PDX

 Portland is an interesting city to me.  There are so many areas of Portland that seem to be a whole other world.  I have yet to venture to all, with my camera at least, but intend to get there soon.  On this trip I visited the Eastbank Esplanade of the Willamette River.

Here is a link for more information on the Eastbank Esplanade, http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=105&action=ViewPark

If  you have never visited the Esplanade, it is a 1.5 mile long path on the bank of the river for walking, running, biking and breathtaking views of downtown Portland.  Above is my skyline picture.  Below is another skyline, framed by the underside of a freeway overpass.

Burnside Bridge: Originally opened in 1894 and replaced with the current bridge in 1926

Burnside Bridge's Italian Renaissance towers

Morrison Bridge: Originally opened in 1887 and replaced with current bridge in 1958.  When built in 1887 it was the longest bridge West of the Mississippi and was a toll bridge (rates: horse drawn rig - $0.15, team of horses - $0.20, pedestrian - $0.05)  The large concrete pillars are illuminated by large flood lights and colors can be requested by the public for a fee.  These are often purchased during Civil War football week by an alumni of either Oregon State or Oregon and the colors represent their school!!

You never know when you might need to do some business down by the river!

Just a glimpse of the some of the great art, sculptures and lines that you will find on the Eastbank

This was my favorite picture of the day.  This is the water level, floating walkway and I was lucky enough to get here when it was empty and begging to be photographed!

World renowned OHSU and the trolley car.  OHSU is on the Southwest side of Portland is one of the leading hospitals in the world.  It is also the future home of one Drew Krieg!

An awesome view of the KOIN tower. Built in 1984 and named after its highest profile occupant, KOIN television, a CBS affiliate.  The KOIN Tower is 35 stories tall.

Portland Oregon/Old Town Sign: This sign is a historic landmark in Portland, designated in 1977.  Originally constructed in 1940 atop the White Stag Sportswear building, reading White Stag in large letters.  This sign has had numerous names over the years including; White Stag Sportswear, White Satin Sugar, Made in Oregon and currently Portland Oregon. Pictures below are courtesy of Wikipedia and Google

                               

 My trip to the Eastbank Esplanade was time well spent.  The views were amazing, the people were interesting, and the pictures were awesome.  As I looked back through my pictures I started to realize how much history I was looking at.  After looking into the stories of the bridges, buildings and signs, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of where Portland came from.  There is so much more to see in Portland and so much more to learn.  Keep checking back to see where I end up next!!