So last week, I was at another Department of Labor conference, this time, in Portland, Oregon. This was my first trip to Portland – a rainy ‘Austin of the Northwest.’ However, it was only rainy on the first day; the remaining two were what you might call ‘Chamber of Commerce Weather.’
On my free afternoon, I walked though Washington Park. I say ‘walked.’ I’d originally planned to stroll around, but it ended up being about 8 miles through the park and NW Portland neighborhoods.
The Runcible Existentialist 
That looks like a trillium to me. (I grew up a little south and a little north of there.) I’m glad it didn’t rain on you the whole time. The rain is a major reason I left.
I can always count on you to identify plant species for me – thank you! My aunt and uncle lived in Portland for several years and the rain is exactly why my aunt wanted to leave. Being a native of San Antonio, I think she just couldn’t take it anymore.
That’s quite the climate change right there!
Ah, the Pacific Northwest! When the sun shines, it can be glorious. But the clouds and drizzle never really bothered me as a kid. In fact, it took a bit to get used to the all the sunshine after moving to Texas. Looks like you had a lovely introduction. I’m guessing it was a bit early for all the amazing roses, rhododendrons and wildflowers.
Hey Steven!
Funny, when I was strolling through Washington Park, I remembered that your early years were up in Washington. Yep – it was a little early for the roses, et al, but I count myself lucky that I got to see all the trees without getting waterlogged.