A late spring 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. From there it was down steep streets and public stairways to the Hillsdale Park and then the 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 spring flowers to strut their stuff – – – poppies, roses, lilies 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 watching little leaguers play baseball before heading over the hill and back home. By the way, a helpful hint is, if taking a photo of a sport with a ball, always have the ball in the photo.

It was a fun outing – – –  8.5 miles and 1,600 feet of elevation gain.