For as far north as Portland is, north of the 45th Parallel,  it typically receives mild weather during the winter. New Year’s Day of 2015 was no exception.

I decided to take advantage of the mid-20’s degree temperatures and do a loop hike from home to Council Crest, the highest point in the City.

Southwest Urban Trail no. 6 to the Marquam Trail was the first leg of the hike. I can always tell when I reach the Marquam Trail by the totem pole near the road.

Then it was up and onward to the top of Council Crest. The 360 degree views extended to Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.

An enjoyable, but chipper way to begin the New Year.

Anna Hummingbird (many stay the winter)

A good sign that one lives in an older neighborhood (Horse rings on sidewalk curbs date back to the time that horses and horse-drawn vehicles provided the primary transportation in Portland)

Mt. St. Helens over Downtown Portland

Marquam Trail

Winter berries

Sparrow hunting for food

A fun color for a home

Formations in the ice

The natural geometry of a leafless Maple Tree