Beaverton - Ome Calli

We finally made it to try Ome Calli, after having meant to get there for some time.

Conveniently located about a tenth of a mile and across the street from Mexicali Express, they are not quite as old, having been making ice cream for thirty years, starting in Mexico City before relocating to Beaverton.

Homemade ice cream can be enjoyed in cones, bowls, milkshakes, and sundaes, but those are not the only frozen treats.

There are also paletas (popsicles) that can either be fruity or creamy, as can the gelatinas, and there are even frozen bananas.

Also worth noting, the variety of flavors includes more tropical options.

This is largely why it is my sisters' new favorite option, as they can just get coconut ice cream; it does not have to be coconut cream. (Though there is a coconut cream-based gelatina and paleta.)

The most unusual treat may be the chamoyadas, a combination of shaved ice, paleta, and chamoy that can be leveled up with mango slices and tamarind.  

However, I feel that the real core is the ice cream and ice pops, a motif repeated on the sign and hanging from the ceiling.

Summer is coming!

COVID: While it was not crowded, there was a steady stream of customers. I masked inside, and they do have picnic tables outside that get a fair amount of use. I acknowledge that if you want to start licking right away to reduce melting, the mask is inconvenient.

Accessibility: Navigation seemed pretty easy for ordering and paying. If you want to look all along the cases, there could be one section where you would need to back out.

Yes, there are some fun distractions, but notice a clear path to the door. Also, if you want to order in instead, it is available through DoorDash and GrubHub.

https://www.omecallifrozentreats.com/

Hillsboro: Hidden Creek Park West

We went to Hidden Creek Park West because of the troll. You mean there's a local troll besides the one at Nordic Northwest?

Officially he is a giant named Oro, part of the "Woods Gone Wild" theme.

He is also not merely a decorative giant, but a giant play structure, along with many other interesting and inclusive play structures.

 

It is one of the more creative play areas we have seen, but that extended beyond the play area.

 There are also interesting seating options.

There is ping pong.

There are more strenuous activities for adults as well.

Do pay attention to the instructions before starting. We passed by one man discussing his options for getting down with his family, and I felt like that could probably have been avoided.

I was less impressed with the hammock forest. You have to bring your own hammocks, which makes sense. However, without actual trees there is no shade, and I feel like it would be very exposed. I may be viewing it wrong.

Regardless, there are a lot of options and a lot of ways to enjoy yourself.

If what you want is not at this park, it may very well be nearby. 

In addition to being adjacent to the Hidden Creek Community Center, it is across the street from Hidden Creak Park East, with pickleball courts and cherry blossoms at the right time of year. 

 

Then, on the way we saw a sign for Cornell Creek Park and we knew we were near Noble Woods Park, so there are a lot of options.

But as far as we know, only one has a giant.

COVID: We were there on a sunny day with lots of people, and we still found it possible to maintain social distancing. Maybe not if we had wanted to climb the giant.

Accessibility: This is pretty good. Obviously, not every activity will be for every person; I don't know that you can use mobility aids with the TrekFit Fitness Area.

Still, the trails are pretty navigable and there should be parts that work for all abilities, including some items designed specifically for inclusion.

 At least it shouldn't be boring.

https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/parks-recreation/parks-nature/hidden-creek-park-west 

Related posts: 

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2018/07/orenco-woods-nature-park.html 

NW Portland: Bird Alliance of Oregon

Bird Alliance of Oregon on Cornell was having a baby shower, as spring is a busy time for animal rehabbers.

This had previously been an Audubon location; I had visited it long ago.

One thing I remember at the time is that the trails were very steep.

That makes sense; this is the West Hills. The Wildwood Trail that starts in Washington Park, passes through Hoyt Arboretum and connects to Forest Park goes through here too.

In some ways there is not a lot to see; animals are generally kept private as they recover and are readied for a return to nature.

The one exception is Julio, who imprinted on humans when very young and is a permanent resident.

That may make the alliance better for events.

There was lots of cute decor for the baby shower, along with food and games.

 They even had a camera set up so you could view two of the baby owls being cared for.

Their site has information on classes and camps, so there are various ways to participate and support the mission.

COVID: I wore a mask inside the party and at the store. Most of the area is outside. As stated previously...

Accessibility: that outside is steep! For getting around the buildings and even between them, mobility devices should be fine. Once on the trails, even with no impairment I think walking sticks are a good idea. 

https://birdallianceoregon.org/