CRYSTAL SPRINGS RHODODENDRON GARDEN

The rhododendrons opened about three weeks early this year, due to our weather.
Before Mother's Day, it was in full bloom.
Although we missed most of the colorful blooms, there was plenty of beauty to behold.

 

We fed the ducks and geese (don't bring bread for them, just grain - we didn't see the sign until we were leaving - oops), we walked the paths, over bridges and by the water.  There are beautiful water features, a lot of wildlife to see, including a lot of cute baby animals, and gorgeous architecture.

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is such a great place to spend the afternoon.  We absolutely loved it.

ELK ROCK, THE GARDEN OF THE BISHOP'S CLOSE

Visiting this hidden gem has been on my to-do list for quite sometime.

Sitting on a cliff-side over looking the Willamette, is this stunningly gorgeous 13 acre English garden.

I loved everything about this garden.  The blooming plants, the foliage lined meandering paths, moss covered stones, benches to contemplate and the incredible view of Mt. Hood.

In 1957, this private garden was donated to the Diocese of Oregon, by the family, with the stipulation that it be open to the public.

There isn't a lot in bloom right now and it is stunning.  I can only imagine what it looks like in spring, in full bloom.  I'm looking forward to going back so it can take my breath away.

IMAGINE DRAGONS AT WATERFRONT PARK

Yes, we've seen Imagine Dragons in concert three times this month. We just can't help it.  Their music speaks to my soul, and it's not everyday that they come to the northwest.  And the entire man clan agree - Imagine Dragons knocks our socks off.
It was just Larry and I for this concert and we had four jealous boys - muah, ha, ha.

It was a perfect Portland evening, with a front row view of one of our favorite bands who put on a ridiculously awesome show.

SLINGSHOT

Larry and I went on a slingshot that flung us 100 mph - woo, wee was it fun.  So much fun, we did it twice!

HOTEL MONACO IN PORTLAND

For Larry's birthday weekend, I booked us a room at Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland.  I was so impressed with the customer service from the get go, if I ran a hotel, I would book a room and implement their procedures.  Besides this being a stunningly beautiful hotel, it has amazing staff with excellent communication.

Here is the lobby.  Although very large, it was welcoming, comfortable and had a coziness about it.  In the evenings, the hotel provides drinks and music in there you could come down an mingle if you'd like.

Before I tell you about our room, let me tell you about the valet service.  From the street, you drive down to the parking structure under the hotel.  When I think of parking structures I don't think pretty or classy, but this one is.  They have large green canvas curtains hanging from the pillars, which also have decorative lattice on them and the floor is polished pavers in an overlapping arch pattern.  The valet personnel is very friendly, nice and helpful.  From there, you take an elevator up to the lobby.

When we checked in, the front desk told us we had received a complementary upgrade to a king premier suite on the top floor.  When we walked into the room, we had to pick our chins off the ground.  We had a foyer, a huge bathroom, living room, and the bedroom.  It was so beautiful, fun, unique and eclectic.  Hands down, the coolest hotel room we have ever stayed at!

When we returned to our room later that night, we had sparkling cider on ice waiting for us and Larry had a handwritten birthday card from the front desk.

Isn't this hotel rad?  I know where I'm staying next time we have a weekend getaway in Portland!

I HAVE A LOT

of road trips coming up...

Cathedral Bridge 2008

I'm having fun starting to plan them.
Are you going any place fun this summer?