On one of the late days of spring we drove to the Oregon Zoo. It had been several years since we had done the Pittock Mansion loop hike.

In a short distance we passed the Viet Nam Memorial. It’s a special place for me and I always reflect on the vagaries of chance. Many of the brave Oregon soldiers whose names are listed on the walls were in-country shortly after the Tet offensive, as I was. I honor them all.

On the backside of the Memorial the Wildwood Trail was met. Turning right we began the pleasant three-mile descent to Burnside Road. Quickly scampering across the busy street, we took our time climbing to the 950-foot ridge top and the location of the 16,000 square-foot Pittock Mansion.

It was built over 100 years ago by The Oregonian editor Henry Pittock. Now, it’s a tourist attraction with daily tours. We enjoyed the beautiful flowers on the splendid grounds.

After awhile we reluctantly began the hike back to the Zoo, taking a shorter route on the Hemlock Trail after recrossing Burnside Road.

A nice outing indeed.