Newberg

After some email back and forth it was decided that I would come to Newberg for a few days. Ostensibly in order to take part in the 25 year anniversary celebration of the Pioneer Courthouse Square. They were offering free cake. And you know how hard that is to pass up.
My first idea was to climb on Amtrack Sunday after conference. That didn't sit well with Kathy and although she didn't say anything her face said most of what she was thinking. Well, maybe everything but since I don't play poker I didn't see it. Eventually she told me. So Kathy and I drove to Newberg. Kathy stopped for a quick visit and then drove back to Gig Harbor. And here I am in Newberg.
Monday went as planned plus some. Christine drove over to the Oregon Zoo and from there we caught the MAX to the Square arriving about 11:30 a.m. Because cake wouldn't be served until noon we went to find lunch at the food court at Pioneer Place. Just as I like it - in and out before the crowds. Then back to the Square in time for cake. My favorite - devils food with raspberry filling - was offered. A no-brainer for me. Christine and Colin opted for the chocolate with white chocolate. Which in retrospect made the choice a bit harder.
Then being the eternal Portland booster, I asked the not so innocent question, "Do you want to see a giant statue? ...of its type second only to the Statue of Liberty?" And with that we set off on a mini walking tour of downtown Portland. First stop - Portlandia. And on to the Ira Keller forecourt fountain at the Civic Auditorium, Portland State University, South Park Blocks, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, ... Colin was held up pretty well. Even after we returned to the zoo and visited the elephants Colin was still on his feet.
Kudos to Colin and Christine for the day in Portland.
As I can remember when Chris got home from work we went out on the bikes for about an hour and a half. Even though he has changed his gearing more for speed than to facilitate climbing I didn't see much change in how the ride went. He told me we weren't going to ride hills just as we started up a steep incline. Admittedly the rest were what Chris calls rollers.
Later Monday evening Chris and Craig got started on Craig's bike. Building and refining the parts list for the rest of the build. Today it is well toward being finished. I must say Craig has been the model of patience.
Yesterday I did a solo ride from Newberg to my Mom's place in Milwaukie. A good ride after Christine helped me find the corners on Google Maps. Well, maybe I should say good up to and after Oregon City. My impression of Oregon City - it is not a bicycle town. I had a good long visit with Mom. Then I couldn't see trying to find my way back through Oregon City or attempting the Sellwood Bridge in the afternoon. So again it was Christine - this time with Chris's car - to the rescue.
I'm trying to repay a bit by helping with supper tonight.
I'll let you know how it comes out.