Portland was a short visit for us on our way down the West Coast of the USA. Although only here for 3 nights, we experienced a few hightlights that we'd like to share. As per the previous blog - the Lakers vs Trail Blazers NBA game upon arrival was obviously a highlight. Our first full day was spent wondering the townships - the city is set up with a small built up CBD and surrounded by city suburbs all hosting their own little shopping and foodie presincts. The set up reminds me a little of Melbourne but on a much much smaller scale. Marc got over-excited when we found a real-life comic-book store, whereas one of my favourite shops along the way was a ReBuilding/RecycleCenter (Portland is renouned for its extensive recycling contribution). This place was fantastic - full of people's trash awaiting a creative mind to mold it into a treasure. So many handy bits and bobs but you definitely need to have a vague idea in mind otherwise you could be lefts spending a fortune on odd pieces. Also visited a fantasic pie and coffee shop and didn't realise until we were exiting that it was rated 'Best Pie 2010' in the States; it was very good pie.

Day two was spent cycling the city and Washington Park. Typical Marc and I, always looking for a way outside of a city centre and back to nature. Originally looking at the cycle task at hand it did seem to be a huge feat ahead - we were wrong. Taking gearless cruiser bikes we set off only to find ourselves taking our heavy bikes for a walk up a 1450ft incline. We made the most of the hills and dubbed our brief cycle periods 'interval strength training'; of course that made us feel better about the situation and allowed ample time to soak in the view of mountains throughout the climb. Close to the top we stopped and found ourselves at Piddock Mansion, once owned by a prominant business man who aided in the growth and development of Portland. Although this 18 bedroom mansion was closed we were still able to soak up the blue skies and sunshine as we rested and absorbed the views of snow-caped mountains, a bustling little city and the national park surrounding us.

Having been advised from fellow hostel members that Portaland's Voodoo Doughnuts was like New York's Times Square, it seemed that it would be rude not to see what the fuss was about. I am not an avid doughnut eater nor am I particularly fond of them but Marc kept telling me it as a cultural experience. We purchased a bacon and maple (to honour Canada) and a banana, peanut butter and chocolate monstrosity. Both were surprisingly good! Definitely recommend a visit if you're ever in the area.