When Mike was interviewing for jobs after receiving his Master's degree, one company was located in Portland, Oregon.  So for the price of an airline ticket for Suzanne, we were able to have our second vacation.  The first thing you notice in Portland is how green everything is and that the city is filled with parks.  Portland is known for it's Rose garden and it Japanese gardens.  The shear number of different types of roses is mind boggling.  Another gorgeous area is a national sanctuary called The Grotto.  A combination of lush landscaping and beautiful buildings.  Of course you can't help but notice the famous profile of Mt. St. Helens and the tranquil expanse of the Columbia River Gorge.  One other interesting place that we visited was the Pittock Mansion.