also happened to be in Portland for the holiday. Skating Burnside and randomly seeing a friend from Red Lightning, the Burning Man camp where I stayed in 2014.
The opportunities presenting themselves were so pleasant and plentiful, and my only attempt was to have fun and live n the moment of that day. It gets me thinking… I’ve always said that Portland was the next place for me. That eventually, I would move there to “settle”. I definitely received several signs that it is currently the place for me. That there is opportunity for me. And I already acknowledged that I enjoy my time there. If I have ever believed that places carry types of energy, I strongly think that Portland has a certain type that caters to my wants, needs, and interests.
Some highlights of the trip: Being invited to skate the Newberg Skatepark with a new friend, which coincidentally became a mission for Thrasher/OJ footage with a videographer I knew of previously. Meeting an older skater at the park that day; later being invited to his backyard pool, where I came to skate and met Bryce Kanights. Linking up with friends from LA and SF who also happened to be in Portland for the holiday. Skating Burnside and randomly seeing a friend from Red Lightning, the Burning Man camp where I stayed in 2014.
The opportunities presenting themselves were so pleasant and plentiful, and my only attempt was to have fun and live n the moment of that day. It gets me thinking… I’ve always said that Portland was the next place for me. That eventually, I would move there to “settle”. I definitely received several signs that it is currently the place for me. That there is opportunity for me. And I already acknowledged that I enjoy my time there. If I have ever believed that places carry types of energy, I strongly think that Portland has a certain type that caters to my wants, needs, and interests.
To the new friends, the wonderful experiences, and most of all, the friends in Portland who brought me to be there. Thank you!
And to all my friends in Eugene, Collegiate Skate Tour will bring me to you in May!
The return is definite.
- 7Ply Epic
And to all my friends in Eugene, Collegiate Skate Tour will bring me to you in May!
The return is definite.
- 7Ply Epic