Portland Aerial Tram

Post # 24 of 101 cool Portland places - The Portland Aeial Tram.

Ready for a quick and beautiful sightseeing view, check out the Portland Aerial Tram. You will get lovely views of Portland skyscape, Willammette River and many of the tall building that surround downtown Portland.  I am not sure if they still allow this, but a large group of friends and I had a party in the tram. We scheduled it and then got around 30 of us, all dressed in a theme party attire and went back and fourth a couple times during the evening hours. The tram operator gave us a talk about the history and general FAQ and the night view was AMAZING. It was great.

Traveling at 22 miles per hour, the Tram cabins rise 500 feet for the three-minute trip over I-5, the Corbett-Lair Hill neighborhood and the Southwest Terwilliger Parkway. It travel between Marquam Hill and the OHSU Center for Health & Healing at South Waterfront. All riders must have a round-trip Fare Ticket when riding the Tram. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines at the lower terminal.
Enjoy!

It’s your time to be HEALTHY and HAPPY and BEAUTIFUL on the inside and out.

Post #23 of 101 Cool Portland places. The location is…”You”.

I know this is not a “cool Portland place”, but I feel wherever you are at is cool. Sit back, pour a glass of wine, turn off the TV, take off your socks, do a quick stretch, smile :) and enjoy!

With good health comes happiness and with good health comes beauty.

I would like to share my ideas of good health, the Diddy-a’la’natu’ral’ way…and while you are reading this I’m going to head to the kitchen and make me a quick veggie and seafood stir-fry. Click on the links for your resource pleasure and once again….enjoy!

Antioxidants are like cute little tiny warriors inside of your body that are protecting you from that evil nemesis called…aging.  As your body ages it oxidizes, we are literally deteriorating at the cellular level. We look older.  It’s so easy to slow that process down simply by having a diet that is high in antioxidants. Here are a few of these Jedi Master antioxidants:  blueberries, pomegranates,  kale, dark chocolate, red beans, green tea, dark red cherries, artichokes and blackberries.  Eat them often and enjoy. You can take supplements that are high in antioxidants such as ones containing Acai berry, Mangosteen or concentrated berry drinks. Your body will definitely thank you as you get older.

Keeping the brain strong,

healthy and flowing is the key to keeping your entire body strong, healthy and flowing. Sometimes my brain is flowing in many direction at the same time, but that’s OK because avocados and sushi are my favorite food. Introduce Omega 3 fatty acids into your meals, it’s brain food.  Salmon that is wild caught, sardines, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and soy are high in Omega 3’s.  Also try the liquid form of Flax seed oil, hemp seed oil or cod liver oil. If your brain is well fed then your memory, actions and decisions will be more focused, quicker and clearer, and who knows, you just might buy a hot tub and invite 5 of your cutest friends over….that’s a good decision.

Take 4 deep breaths per day.

The average person breathes shallow throughout the day, everyday.  Inhale and then exhale as much as your lungs can handle 4 times per day, so at the age of 80 you will have the lungs of a 40 year old.  Otherwise, when you are 80 you will have the lungs of an 80 year old. Fill your lungs and see how it feels?  When I’m 80 I wanna have these lungs.

Getting massages are magical

and euphoric, they create blood flow throughout the body, loosen the muscles, relieve stress and create relaxation. A massage a day will keep the doctors away. Call up a massage therapist or do massage trades with your friends. Come on, you’ve been to those parties that turn into massage trains…no?

Stretching is key to a youthful body.

Stretching creates a comfortable feeling throughout your bones and just strengthens and tones every ounce of you. Watch Natures way of  how trees stretch – branches blowing in the heavy wind builds them girth and make them more flexible and stronger.  Introduce yourself to Yoga or Pilate’s.  Have a morning stretch routine before you head out the door. You are as youthful as your spine is flexible. (I’m going to write a song about that).

Crack the bedroom window open before falling asleep. Continually breathing in used, stale and uncirculated air is wearing out your body. Breathing in fresh oxygen into your bedroom where you spend the majority of your life (sleeping) is key to longevity. 2 inches is all it takes…… not :)

HAVE FUN!

Seriously, just go out, empty your wallet and have fun.  Break away from your daily routine, see some live music, watch a movie in a cool environment, walk the artsy Portland nightlife and see the Portland wild side. Laugh Out Loud and don’t short yourself on laughs (LOL – bleh).

