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417--Oregon: Spruce Goose and Portland @ CherieSpotting     Nov 06 2008 - 16:26 PST cherie writes: It’s hard for Greg to pass up an aviation museum—especially if it holds the largest airplane ever constructed—the Spruce Goose. Constructed and assembled between 1943 and 1947 by the Hughes Aircraft Co, the Spruce Goose was only flown once on Nov. 2, 1947 by Howard Hughes. You can only stare at a big plane for so long…so after Greg got his airplane fix, we headed to Portland. Portland was bursting with fall colors when we arrived. Greg and I stayed with our good friend Merry and her wonderful family. We explored all the nooks and crannies of Portland from the peaceful Japanese Gardens to the chaotic VooDoo Doughnuts. The doughnuts were worth the wait, and worth the weight. How could anyone pass up a doughnut with a pretzel stuck in him torturing his red raspberry innards? Click on each picture to see it full size. read comments (0) | write comment| views: 3689    | rated: 0.0    printer-friendly version   Cherie and Greg with the Spruce Goose, the largest airplane ever constructed. On November 2, 1947 was its first and last flight. To help the Spruce Goose float (in case of an emergency), Hughes loaded the interior of the massive plane with beach balls. Comparing wingspans of the Spruce Goose against other commercial aircraft. Hughes "Flying Boat" versus the 747. Greg near the Spruce Goose. The Spruce Goose tail. One mighty prop! Cherie being a dork in the kid's section. Greg checks out the tanks outside the museum. Tanks a lot! War on the woods? They might be green, but they don't blend in. Another sunny day in Portland, Oregon.... The only umbrella I could find was this statue. Colorful Portland. The line in front of VooDoo Doughnut, a must-taste doughnut experience. I love you, Portland! We're going to have to share that doughnut, Merry! Ladies love their voodoo. VooDoo Doughnuts. Worth the wait; worth the weight. Portland's China town. Greg explores the park. This Portland elephant doesn't eat very much. Portland's Japanese Gardens. Finally, birds that stand still for a picture. So coy. As the water falls. A sanctuary to relax in. Spine. Greg. Everything Zen. A rock group. (Not the Rolling Stones.) The little red tree. Portland with Mt. Hood in the distance. Mt. Hood. Yellow rose. Sometimes you have to stop to smell these. Glorious flowers. Pink rose. The orange rose. Alternate name: the sweaty flower. Holding up this fountain is a woman's job. Participants in an AIDS march. Now that's a cool fountain. Thirsty? You're not allowed to drink from this fountain. The Lotus Cafe. Quick, look at that elk! Portland's famous elk. If you hadn't already guessed...we gave ourselves a tour of Portland's fountains. Sheila, Cherie and Merry. Water-loving ladies. Portland. The back side of water. Portland, in reflection. Sculpture. Cherie and Greg by a fountain in Portland. Closer view of Cherie & Greg. Now that's a zoom! Merry and her mom, Sheila. What exactly does "unpaved" mean?