Hard Rock

Regularly I read Vivian Swift's blog posts at https://vivianswiftblog.com/.

A few months ago she traveled to Scotland and in a small fishing village, Stromness,

she found the rock you see in my pictures.

She asked if it would be OK to take to the US and send it around to her friends to photograph.

The answer was yes!

So today I am hosting the rock from Stromness, Scotland with a visit in my city of Portland, Oregon.

Our first stop was at the rose garden near my home.

I have shared this garden before and sad to say this time of year isn't as pretty 

as when the roses are in full bloom and the fountain isn't spraying water.

I still love just seeing this garden in every season, as sometimes it is just

a quick glimpse driving by.

Portland has two significant rivers which influence the location our settlers chose

and give borders to the city.

The Columbia River is the divide between Oregon and Washington on the western side

of these states. This river is about a 10 minute drive from my home and a beautiful place to walk

on a lovely day.  I am on the Oregon side looking toward Washington.

The Willamette River divides Portland from east side to west side.

I am standing on the east side and across the river you can see downtown Portland,

which is on the west side.

Yesterday was such a beautiful Autumn day I decided to take the Stromness rock up

the west hill to this amazing view of the city. We are looking east and if you look very closely

you will see Mt. Hood. There is a better picture of the mountain at the end of this post.

Our mountains are part of what is called "a ring of fire". They are volcanoes.

If we could see through the trees to my left we would also see Mt. St. Helens,

which erupted in the 1980's.  Mt. Hood could also erupt one day, as it is not dormant.

As you could see by the sign above I was at Pittock Mansion for these views.

With all the adventures, the rock decided to sit in the tree for awhile and take in the view.

Turning away from the view of the city we see the mansion.

It is open for viewing to the public and has been here since the mid 1800's.

It was built by Mr. Pittock, the original publisher of our local newspaper, The Oregonian.

There are many hiking trails around this mansion and since it was such

a nice day I did see quite a few hikers.

Then we were off to the Lan Su Chinese Gardens.

What a beautiful day! The sunshine was to be savored.

The gardens was celebrating the month with chrysanthemums and

this special rock had to stop and enjoy this display.

The rock just loved having it's picture taken around the garden.

Standing above the pond on a small bridge, the rock and I enjoyed the day.

What fun to show the Stromness Rock the sights of Portland, Oregon.

Now soon it will be on it's way to another adventure.

Wouldn't it be fun to go along?

I do believe if you check out Vivian's blog you will from time to time see other adventures

of the Stromness Rock before it heads back home to Scotland a changed rock for sure.

It is a hard rock, but a bit faded from it's adventures.

https://vivianswiftblog.com/