False start

March 24, 2019

Well, so I was wrong. We’re not quite ready to shut down before leaving after all. I forgot that I’d promised to have a last look at the riverside cherry grove before we leave, and a promise is a promise. That’s fine. I was a track runner in my deep past, and I recall that I get one false start before I’m disqualified.

Pretty, but it looks like we’re still a week out from a full bloom. It looks like we’re about two weeks behind last year.

Now that I’ve got your attention though, we might as well look around a bit more before leaving. It seems silly to have a post with just one photo, and it’s turned into such a beautiful spring here that it’s hard to stop looking. I’m really going to miss Portland, which is the way it should be - I’ll be excited to return.

First, a few pictures from one last visit to Mount Tabor.

A year ago, I didn’t know what this plant was; now, I see it everywhere. Thanks, Andrea!

I’m always confused by these early bloomers, which are a whole week earlier than the cherries on the waterfront. Are they plums, or just an earlier variety of cherry?

And, finally, one really last ride out to Sauvie Island. I’ve been wanting to come back ever since Rachael taunted me for missing the alleged flock of cranes last week. I’m skeptical, but they’re still around alright. There’s a flock of perhaps a hundred birds off in the distance, hiding behind a massive wall of geese. Too far out for a really good shot, but happily the first ospreys of the year are back in town and of a mind to pose.

We’ve ridden together for the first twenty miles, but I let her get away here while I stop to check out a few birds by the side of the road.

A huge flock. We’re looking at just a slice of what must be a several thousand bird congregation.

So here’s one of the reasons I wanted to come back to Sauvie again before we leave town - to see if the osprey have returned. They weren’t here yet last week.

Well, it’s official. It really must be spring.

OK, now I’m really done. See you in Sicily.

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Suzanne GibsonA perfect grand finale! Buon Viaggio!
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5 years ago

Sue PriceOne day we will have to ride in Portland with you two!
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5 years ago