Travel Bug — Aerial Views and a Tiny Home (Portland, Oregon Part V)
Join us as we soar above a tapestry of natural wonders and urban charm, and stay in an artfully converted double-decker bus
Notable for its vibrant neighborhoods, street art, bike lanes, and ample green spaces, Portland’s development has been shaped by a commitment to environmentalism and creativity. The urban growth boundary, implemented in the 1970s, restricts urban expansion and preserves surrounding green spaces and farmland. Moreover, the cityscape combines modern architecture with preserved historic buildings, creating a unique blend of old and new. These are just a few of the factors that shaped our journey through the city, as well as the geography below.
A well-developed network of buses, light rails, streetcars, and the iconic aerial tram offers residents and visitors eco-friendly mobility options, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. I learned this time around that one can also hitch a ride off the back of a light rail 👇 Glad we caught that one with the camera!
What is the aerial tram’s role in the city? The aerial tram is located in the South Waterfront district and serves as a vital transportation link between Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the waterfront area. The tram was envisioned to facilitate easier access for patients, visitors, and staff commuting between the OHSU campus on Marquam Hill and the South Waterfront, where numerous clinics and facilities are situated. The convenience and scenic beauty offered by the aerial tram benefit the staff and public alike by creating a more accessible and welcoming educational and healthcare environment.
It also provides visitors like us a new way to take in the city’s stunning landscape. The South Waterfront Tram Terminal is the point of entry recommended on the official website, as it is connected by light rail, streetcar, bus, walk and bike paths, and bike share, so this is where we started. As we glided up from the Lower Tram, the panorama unfolded before us, revealing the roads that criss cross over the river and one another, connecting the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Weaved into and near the cityscape is a land scape of natural wonders, the superstars being the snow-capped peaks of St. Helen and Mt. Hood and the mighty Willamette River.
In a previous visit, I hiked up OHSU campus on Marquam Hills to get to the Upper terminal, only to be turned away due to COVID-19 restrictions. Although a ride on the aerial tram is only 10 minutes round trip, to check it off my bucket list and revisit the facilities was one of those things that made this trip feel complete.
Another unique experience? The vintage airstream camper and double-decker tiny home we stayed at for one night each. The latter was delightful. Nestled in the back yard of a quiet neighborhood in Northeast PDX, The Royal Scott Double Decker Bus is a true testament to the creative vision of its host, Whit. A former video editor turned passionate carpenter, Whit spends much of her time converting vans to help others live the coveted #vanlife dream.
The exterior of the bus boasts an eye-catching combination of red and white, while the interior exudes a warm and inviting ambiance. Tan wood and painted beams lined the ceiling, providing a cozy and rustic atmosphere, while a whimsical hand-painted scene of blue skies, fluffy white clouds, cartoon animals, balloons, and bubbles adorns the upper border of one wall. It adds a one-of-a-kind vibe to the home, and works with the mid-century modern-inspired look.
According to its owner, the Royal Scott Double Decker Bus was originally a commuter bus in Manchester, England, in 1953. It later made stops in San Francisco and even at Mt. St. Helens before eventually landing at the Grilled Cheese Grill in Portland. The bathroom, although tiny, is ingeniously designed, featuring a shower, a compost toilet, and a unique window that provides a peek into the driver’s cubicle, preserved in its pre-tiny-house form.
From the paneling to the carpets, curtains, plants, and economic use of space — there delight in the details. I think that’s what makes tiny home such a joy. The photos you see here are from the listing! For more on The Royal Scott Double Decker Bus and Whit’s other creations, you can find them on Instagram @smore.life. I would love to return for a lesson in tiny house builds!
Back on the topic of aerial views: let’s venture even higher. Here are some photos from our flights both in and out of the PDX airport. The sun was beginning to set by the time we reached our cruising altitude on our way out, casting a dreamlike veil over the unfolding scenery.
Before long, the mosaic of architecture, city lights and geography disappeared beneath a celestial canvas of clouds. Our ethereal safety net of color and softness. I felt like those characters on the hand-painted mural of the tiny-home. A feeling of weightlessness and transition, which makes one question where life will take one next. At the same time, one is content to be right here.
Thank you for joining me in this this photoblog! Until next time, I wish you sweet dreams and happy adventures.
