Pancakes, Peddlin', and Picnics

Saturday was one of those days that is heaven-sent. It was a beautiful day...warm but not too warm. Sunny but not to sunny. Breezy but not too breezy. It was simply not a day to stay indoors. It wasn't a day to lay about in the backyard either...it was a day for greatness!


We woke up early (but not too early) and made pancakes. What better way to seize greatness than with a coupla thick, buttery, syrupy pancakes? Sitting by an open window while listening to Chopin (but not too much Chopin) and the sounds of the world go by doesn't hurt either. If you can convince your loved one to make your pancakes in the shapes of various animals, it borders on nirvana.





Next up was a delightful bike ride. A surprise, no doubt, if by peddlin' you thought I meant selling sundries on the side of the road. If you live in Portland, or are visiting and find yourself blessed with a nice day and a spare bike, I suggest going on the Springwater Corridor. It is a great way to see various parts of the city (warning: it ain't all pretty folks) and get your nature fix as well. It is a well maintained path with many of stopping points along the way and you'll see all sorts of characters.


On Saturday, we went as far as Powell Butte park. We were looking for a good spot for a picnic and were hoping that Powell's Butte would afford as a nice grassy area with a vista. That wasn't quite the case but we wandered around (mostly up) the trail for a bit before deciding to turn back and find another picnic locale. On the way down I had my first brisk introduction to downhill mountain biking (on my poor little cruiser bike) and I have to say it wasn't so bad. I literally had to say it. At the top of my lungs. The whole way down.

So, plan B. We rode our bikes on the path back towards Portland but took a detour to go to the Leach Botanical Gardens. I was hesitant at first until I saw the signs and realized it was in fact, Leach and not Leech. Visions of slimy parasitic bloodsuckers evaporated when we entered the gardens which are just off of a busy road here in Portland but, once you step in there, all the grimy rushing of the city goes away.

This was the perfect picnic spot.


Raspberry beer, lemon chevre, smoked gouda, crackers and fresh raspberries. Perfecto!