Portland Waterfront Bike Loop

Melissa and Erica and I decided to go for a bike ride Friday afternoon.

We felt like doing something really different from the Vernonia Linear Trail so we decided to take the MAX (train) downtown to do the Waterfront Bike Loop.

We started near #3 at Waterfront Park and went clockwise around the loop.

Melissa took this picture of Erica and I in Willamette Park. You can see the Sellwood bridge in the background.

After we crossed the Sellwood Bridge we ended up on an extremely nice section of the Springwater Corridor We stopped to get a look at the bird above, but I haven't identified him yet.

* Melissa's mom has identified the bird as an Osprey -Pandion haliaetus. Thanks!

This isn't the best viewpoint for the Ross Island Bridge but there were some cool rocks and pretty yellow flowers on the beach.

* Kathy in the library has identified the flower as an Evening Primrose - Oenothera spp.

We stopped in the Eastbank Esplanade to take a break in the shade and admire the flowers. Erica has a book on edible and medicinal plants. She decided to taste the willow leaves... Melissa and I did nothing to stop her. Anyway, I think it's actually the willow bark that's good for headaches.

The floating walkway, apparently the longest one in the US, was a cool surprise. Although we were riding downhill at a pretty good pace, I managed to get an OK photo.

The walkway ended up at the Steel Bridge. The lower portion of the bridge can raise independently of the upper portion, that's why there is a crosswalk sign.

Afterwards we ate dinner and drank LOTS of water at McFadden's. With their incredible happy hour menu the three of us ate for under 10$. I guess being an Irish bar, they usually make most of their money on beer.

After that we stopped by Voodoo Doughnuts where Erica got this jam filled voodoo doll.

Finally, we stopped at the famous Powell's bookstore and headed home.