( from The Bohemian Traveler )
On an overcast morning in a new city, I go for a walk with no predetermined destination in mind. I hope to get lucky and discover some new place, an unplanned adventure. Risky and careless perhaps, but it gets your blood pumping.
Wandering through Portland’s industrial district of rundown buildings, ports and biker bars, I turn to go up a steeply inclined street into a neighborhood that looks promising.
I come to an old bridge that leads me to what looks like a city park. I find that it is one entrance to the United State’s largest urban forested area within city limits, Forest Park.
Intrigued, I start hiking the Wildwood Trail.
Large moss covered trees feel like ancient soldiers protecting you as you hike along the muddy trail. Different shades of green, red, and yellow fill your senses. Waterfalls play music, with all sorts of birds chiming in with their song. Walking mile after endless mile, wildwood is magical.
As the blisters on my feet scream for me to rest, I exit the trail in the Nob Hill neighborhood, lost but smiling. I cris-cross the maze of streets while enjoying the view of the city, eventually, and luckily, finding my way back to my bed.
I close my eyes and sleep well in this new city.
Thanks Suzy & Kim, I love the PNW, and my new love for Portland has me wanting to return in a big way.
I'm not a runner ( more of a slow moving turtle-like hiker), but that is impressive that you ran the whole length of Wildwood Kim, congrats!
I love Portland (I live here) and especially love Forest Park. It's such a blessing to have such an amazing place in the city. I ran the whole Wildwood Trail (30 miles) for my 30th birthday. That's how much I love that damn park!
I love just wandering for the purpose of finding something unexpected. I was in Portland a year ago and I drove up to some sort of Forest/Park area. I'm not sure if it was the same one but the trees covered in moss, draping in a haphazard fashion was so poetic.
No problem. I'm the same as you, I walk off my problems. I could walk for miles some days, not even sure where I'm going.
I had just always wanted to see and experience the city. It was a great town. A couple more posts about it will follow.
Thanks for your support!
I'm loving these posts you're putting up at the moment. Why are you in Portland – is it something good?