Imagine a peaceful island minutes from downtown Portland

Sauvie Island offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.  It's a short (under 20 minutes) drive from downtown Portland.   The Audobon Society, apparently, owns or has some involvement regarding part of the island since there is an abundance of birds.  

The Oregon Zoo

 I have mixed feelings about zoos.  I don't like to see animals in captivity.  I see the educational value in showing people wildlife and educating them about habitats.  Environmental issues are in the forefront of one's mind (I think) when one sees the amazing diversity of wildlife - and learns how we are losing and have lost so many creatures to development, pollution, senseless killing, and so forth.

Portland -- Portlandia -- Keep Portland Weird

 I've been here 8 weeks now, moving from desert sandstone red tones to lush Columbia River Mt Hood green tones.  Portland, to me, is like a return to the late 1960s.  Creativity abounds.  People who are odd don't hide it.  Art, films, dance, music, outdoor markets - it is all here.  I visited Chinatown, and afterwards we strolled around the area.  I love the brick, city hiking paths, art.