I’m going down to Hillsdale

By John CarrMay 19, 2012

Down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride.

Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by.

And I’m going down to Rosedale take my rider by my side.

A mid-May sunny day was made for a hike to the Hillsdale area south of home. The first stop was Council Crest, the highest spot in Portland. Then down steep streets and public stairways to Albert Kelly Park. Along the way I followed trail markers indicating the directions for several SW Urban Trails. The Trails are a combination of existing public roads, sidewalks, stairs, trails and walkways. They were originally developed in response to neighbors wanting safe pedestrian routes throughout SW Portland for recreation.

By the time the Park was reached, I had encountered little-used side roads, trails through swales, stepping stones across creeks and various stairs. The warm sunshine prompted the early spring flowers to strut their stuff – – – poppies, irises, azaleas and rhododendrons. And, the little songbirds were happily singing their pretty lyrical compositions.

Heading west I soon came to 45th, turning north to cross Hamilton Street. I took a break at Hamilton Park before heading over the hill and back home.

It was a fun outing – – – 7.6 miles and 1,300 feet of elevation gain.