A hot day in Portland...

It has been hot here...really hot, almost 100F hot. Our high today was around 95 degrees (35 degrees) and it was almost unbearable. We do not have air conditioning here as generally it really does not get this hot. A few days a year, and we thankfully do not have the humidity that is a hallmark of the Midwest. So what to do on such a hot day? Too hot for the zoo, OMSI is probably too crowded with people wanting to take advantage of the air conditioning...so we decided to go swimming. I have to admit first that swimming here (or anywhere in the US) is not my favorite thing. Why? I honestly think that the pools in Germany just have so much more to offer. For example here is the link to Tuwas in Tuttlingen http://www.tuwass.de/0_home1_kurz.htm. As for outdoor pools (Freibad) they ALWAYS an area where you can lay. ALWAYS grass, trees, water playground, restaurant, drinks, playground, etc. , check it out at http://www.tuwass.de/0_home1_kurz.htm. The surrounding lakes, as well as the lake of Constance all have great "Schwimbaeder". OK but now I am getting off track here :) Today we went to Creston Pool here in SE PDX. Guess what? There are actually some strips of grass surrounding the pool (inside the enfenced pool area), you can sit there, if you come early enough you can get a lawn chair...it was GREAT. Still not the same, but for here it was just fantastic. So this is my tip of the day...Creston pool in SE PDX where you will find some grass to lie in :) Here is the link http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=1107&searchtext=creston Have fun swimming and stay cool...