Visit to Groundspeak HQ

On Friday, March 20, 2009, I went to Groundspeak HQ at 2:00pm where I met Annie, Jessica and Jeremy. I was disappointed that the big wall monitor was broken - not physically but internally. Three members of the Clackamas Geocaching Association were also visiting along with their friend from Camas. I signed the log book and placed a Travel Bug in the huge cache box. We saw a bit of the “lily pad.” A travel bug decal was attached to the front window.

GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit Meet and Greet Event

My #2 son, Christopher, and I plan to attend the GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit Meet and Greet event on March 28, 2009 from 10 am – Noon at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington.

This geocaching meet and greet event is free. Event attendees will be able to enter via a private entrance at the North Gate of the Pacific Science Center. There will be refreshments available for all attendees.

Lecture on J. Harlen Bretz and the Ice Age Flood

This evening I attended a lecture on J. Harlen Bretz and the Ice Age Flood by author and historian John Soennichsen at Museum of the Oregon Territory, 211 Tumwater Drive in Oregon City at 7:00 PM. It was interesting but I did not learn anything new.

Portland Classical Chinese Garden and Old Town

I traveled on MAX light rail from Delta Park to the Rose Quarter where I transferred to the Blue Line. They were stringing the electric wires for the new Green Line so MAX trains were on different routes and buses were shuttling people.

I left MAX at Chinatown and walked two blocks west to the Chinese Garden. I watched the Lion Dance from the Painted Boat in Misty Rain. I had Emperors Gold tea and Five Treasure Come Knocking (a New Years treat) in the Tower of Cosmic Reflections. Afterwards I saw another Lion Dance and then Traditional Chinese Dances.

I went on a walking tour of part of Old Town. While the sun was warm the wind was cold so I left the rest of the Old Town walking tour for another day. I traveled on MAX light rail back to Delta Park where I left my car.

Walking Tour of Chinatown

I rode the MAX light rail to Skidmore Fountain/Burnside. I walked to the Chinatown Gateway at Burnside and NW 4th Avenue to begin my exploration of Chinatown. As I wandered through the streets lined with twin ornamental street lights, painted red and gold, with bilingual street signs in Chinese calligraphy, and Asian Flowering Cherry trees yet to bloom, I felt that Springtime was not far away. I visited the Portland Classical Chinese Garden and took the guided tour. I stopped briefly to watch a Chinese Tea Ceremony in the Hall of Brocade Clouds. I had Emperor’s Gold Tea and Almond Cookies at the tea room in the Tower of Cosmic Reflections. Afterwards I finished my walking tour of Chinatown.

Geocaching along Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway

My #2 son, Christopher, and I hiked two sections of the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway this afternoon. We were bundled in several layers of clothing. We found four geocaches and did not find three geocaches--one was flooded and two were likely missing. The tall grasses and blackberry bushes had been mowed to stubble. The trees and shrubs were barren of leaves. Patches of the wetlands had thin layers of shattered ice. We saw a heron, many ducks--both male and female and a little brown mouse. The far hills were covered in snow under a cloudy grey sky. As we walked back to the car, the cold east wind began to blow and the snow fell increasingly thicker.

Afternoon Tea at The Heathman, Portland, Oregon

I traveled by car to Delta Park and then via MAX light rail to Pioneer Square in downtown Portland. I walked a few blocks to The Heathman. I had afternoon tea in the historic tea court at a table where I could see the fire in the fireplace. Afternoon Tea at The Heathman is a long standing tradition in Portland, especially during the holiday season.

I chose Earl Grey tea with bergamot (do not like Earl Grey with lavender). I had four sandwiches, deviled egg, Heathman scone with mascarpone, banana bread, and five desserts. I especially liked the classic cucumber sandwich, the Heathman scone and the Banana Bread. I was taken back when I received the bill. The price had risen from $28.50 per person (listed on the menu card) to $32.00 per person!! I had a $10.00 coupon which I received at the Washington Square Macy's Tea/China Dishes Presentation a couple months ago.

After the tea I wandered around The Heathman lobby and mezzanine looking at the glass art and the artwork. I was especially impressed with the library on the mezzanine. The glass cases held books of authors that have stayed at The Heathman over the years.