Boise, ID and Portland,OR

We departed Phoenix on April 22, drove to Vegas & Salt Lake City before actually starting our sightseeing.  We had visited both of these cities on prior trips.  We are trying to visit as many state capitals as possible on our ventures. 

Boise, ID - French-Canadian trappers named the area Boisé, meaning wooded.   It is called the “City of Trees”.  It is growing in all directions.  Today, locals say ID is California east.  Because of the low cost of living and reasonable tax structure, Californian's are moving  to ID.  It has a beautiful downtown area with numerous restaurants.

Idaho State Capital – the original building was constructed 1865 and has been remodeled several times with the latest in the 2007 - 2009. A 5’ Golden Eagle rests on top the 208’ tall dome. The Senate is located on the left and House to the right.

The building’s exterior base is constructed of Sandstone which was carved to resemble logs, a tribute to pioneer cabins.

The interior comprises of Vermont and Georgian marble and handcrafted scagliola (imitation marble developed in Italy during the 16^th century).  Columns are finished with scagliola.

Top of a Corinthian column shows the ornate design and craftsmanship.

Looking downtown from Capital entrance.

Senate chambers where the 35 members meet annually, typically between January and March.   

Boise State Football – couldn’t visit Boise without seeing the “Blue Turf”. 

 Portland, OR

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens had a major display of blooming Rhododendrons.  

Proud parents assisting their goslings.

Pittock Mansion – Built by Henry Pittock, founder of The Daily Oregonian newspaper, in 1914.  Three generations of Pittock’s made this home until 1958. The House had many “modern” features for its day, i.e. elevator, steam heat, surround showers.  Mr. Pittock used all local labor to design and build the house.

Library / gameroom. 

Mt. Hood is just one of five mountains in viewing distance plus they had a panoramic view of Portland setting 1000’ above the city. 

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Lan Su Chinese Gardens – Free standing rocks framing the garden’s waterfall are limestone (Tai Hu rocks) mined from Lake Tai, a freshwater lake near Suzhou (sister city to Portland in China).  The gardens represent a 16^th century setting for a wealthy family.  They would use the garden to entertain guests  plus escape the problems of everyday life.   

The water in front of you evokes a vast lake. The rocks in the distance serve as great mountains with waterfalls and cascading streams.  Moon locking Pavilion – On a clear night you can see the moon as a shimmering spotlight in the center of lake, locked in by the pavilion’s shadow.

Flowers bathing in spring rain.  These six panels are carved from Gingko wood to illustrate actual gardens in the sister city of Suzhou.

We really enjoyed Portland.  We also visited Washington Park, which is noted for its Rose Gardens but they needed a few more weeks to bloom.  Powell’s City of Books bookstore was a must visit. We also hiked on a few of the city park’s trails.

Seattle

Want to say thank you to Pat and Russ Thurman for hosting a great dinner and the ability to meet with a few former Hexcel employees.  It’s always great to reminisce with people you spent so many hours working with over your working career.  We also visited with Heidi and Ken Weimer.