Biking to Books

While one of the things we love about where we live is the fact that there is a library kitty-corner to us, it is a pretty small branch.  Davan and I both really like the Central Library located downtown.  We say that we try to go once a month and spend a couple of hours there, exploring and reading, but, really, it's less than that.  Davan has been asking to go for a while now.

Today we made it happen.  We had a clear schedule until gymnastics at 4:15, the weather was lovely - mid 70's and good for bike riding, Anthony had the time to meet us for lunch.  Off we went.

We nearly turned back because Davan's bike was making a weird noise like the fender was rubbing, but whenever we stopped and spun the wheels, there was nothing.  It was odd.  I finally figured out that a screw that was supposed to be securing her back fender was loose and rubbing on the tire.  I had to take the back wheel off to get to it, but then it fell right out and we were on our way, after rubbing my hands on some grass to try to get the grime off.

We crossed over the Hawthorn Bridge on the way into downtown.

Last year Davan's performance troop did a history of the local area and created a reproduction of the Hawthorn Bridge out of people.  Just a little aside for you there.

We made our way to the library, where I was glad to wash my hands.  You should have seen the dirt that came off of them.  I should have gotten a picture.  Instead, you'll have to make due with Davan on the library steps.

As I have a stack of books from the library already at home, I enjoyed the large selection of periodicals while Davan collected books.

And finished one off before we left so there would be fewer to cart home.

Then we met Anthony for lunch, procured from one of Portland's many food carts. We ate at a small park with many other people who were doing the same.

After lunch, Anthony headed back to work and Davan asked if we had time for a stop at Powell's City of Books because, apparently, she hadn't gotten her fill of books at the library.  We did have time.

After about 45 minutes of browsing, we decided to go so we'd have time to stop for dessert.

The sign behind Davan says "Coffin Full of Doughnuts $100."  Yup, we'd gone to our favorite haunt these days - Voodoo Doughnuts, but the downtown location.

We got two doughnuts and went halvesies.

Then it was back on the bikes to head for home.

We went across the Morrison St Bridge on the way home because we were further north at that point in our day.

Another bicyclist offered to take a picture of the both of us.

We made it home just in time for me to take Ranger out for a quick walk while Davan got ready for gymnastics.

This perfect weather is supposed to continue for a while.  I sure hope we find the time to get out and enjoy it some more.  We sure did today!