When I previously lived in Portland, my favorite place in the city was the Pittock Mansion. Located in the West Hills above downtown and looking east towards Mt. Hood, it provides a panoramic view of almost the entire city of Portland, as well as views of Mts. Hood, Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier on a clear day. To call the view spectacular wouldn’t begin to do it justice. To me, it’s always been beyond breathtaking, and it’s the most tranquil place I know.
I’ve always loved the Pittock Mansion, both for it’s spectacular view of Portland and the mountains, but also for the sense of peace I’ve always felt there high above the city. It’s been a place I’ve returned to time and again when I’ve found myself in need of clarity, peace of mind, or merely just a place to think. I sit on a picnic table and look out over the city, and even though life bustles beneath me, it grinds to a halt for me on that picnic table.
Yesterday, the weather was clear, if a bit chilly, so I made the drive up to the mansion once again. It’s a city park, so it’s pretty much open during daylight hours every day of the year. I’ve never had any interest in the mansion, and in fact I’ve ever even been inside. I go there for the view and the tranquility…and just as it does every time I go there, it worked it’s magic on me again yesterday. So, while I spent Thanksgiving by myself, it was a good day. I relaxed, got my mind off my problems, and just generally stopped worrying for a day. All in all, it was a good day. It’s just too bad that it was only one day….