A Beautiful Spring Day.

The weather forecast today called for a temperature of possibly sixty degrees (16 C) and sunshine, so there was no choice but to go for a long jog to enjoy it.  I was really eager to follow a different route in order to see the maximum number of flowering trees and whatever else is blooming this early, so I turned west upon exiting our building with the goal of reaching Washington Park and the International Rose Test Garden.

This beauty greeted me while still downtown.  What a glorious sight to see on such a great day.

This was taken from the entrance to Washington Park and yes, that's Mount Hood with some clouds obscuring the top.

I've taken several photos of this statue of Sacagawea pointing to the west.  It's a favorite of mine among many in Washington Park.

Not far from the statue, looking down hill we see the "singing fountain" to the left.  When it's running, the splashing water on the metal tiers makes the most delicate and beautiful sound.  The vibrant green of the lawn was particularly striking today.

Early-bloomer, perhaps an azalea or rhododendron.  I didn't get close enough to tell.

Lots of delicate crocus were putting on a show today.  This deep purple variety was spectacular.  I came across it and many others while traversing the NW "Alphabet" District on my way to the Pearl District.

A true harbinger of Spring.  Sorry it's fuzzy, but I was reaching and it was tough to remain steady.

And how could it be (nearly) Spring without daffodils?

The all-uphill run was a bit more challenging because my normal routes are generally flat.  Luckily, there was always something photo-worthy just when I needed a few seconds to catch my breath.  Besides, aren't we supposed to stop and smell the roses?  Roses in bloom were conspicuously absent today, (as they should be) but I was treated to several flowering trees, rhododendron bushes, crocus, daffodils and even dandelions and that, along with the sunshine, made it all worthwhile. 

On the edge of the Pearl District, I came across this espresso bar, run by "Heart Coffee", located in--and out--of a bicycle shop!  Unfortunately, only the bike shop was open today.  Too bad!

Tomorrow I'll get busy figuring out how to get the portrait to London and probably do some work on Gordon's portrait, but today was just too nice to stay indoors.  I hope it was nice where you live and that you had an opportunity to enjoy it.