Howdy From Portland, Fellow Content Creators and Dream Builders!

Deneb (@nebcat) and I are so excited to team up and share the splendor that is Oregon with our fellow Steemers! (We think Portland, Oregon would be the perfect place to host Steemfest.2, hint hint... Perhaps after several posts, we can convince you too.)

We thought we'd start with sharing Portland's glorious wooded haven, Forest Park.

For many Portlanders, including Deneb and myself, Forest Park provides a tranquil escape into deep nature, just minutes from city life. There's no fee to access the park. Dog walkers, runners, mountain bikers and nature lovers alike flock to this 5,000 acre wonderland. There are over 70 miles of trails to explore!

My favorite trail is Leif Erikson Drive, which winds uphill gradually and offers some gorgeous views of forested ravines. Even the drive up NW Thurman Road to the Leif Erikson trail is magical. I find myself gawking at the gorgeous architecture of the early 20th Century homes lining Thurman Rd. every time I visit Forest Park.

We didn't have Deneb's camera (next time, we promise!) with us, so all photos were shot on my I-phone 6.

With us on our adventure, was my little rescue doggie, Peter Parker. This was Parker's first hike in Forest Park, so we had to study up before starting our trek.

Once Peter Parker read all the signs, we set off on our 4 mile jaunt.

Forest Park is lush, tranquil, and deeply healing: Earth medicine.

Providing Beauty therapy to all.

Most of the time, Deneb took the photos - but I managed to sneak in a shot of him too.

Did Peter Parker enjoy his first foray into Forest Park?

You bet he did!

On our way back down, we even met this little guy.

If you're ever in Portland, Steemers, and are looking for a few minutes of respite, consider exploring Leif Erikson Drive in Forest Park.

You'll find sweet little lanterns right outside the gate, lighting your way.

With Love From Portland,

@jenniferskyler & @nebcat