Finding serenity -#pdx

A morning trip to the Portland Japanese Garden was really special. We had a wonderful volunteer guide who also works in the gardens. She imparted so much knowledge in an easy fashion complete with an insight into gardening Japanese style. For example, she might be tasked with taking all the dead flowers off large azalea bushes or 'de-candling' the conifers (taking new growth off) - a true labour of love.

It was hard to choose my favourite shot, but this acer just made it by a whisker.

Other highlight today, a jet boat trip on the Willamette river - we got rather wet and squealed our heads off and enjoyed every minute.