More news from NW Oregon's finest town:
Ashley shuttled me over to the Portland Zoo/park mid morning on her way to do some shopping for new garage door openers (our next project!). There is a trail which runs 27 miles through parks around the city, and there are multiple side trails as well.
Around mid morning I began the trail at the Vietnam Vet's Memorial in the park next to the zoo. Instead of taking off on the hike, I spent 30 minutes reading the various captions inscribed in the marble along the walk through the memorial. Whoever put the memorial together did a great job, with separation by groups of years and news and tidbits of stories from small town Oregon as well as news and events that were taking place simultaneously in Vietnam. After absorbing the emotions of the memorial, it was time to walk on the Wildwood trail.
I was on the trail for about an hour and a half, passing by a few folks along the way who were coming the other direction. Most of the trail was fairly flat but there was a significant 500 foot climb to the top of a small mountain overlooking the city of Portland where the Pittock mansion is located. The foot felt OK as I walked but within a mile of starting I developed a nice new blister on the left heel. Seems the new shoes I was breaking in broke me instead. I had just begun the descent after topping out at the mansion when Ashley called me on the cell phone and asked if I wanted to be picked up now or later. Contemplating the pain of the new blister and feeling some shin splint pain, I opted for a ride back to the homestead and made a quick return to the mansion for my personal shuttle.
I spent some evening time getting the two garage door openers out of the box and inventorying all of the parts to be assembled before installation. We also returned to episodes of 24 which have been suspenseful and dramatic.
My little 4 mile hike showed me that it isn't yet ready for the big time but is making good progress and soon I can return to the PCT. Hope that new blister heals soon!
