New Story Walk at Plumper Pumpkin

Plumper Pumpkin has added some new activities.

Initially I was thinking that this was the earliest we had gone there during the year, but in fact, when we went on the safari back in 2020, that was in May.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2020/05/plumper-pumpkin-farm-safari.html

That was an innovation spawned by COVID. Normally a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm is for later in the year.

But there's no reason that more can't be done in the spring.

People are looking for things to plant and the world is full of baby animals.

Children may be interested in pumpkin planting and the Farmer For A Day bundle, but as adults we just checked out the new story walk.

 This was the third story walk we've checked out, but the other two were on trails in parks.

The part was a little hard to follow. It does seem like starting by a playground is a good idea...

... but then it cuts around more toward the house, which seem counterintuitive.

The signs themselves came through vividly and were easily legible, but the path could have been clearer.

Numbering the signs was helpful, but I know I never found page 8. (I guess I am going to have to check out the book now.)

This is a new for them, and I expect there will be some modifications. That is not a reason not to visit.

For one thing, there is no charge for looking around, and I love their decorations.

There are still slides and duck races and whimsical settings.

And along with baby animals there are some pretty impressive full-grown ones.

COVID: Some of the activities could put you in close quarters, but everything is outside and open.

The closest thing to "inside" is the farm store, and even that is pretty well-ventilated.

Accessibility: That part does not seem like it would be quite as good, at least for the story walk part and probably the slides. The store is navigable, and I think the animal loop should be, but I am not sure about all of the trails.

Staff is very friendly, so ask if there are concerns.

Check for details about their spring calendar at the web site:

https://plumperpumpkins.com/

PDX: Helen Bernhard Bakery

I remember trekking to the bakery once before, I believe to try out their egg nog bread. 

It had not occurred to me to do a review at that time, but they recently passed their century mark, Helen Bernhard having started her home baking business in 1924.

That seemed worth taking a look.

It is essentially a neighborhood bakery, something that used to be much more common. It is nice to have a nearby source for cakes and breads and cookies.

With very reasonable prices for coffee and doughnuts, I suspect they also get a fair amount of morning traffic as people start their day.

We were there on a Saturday afternoon; business was brisk, with many people coming and going and deciding.

We were there right around Easter, so there were a lot of spring-themed goodies. 

I don't know that it makes sense to make it a destination, but if you are in the area (near Lloyd Center), it can be a good stop, and they have their own parking.

Plus, if you find that you would rather have candy than baked goods, Woodblock Chocolate is right across the street. Convenient!

Accessibility: Please note that there are two entrances (both with parking spaces). The doorway with the stairs is on the West. That door announces the "Stair Free Entrance", which is on the East. 

Once inside, it is mainly looking in the cases and choosing, though there are things like breads, rolls, and greeting cards that are self-serve. These should be fairly navigable, though it may be harder when there are more customers.

For dietary issues, they do not offer sugar-free or gluten-free, and even products not made specifically with nuts may still have cross-contamination.

COVID: The shop is not large and there are frequent visitors, which can be a great reason to mask. 

There is some business delivery, and cakes should be ordered ahead if you want customization, but the business is largely drop-in.

https://www.helenbernhardbakery.com/

Portland: Japanese American Historical Plaza and Bill of Rights Memorial

This memorial to Japanese-American sent to internment camps in World War II was dedicated in 1990.

Various stones create the space and a pathway through it.

They also tell the story of the internment.

That includes a listing of the different camps, but also poetry that conveys the emotions.

There is also some use of metal, including an engraving of the Bill of Rights, reminding one of the violation.

Then there are images, of guards and towers and prisoners.

The plaza is also the home of 100 cherry trees, a gift from Japan.

One can hope they are a sign of good will, despite past wrongs.

COVID: Everything is outside. Obviously there are times when it is more crowded, like sunny weekends when there is also a holiday and run.

Accessibility: While there are some grooves and texture to the stonework, it seems pretty navigable, and is also close to the MAX line.

It is a beautiful place that brings up sad memories, but for things that are important to remember.

https://jamo.org/historical-plaza/