photo: Paul Cone

Although I've heard some griping about the slight chill on our beautiful summer, I absolutely love this weather.  It's hard to believe but autumn, school, and September are right around the corner. 

But now is no time to get nostalgic for our Northwest summer; we're still right in the thick of it and we must celebrate the current nexus of our great city and this glorious weather! 

Here are a few of my favorite things about getting around Portland at this time of year:

• Short blocks - One of Portland's greatest active transportation assets is our short blocks.  It's only 200 feet to the next corner.  Crossing distances are shorter and the city is more walkable - compare our regular grid with the super blocks that were created around Southwest 1st Ave south of Market St.  The difference is palpable.

• Neighborhood Greenways - Have you walked or biked on NE Going or Klickitat Street recently (sorry for the northern bias its where I live)? Holy cow!  The number of people out walking and biking - in the streets - is just phenomenal.  A lot of that is due to PBOT's Neighborhood Greenway projects. 

• Wind/sun in my face - I work in a very climate controlled environment.  I love coming out of work and feeling that cool westerly breeze coupled with the warmth of the sun.  It's a glorious combination.  And when I ride the bus, I try to sit on the left side of the bus so I can open the window (if the A/C isn't on) and revel in the sun dripping over the west hills.

• My Calendar of Events - Free concerts and movies in the parks, a different themed bike ride almost every day, farmer's market runs, Sunday Parkways, Pickathon - August is a bevy of Portland goodness almost every single day.  We should start lobbying for a month-long vacation like the French get.  August can be Portlanders' month to be tourist in our own city.  Velib!