Transit in Portland Oregon

The Oregon Zoo in Fall

September 29, 2026

Dear Liza,

Yesterday was a sunny, cool day here in Portland, and Grandpa Nelson and I headed off to the Zoo. Being a school day, there were only a few people there, which is my favorite number of people at the Zoo!

The animals were all out and about, though. This North American River Otter was enjoying his new toy. The hanging bucket had toys that the otter wanted, and the raft he needed to use to get them kept floating….

It was a testament to persistance!

These giraffes were in separate enclosures, but still found a way to chat over the wall. I couldn’t hear anything, but they had a nice time, anyway.

What kept catching my eye was the early afternoon light. Through the trees or bouncing off surfaces, it was bright and magical.

Shadows were everywhere! This one is me with some of the decorations for ZooLights that are being installed for the winter.

One the way home, I noticed this sign in the train station for the first time. The train station is WAAAAY deep under the Zoo, and this sign shows why, except in an emergency, you should take the elevator.

Yep.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Lots of Walks, Lots of Flowers

Dear Liza,

Portland late spring is FULL. Full of sunshine, full of flowers, full of long walks to enjoy both.

Last week, Cynthia and I took the bus to the river and walked along the West Bank. The Iris Garden even made the Marquam Bridge look pretty!

We walked clear to the Tilikum Bridge, then caught the B loop streetcar and then the number 15 back home. I was well and truly worn out. Lunch and a lay-down put me right.

Which is good, because Auntie Bridgett wanted some exercise! We walked through the Sunnyside neighborhood, enjoying the roses that are just popping out.

We got inspired to go visit the dead people at Lone Fir Cemetery. I felt sure I could find the grave of Eloisa McLoughlin Harvey, Dr. John McLoughlin’s (“The Father of Oregon”) daughter, having heard Tammy Williams describe where it was. Well, I didn’t find it. But the cemetery was gorgeous.

Later that evening, we walked out again for dinner at a local favorite, Bluto’s Greek food. Sidewalk tables made for good people and dog watching along with our delicious skewers and pickled veggies.

And, walking home, more roses!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Jellyfish Hunting in Happy Valley

Dear Liza,

This week we had some of those perfect spring days. Cool and sunny, no wind, and just right for an adventure.

I also needed supplies for my jellyfish costume for SOAK, and Joann Fabrics and Crafts is down in Happy Valley. That is a half hour trip via the number 15 bus and the Green Line train.

So before lunch, Grandpa Nelson and I set out. I love taking transit through new neighborhoods. Since I’m not busy navigating, I can appreciate the trees, murals, and houses.

Our transfer from the bus to the train was easy, giving us time to enjoy the sunlight and some public art before whisking us down to Happy Valley.

The exhausting part of the day was the long walks across the ginormous parking lots!! My whole neighborhood of Sunnyside could fit in The Home Depot lot. Cars are space hogs.

After a quick lunch at Carl’s Jr., I found just what I needed at Joann. Lavender tule and sparkly fabrics, ribbons and yarn and some interesting ruffled lace will make a lovely jellyfish.

I drew the design on the back of a junk mailing so I have it in my head.

Our trip home was quick and easy, and after a bit of a lay down, I was ready for the rest of the day.

I love spring!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Grand Floral Parade

Dear Liza,

This past weekend, we had another step back to post-Covid life when we got to attend the Grand Floral Parade. The parade was shorter this year, only running two miles instead of four, and stayed in the east side of the river, where we live.

Rather than deal with parking and traffic, we caught the Number 75 bus to the the Hollywood train station and caught the Trimet train to Lloyd Center. The whole trip took about 15 minutes and I got to chat with a nice fellow along the way.

We found a comfortable wall to sit on and enjoyed the people parade and the actual parade. One of the things I love about Portland’s Rose Parade is that there are floats and marching groups from so many local associations. The floats aren’t as fancy as in Pasadena’s Rose Parade. That’s okay.

The Electrical Workers Union marched a group of thirty Rosie the Riveters doing a cool routine.

There were Aztec dancers, Rabbis blowing shofars, Chinese dragons, Rose Queens, Japanese Taiko drummers, and clowns.

The dozen or so marching bands played wonderful music, with snappy cadences in between songs. I wish I could insert the video into this blog!

When the parade was all done and the street sweepers came by, we stretched our legs and walked up to McMinamen’s on Broadway for lunch. Tuna sandwiches and cider filled us up.

Rather than take the simple return trip home, however, we caught the train across the river. It’s nice, when you’re really tired, to just sit and watch the world go by. We rested and then caught the Magic Number 15 home. The rain, which had held off all day, poured within half an hour of getting home. Hooray!

After all the music, drumming, and walking, I was worn out and took a long nap. Some dinner and watching the Giants beat the Dodgers rounded out a pretty perfect day.

Love,

Grandma Judy