West Linn: The Willamette Meteorite and Fields Bridge Park

We recently went to check out Fields Bridge Park in West Linn, stop 22 on Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail.

No, you cannot see the Willamette Meteorite there; it resides in the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

However, you can visit sites associated with the meteorite's history, learning more with helpful signs at key locations.

You can even view a model of the meteorite, though it is not the size of the 15-ton original.

The walking trails criss-cross a little more than usual for parks, I believe so that all of the relevant points can be hit. The numbered map of the sites is repeated in a few locations. The "heritage trail" aspect is well-developed here.

Otherwise, it is a nice park, with a playing field, a large community garden space, and an interesting playground.

This includes basketball hoops with adjustable height, so with a little bit of customization, anyone can dunk.

And all the while, you can hear the river rushing by.

(I enjoyed that, but it is a reason to keep an eye on children. Dogs are allowed, but on leash.)

There are currently some renovations planned, including a canoe/kayak launch.

At this point I would say benches are not well-maintained. Even those with no missing boards were very mossy. However, more renovations may address that.

Accessability: The playground is not particularly accessible, which seems like a missed opportunity. Accessible bathrooms are available, and the paths are mostly level and well-connected, though there are a few rough spots where roots are growing underneath. That requires some attention.

COVID: Everything is outdoors, and maintaining distance was easy, though that might be less true if attending a game or using the picnic shelters. Use your best judgment.

https://westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/fields-bridge-park

https://www.mthoodterritory.com/heritage-trail 

https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/the-universe/planets/planetary-impacts/willamette-meteorite

Beaverton, Oregon: Boriken Restaurant

Boriken is a great place to get Puerto Rican food, which can be a nice reminder of sun on rainy days.

It may make the most sense to get the mofongos, which have some extra island flair in the way in which they are served, but I have to say that the chicken in between those plantain fritters was really delicious.

I appreciate the addition of a pastry case. Now you can view your options while making a choice, rather than only being able to read about them on the menu.

I really enjoy the decor. The photos don't really show the incorporation of the chickens, but they add a whimsical charm.

Accessibility: Navigation seems pretty good, with space between tables and a flat surface. That may not apply as much to the outdoor seating, which is narrower.

COVID: However, that outdoor seating is a nice option for those worried about indoor dining. For social distancing, it has never been crowded when I have been there, but I have always gone for lunch and am not sure about the dinner hour.

Delivery is also available via Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats.

https://borikenrestaurant.com/

Eugene, Oregon: Tracktown Pizza

On our way back from Wildlife Safari, I insisted that we stop at Tracktown Pizza. I hadn't been there since my graduation day in 1996.

Conveniently located across from the University of Oregon campus (pretty near the dorms where I stayed), Tracktown has been an institution for hungry college students. It honors the spirit of the school, including its athletic history. That is especially true of track and field, and maybe also especially of Steve Prefontaine.

I wasn't sure how much my memories of delicious pizza were real, or if it was just nostalgia. Nope; that pizza is delicious!

The closest equivalent in the Portland area is probably Pietro's for about that crust thickness and texture. I wouldn't want there to only be delicious pizza in one city anyway, but it was still very nice to revisit.

(Pictured: A half-Olympian, half-Hawaiian Punch)

COVID: It has been a few months since our visit, when it was possible to dine in, but the area was well-spaced out. They seemed to be doing a lot more delivery, which makes sense. Honestly, in my student days they also did a lot of delivery, but that didn't mean you couldn't find a crowd there, especially after games.

Accessibility: It seemed pretty navigable, though again, at a crowded time that might feel completely different. Delivery is always an option.

www.tracktownpizza.com

More Wildlife Safari

Now, when I say "more" Wildlife Safari, I have to say that it did not feel like the last time I went was in 2013, but that is what my blog history confirms.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2013/09/wildlife-safari-in-winston-oregon.html

So when we visited again in 2021, it is not surprising that some things had changed.

A lot hasn't. There is still the strong cheetah breeding program, and a variety of wildlife, some that you can see while driving through, and others that you can see while wandering through the village.

One change is that there are more types of animals. The 2013 visit introduced us to North American animals, including a bear enclosure. The trips of my childhood seemed focused on African wildlife, though those animals are still there.

It did feel like there was a stronger bird presence, though some of that might just have been me being impressed at how majestic some of the birds were.

This includes the introduction (though I do not have a good picture) of rhea.

There have been ostriches there for as long as I can remember. I do not specifically remember emus from my previous visit, but I have seen them in other places. Now Winston, Oregon has three types of ratites living and prospering. (I suspect the cassowary and kiwi are too rare to make an appearance, but this is still pretty exciting.)

In addition, toward the end of the drive is an area where you can buy feed, and feed the animals from your car. I really enjoyed this aspect.

Accessibility and COVID: Normally I break down these two issues separately, but because of the dual nature of the park, it is a little different. For the drive, If you have transportation where you can comfortably look out, it is totally accessible. There is minimal interaction with the staff, who were all fully masked.

In the village, while it is still pretty flat and navigable, you are around other people and there were many who were not masked, I believe in spite of signs requiring masks. It is outside, but still. I recently saw someone bragging about shopping unmasked in nearby Roseburg, so it is not particularly surprising, but it is unfortunate.

Just be aware. 

Meanwhile, I hope it does not take me another eight years to get back, and maybe next time I can review some of the enrichment encounters.

https://wildlifesafari.net/

Gresham, Oregon: The Candy Basket

The Candy Basket is not seasonal, but I am glad that we did see it at Christmas, because the decorations were so charming. Please note, they appear to decorate for Valentine's Day as well.

In addition to the toy soldier cutouts flanking the entrance, there were window paintings, a charming Santa under a light post, and a wall of presents.

Truth be told, the chocolate cascade has seen better days, but that also works as a reminder of the history here. That chocolate has been cascading since 1992, but that is nothing compared to the taffy machines, which are one hundred years old.

Once a popular field trip destination, there are not currently tours to watch that machinery in action. In fact, their business is largely wholesale now, but the ability to walk in and look around is valuable for those who grew up visiting what was once many locations, and the staff was friendly and helpful.

Known for truffles and saltwater taffy, there is also a Bigfoot section (because The Candy Basket is an Oregon institution, not just any old state's institution).

There was also a wide variety of gift packages and hard candy. I was intrigued to find s'more flavored candy sticks. Yes, there were a lot of the traditional fruit flavors, and root beer, but also some things a bit less traditional.

Accessibility: There is a ramp, though I have a vague sense that it could be hard to navigate at the turn.

COVID: This is what stopped the tours. Everyone was masked appropriately, and at least while we were there, social distancing was easy. There was a couple leaving as we arrived, and I think someone new arriving as we left. So, while business was steady, it did not lead to crowding.

https://www.candybasketinc.com/