Keep drinking water,

in fact grab a glass right now… I’ll wait…….Go.
Your body is made up mostly of water and you need to stay hydrated for optimal health. Drink H20 throughout the day until it becomes a natural habit.  Do you ever notice what happens to your house plants if you don’t give them enough water? Aside from them being non-vocally pissed, they’d look limp, sad and unhealthy, there is no difference for how we’d look if always being dehydrated.

Activities that are fun

make you wanna keep on doing them.  Take up a fun team sport. Try Ultimate Frisbee , Kickball or softball, buy a bike and start a Sunday route with friends. Jog the Springwater trail :)   Try rock climbing or hike through the local trails near your house. Go out dancing or try Capoeira. Keeping your body limber and active keeps you feeling healthy and strong.

Multi vitamins…There are always those few vitamins and minerals that you are not getting into your daily routine.

Organic gardening is always a great way towards a healthy lifestyle. Live off the land, eat from your land. Fresh fruit, vegetables, berries and morning fresh eggs are always yummy when they’re always available for the takin.  Try not to use pesticides or chemicals on your vegetables, instead try pureed Habenero peppers and Garlic mixed with water in a spray bottle to get rid of those nasty pests. Picking fresh from your garden has the maximum amount of vitamins, minerals and enzymes your body crave.

There’s a monster on the loose and it’s called STRESS.  Stress leads to sickness! Try your best to tune it out and let it go. Talk about your situation to a friend just to get it out of ya, you know…vent.  Drink a glass of organic sulfite-free red wine and strum the guitar or take a long walk to nowhere, laugh, just know that everything will be OK. You are still loved by those close to you.

Your friends are your future and they’re good for your health. Smile often, make love often, and then make more love more often. Do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return.

I love you, You love me… Let’s have fun today.
Kevin Levy

Springwater Corrider – Portland’s premier biking trail

Post #22 of 101 cool Portland places -

The Springwater Corrider.

Ready to have the biking adventure of a lifetime, or at least your favorite bike ride of the week. Oil that chin, tighen the seat, get the map and ride along the Springwater Corrider .
Try attaching a camera on the handlebars of your bike and record the entire trip, then play it at double speed for a great time-lapsed video experience.
The Springwater Corridor is the major southeast segment of the 40-Mile Loop. Extending from Southeast 4th and Ivon in Portland (near OMSI), the alternative transportation and recreational trail extends 21 miles, currently ending in Boring. The trial might be closed due to heavy rains so cheeck  with Parks and Rec to make sure you adventure starts with open trails. Get your helmet on and have fun.

Sauvie Island – The perfect Portland day getaway

Post # 21 of 101 cool Portland places -

Sauvie Island

Summer is almost here and here is a great out door place of interest.  Sauvie Island is one of the many Portland summer hot spots that’s a perfect day getaway. The last time I went there,  I did U-pick blueberry’s at the local farm and other fresh vegetables Farmers Markets, then went to the local beaches and enjoyed a nice relaxing day soaking up the sun with blanket and picnic basket in hand. There is even a nude beach that many Portland peeps enjoy, I’ve never been there…..except for 4 times.

The Pumpkin Patch Farm is located on Sauvie Island in Portland, it is a real working farm that also offers numerous attractions to visitors during the summer and in to the fall.  When I choose not to plant pumpkins in my backyard I venture off to the Pumpkin Patch and choose from hundred’s of U-Pick pumpkins to take home. Don’t tell the owners but once, I took a huge pumpkin and threw it and watched it explode into a million bits of squash heaven.  For the past seven years the Pumpkin Patch has offer The Maize, Oregon’s original giant maze of corn planted in a shape that celebrates the local history and identity.  Make a mental note, “Don’t drink alcohol and then do the corn maze, it’s no fun being lost while needing to use the bathroom. During the month of October, an additional maze, the Haunted Field of Screams is available.  Hay rides are free on Labor Day Weekend and daily during October. Children seem to enjoy the Cow Train, which gives tours around the farm on weekends.
The Farm fresh market provides seasonal produce starting in June as the strawberries begin to ripen.   Check out thepumpkinpatch.com for more information. The Pumpkin Patch Farm is located at 16525 NW GILLIHAN RD in Northwest Portland on Sauvie Island.


Sauvie Island has a GREAT history.
The original inhabitants of the island were the Multnomah tribe of the Chinook Indians. The Islands formed over a million years ago…. Click to learn more, read about the Sauvie Island History

Here is a map of  SAUVIE ISLAND

Hawthorne homes, Portland Oregon

Homes in the Hawthorne district are beautiful, full of charm and in an unbeatable Portland location.
You can expect to find Bungalow’s, PDX Four Square, Cottages and a few Victorian and Craftsman style homes.

