Upon arriving at Ashley's home, I was greeted by her friendly cat and dog (Chica & Florie) since she was still at work. I unpacked my duffle bag, unloaded my bike and headed out for a reconnaissance ride around the neighborhood on a warm, sunny late winter afternoon. What a treat exploring the area, looping in and around nearby "Ladd's Addition", riding over the Hawthorne Bridge, along the downtown waterfront and then back "home" (as my first ride in Portland, I agree that it deserves it's reputation as a bike-friendly city and Ashley let me bring my bike inside to alleviate any worries about leaving it outside overnight). I was in town to visit my daughter who is attending college in Portland, and she joined me for the weekend at Ashley's. Our room and the shared bathroom were comfortable, clean and quiet. My daughter and I like cats, so we sort of invited little Chica, the tabby kitty, in our room on the second night and she slept peacefully at our knees, purring softly most of the night. :)
Ashley encouraged us to come and go as we liked and she did the same as she met with friends of her own for dinner, breakfast and an all-day hiking trip. We did get to cross paths long enough to share a bit about ourselves and pick up a few recommendations on things to try in the neighborhood. She commented that she hikes almost every weekend; if I hadn't been prioritizing my time to visit my college kid, I would have liked to learn more about her as her work and lifestyle seem active and interesting. Thanks to her suggestion, I was out early the next morning for another exploration of the neighborhood, this time by going on a run up nearby Mount Tabor. I enjoyed finding many good food options a short walk from her house, and bringing home my morning cappuccino to sip on the sunny front steps was a delight. The neighborhood had a friendly, casual feel to it. I hope to get to know many of Portland's other neighborhoods in the future, but this visit was so enjoyable and easy that I suspect I will be requesting another stay here.