Journalist By Nature: Cabin Fever Abated At Wetlands

A rare episode of sub-freezing temperatures and a foot of snow shut down Portland for several days in early February this year. The white fluffy stuff is magical at the first flake but grows more miserable with each passing day of confinement, road hazards, loss of power, missed work or school days and endless news reports on the situation. We jumped at the opportunity to get out for fresh air and a leg stretch this week, snow piles mostly melted and temperatures in the 50's. The promise of lunch at one hiker's nearby home prompted a jaunt through the Fairview community and nearby wetlands' ponds and trails.

Fairview was incorporated in 1908 in a farming area 15 miles northeast of Portland. With a current population near 9000, the homes reflect the passing of years, some being small and utilitarian while other newer ones showcase the more current trends of multistories and common wall triplex models. Planned areas of business feature the work-below-live-above efforts to consolidate newer suburban districts. Situated near Interstate 84, Fairview is easy to access.

Parks stretch through the housing areas and link with pathways to the Salish Ponds where we enjoyed our outing today. The ponds lie directly under the Portland International Airport landing path, so planes cruise overhead on a regular 2-minute spaced flight pattern. The arriving aircraft always fuel the desire to head to more exotic destinations at this time of year.

The ponds support a variety of fowl from the "floaters" of Canadian geese and ducks to the "flitters" of robins and red-wing blackbirds with their characteristic call. A little girl in pink made her daily walk with mom around one pond, investigating every natural treasure along the route. She made sure I, too, had a stick with which to scratch the pathway and poke at weathered grasses. The sunlight glistened on the pond's surface, hinting at the change in seasons about to slip over us. Buds formed on bare tree limbs while the final remnants of ice floated in sections of the pond.

Returning through the succinct streets of shops conversation turned to the permanentizing of beauty: tattooed eyeliner and eyebrows. The pros and cons were discussed, examples shared and the recommended shop pointed out. There was no rush to make appointments but the concept, for women and men of a certain age, holds some appeal. The cost can set you back about $400 for each procedure, but what price beauty, or convenience for that matter?

Our fresh air outing ended at a home filled with family antiques, stories and warm hospitality. A winter/Valentine/promise of spring theme adorned the dining table. An assortment of hot soups, healthy crackers and toasty bread allowed us to customize our lunch. Long, flowing conversations covering every imaginable topic contributed to the fellowship of our group. Foodies at heart, we began to make plans for a group dinner of paella and with the adventurous element always present, some summer bicycling trips were touted just to get them on our calendars. The hills are alive, just covered by snow. The city walks will continue until we can see the pine needles on the pathway and journey farther into the forests of the Pacific Northwest. We're counting the days!