Here is a current list of every home for sale in the Hawthorne neighborhood.
Like one that you see? Let’s view view it.

1 - 43 of 43 active listings.
$795,000
1005 SE 28TH AVE
Beds:5 Baths:3.1
SqFt:4605 YrBlt:1907
$609,900
1920 SE 44TH AVE
Beds:5 Baths:3.0
SqFt:2782 YrBlt:1913
$599,900
1218 SE 53RD AVE
Beds:5 Baths:2.1
SqFt:2969 YrBlt:1955
$575,000
2041 SE 30TH AVE
Beds:5 Baths:3.0
SqFt:2694 YrBlt:1927
$549,000
3416 SE MAIN ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:3323 YrBlt:1897
$525,000
3129 SE HAWTHORNE BLVD
Beds:4 Baths:1.2
SqFt:3315 YrBlt:1910
$524,900
3823 SE SALMON ST
Beds:4 Baths:3.1
SqFt:2555 YrBlt:2006
$499,500
741 SE PEACOCK LN
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2348 YrBlt:1925
$499,000
3004 SE TAYLOR ST
Beds:6 Baths:3.0
SqFt:3862 YrBlt:1904
$449,900
1933 SE 45TH AVE
Beds:4 Baths:3.0
SqFt:2650 YrBlt:1907
$449,000
3821 SE MAIN ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2172 YrBlt:1906
$425,000
2331 SE 52ND AVE
Beds:4 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2650 YrBlt:1922
$419,000
1911 SE 48TH AVE
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2615 YrBlt:1914
$399,900
3642 SE MORRISON ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2363 YrBlt:1905
$399,900
3519 SE YAMHILL ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2244 YrBlt:1906
$399,000
523 SE 53RD AVE
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2834 YrBlt:1922
$385,000
1834 SE 41ST AVE
Beds:3 Baths:1.0
SqFt:2455 YrBlt:1912
$375,000
624 SE 38TH AVE
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:2336 YrBlt:1922
$374,900
4226 SE YAMHILL ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.1
SqFt:1622 YrBlt:2010
$374,900
3328 SE TAYLOR ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2420 YrBlt:1908
$359,000
1010 SE 49TH AVE
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2512 YrBlt:1892
$359,000
3723 SE MADISON ST
Beds:3 Baths:1.0
SqFt:2260 YrBlt:1912
$359,000
4815 SE LINCOLN ST
Beds:3 Baths:1.1
SqFt:2540 YrBlt:1915
$359,000
3311 SE SHERMAN ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:1186 YrBlt:2010
$339,900
1628 SE 43RD AVE
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:1654 YrBlt:1928
$325,000
916 SE 38TH AVE
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2160 YrBlt:1906
$319,000
3757 SE ALDER ST
Beds:3 Baths:1.0
SqFt:2130 YrBlt:1907
$319,000
1218 SE 51ST AVE
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1976 YrBlt:1910
$319,000
4265 SE TAYLOR ST
Beds:3 Baths:1.1
SqFt:1245 YrBlt:1890
$314,900
3217 SE LINCOLN ST
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1768 YrBlt:1953
$312,000
3754 SE SHERMAN ST
Beds:4 Baths:1.0
SqFt:2760 YrBlt:1910
$299,900
1615 SE 46TH AVE
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1956 YrBlt:1913
$299,000
3586 SE SHERMAN ST
Beds:3 Baths:2.0
SqFt:2243 YrBlt:1910
$299,000
1418 SE 43RD AVE
Beds:3 Baths:1.1
SqFt:2358 YrBlt:1884
$299,000
3805 SE ALDER ST
Beds:3 Baths:1.0
SqFt:2168 YrBlt:1923
$299,000
4234 SE WASHINGTON ST
Beds:1 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1032 YrBlt:1927
$299,000
4236 SE MADISON ST
Beds:2 Baths:.1
SqFt:1478 YrBlt:1905
$290,000
712 SE 30TH AVE
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1685 YrBlt:1905
$285,000
2219 SE 38TH AVE
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1256 YrBlt:1906
$279,900
2365 SE 44TH AVE
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1768 YrBlt:1921
$274,900
4314 SE YAMHILL ST
Beds:2 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1735 YrBlt:1929
$269,900
3736 SE BELMONT ST
Beds:3 Baths:1.0
SqFt:1440 YrBlt:1905
$269,900
2271 SE CESAR E CHAVEZ BLVD
Beds:3 Baths:1.0
SqFt:2847 YrBlt:1910

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