Our flight arrived at Portland’s welcoming airport at 9 a.m.

Within a few minutes, we had our bags and walked directly from baggage claim outside to the Max rail line and wheeled our bags onto a Red Linbe train bound for downtown. We were each already armed with a one-week pass, purchased in advance via the TriMet Tickets app. One quick transfer downtown to the Orange Line, and our hotel was just a few stops farther.

As expected, we weren’t able to check in that early, so instead we left our bags and headed out to catch one of the Portland streetcars to what has become the first block that we usually visit. First stop, the Goodwill Store on 10th, across the street from the library. No great finds today, so then we wandered down the block to a great local store, Crafty Wonderland. Lots of little gewgaws by Portland artists, a reflection of the city. Dogs, cats, feminism, progressive politics, cooking, etc, etc. We made the circuit in the small store a couple of times, noting items that we’ll have to go back for later in the trip.

Third Stop: An early lunch at the Virginia Cafe. Lots of history here after more than a century in business (not all at the same location). We split a sandwich and salad. More than enough food for two. And the a/c was a pleasant relief, as the day was already warming up on its way to 95 later in the afternoon.

Then, after dealing with post-flight hunger, we headed across the street to the main Multnomah County Library. First to visit the little store run by volunteers from the Friends of the Library. What a great little spot! We always try to buy something here to show support. Yesterday I found two used books for trip reading, and spotted a book bag that we might go back for.

After that, we relaxed in the library, catching up with the world on our iPads and burning up time until (we hoped) there might be a room open for us. After a suitable period of time, we caught the next streetcar and headed back to University Place, where we caught a bit of luck and got a room just before 2 p.m.

That allowed us about a 90-minute nap (welcome—no, necessary—after flying through the night from Honolulu with a stop in San Francisco).

Then back to meet an old friend, a classmate of mine at Kahala Elementary back in the day. Happy Hour at Jake’s Grill. Wine, roasted brussel sprouts, Sriracha cauliflower, and then we couldn’t resist the $5 hamburger, which we managed to order before Happy Hour and its low prices was over.

By the time we got back to the hotel, we managed a little reading, caught some of the evening news, and then collapsed.

A successful first day in Portland!