What a beautiful Portland day, a blustery sunny winter day with views for all. By the time I decided to sign up for a Tram ticket, they had been long gone. I figured there was no way I would get one of the few tickets that were unreserved, thinking crowds would create long lines. But I couldn't help myself, and drove by on my way to the office for a little catch-up weekend work.
The event looked inviting, and the parking attendant said unreserved tickets were available. So I parked and took my chance. I quickly got a ticket and within 10 minutes, I was stepping onto "Walt" it turns out, with my many other Portland "pod" partners.
How fun was that! Everyone was in a great mood; kids and adults shared that buzz of excitement that can turn a set of complete strangers into a momentary team. We reaffirmed to each other how perfect the day was for our first tram ride; the 3 guys who had already ridden down told us about the bump in the middle; kids manuvered their way to the windows. And our "pilot" indtroduced us to "Walt" and told us to be mindful as we went over the tower because it would be a little bumpy.
The Tram is smoooothe, the vistas are majestic, our city really is beautiful. The "bump" in the middle is so fun I am surprised you don't have to pay extra. I hope all of you who are grouchy about the tram haven't become so wedded to your views that you refuse yourself a ride. Connecting the river and the hill with this futuristic pod is both a whole lotta engineering and a little bit of magic. Actually the tram at its most basic is a simple old pully rig, but it feels like the future when you are soaring up over the freeway.
I can hear the sour blogging voices harping about the cost and that everyone could just be riding buses up and down that hill for a lot less money. I tend to think there are a lot of us who resist change, and I often find myself in that set. This time, the vision and decision was a good one.
The benefits of the tram will long outlive and outweigh the costs. When the price and problems of the tram are long faded in memory, people will still be gliding up and down over the graceful tower connecting the hilltop and the riverside, spending a few quiet minutes viewing the gorgeous region that is our home.
If you are one of those who is really frustrated by all this "tram stuff", I urge you to go in disguise. Take the ride, enjoy the beauty, hold on over the bump, and just don't tell anyone about it.