Portland Gardens

Left Frank and Mary Margaret's after breakfast and headed to Portland. Cloudy day--but you're in the Pacific NW! First stop was the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This is a one square block Chinese Garden based on a 2000 year old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. As the descriptor says, "Lan Su Chinese Garden is your window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Built by Chinese artisans, it is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China." It was a tranquil and restful experience being there. The Guidebook did a wonderful job explaining the significance of different buildings and gardens. Another must see!

The doorways and windows throughout the Garden form views within
views, creating the illusion of infinite space with a single city block.

On to Washington Park and Portland's Japanese Garden. It features five formal garden styles nestled into 5.5 acres. There is a Tea Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Natural Garden, Sand and Stone Garden and Flat Garden.



This one too was a wonderful place to visit (but, Duke Garden's Asiatic Arboretum's still my favorite!). Grabbed a quick lunch and then went across the street to the Portland International Rose Test Garden. Sunshine for this garden and it was beautiful on those rose buds! There are test plots for new roses, a garden of all the AARS winning roses for the last 50 or so years, a mineature roses garden. It went on for row after row of beautiful roses. It was past peak, but almost every plant had at least one blossom and several buds. What a great way to spend a day!

We hopped back in the car and headed out I-5 to I-84 and to the Columbia River Gorge. Hopped onto the Historic Columbia River Highway as soon as possible. It was a lovely drive through the woods and then along the River. We stopped at the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint and got this beautiful view of the Gorge.


Continued on down the road and stopped at several waterfalls along the way.

Latourell Falls

Then the road merged with I-84 and we headed for a Campground. All the Forest Service Campgrounds are closed for the season so we ended up at Viento State Park. They had sites below the highway and above the highway. We chose below, thinking it would be quieter. Had dinner and relaxed a little and hit the hay. Beautiful day!