OK, I’m going to make a confession: I’m not a huge fan of the Rose Festival. I’ve lived in a Portland a long time. I’ve seen my share of drunken sailors come and go. Endured my share of traffic jams during parades.

Having said all that, I like that it’s part of the city. Every city should have at least one dusty century-old festival. For continuity, and to prove it has traditions. But mostly I love the dragon boats.

If you’ve never seen a dragon boat, they’re like these ornate-y dugout canoes with maybe 10 paddlers. Seeing them on the river is like spotting budding spring blossoms.

If you want to take a gander yourself, check out the races on June 7 and 8 near the Hawthorne Bridge. Teams from all over the world compete in heats of four about every 10 minutes. Wagering is optional.

Later,
Emily

After Keith’s, um, enthusiastic cupcake-centric post my offering is going to seem just about perfectly timed… It is nearly swimsuit season after all.

With all the buttercream and ganache and frosting you’re enjoying, you’re going to want to consider a Jane Fonda workout video or maybe just a good brisk walk around town.

Luckily the City of Portland Dept. of Transportation has got you covered with the Ten Toe Express, a program that offers a series of weekly guided walks. The walks are free and open to all on Thursdays at 6 pm and Saturdays at 9 am, May through October. They have a number of different routes, which seem to run about 4 miles and about 2 hours in duration. Check their web site for dates and routes. Just steer clear of NW 10th…

Cheers,
Emily