Although you may be feeling the effects of the slight chill on our beautiful summer, there are so many things to love about this weather. It's hard to believe but autumn, school, and September are right around the corner.

But now is no time to get nostalgic for our Northwest summer; we're still right in the thick of it and we must celebrate the current nexus of our great city and this glorious weather!

Here are a few wonderful things about getting around Portland at this time of year:

• Short blocks – One of Portland's greatest active transportation assets is our short blocks. It's only 200 feet to the next corner. Crossing distances are shorter and the city is more walkable - compare our regular grid with the super blocks that were created around Southwest 1st Ave south of Market St. The difference is palpable.
• Neighborhood Greenways – Have you walked or biked on NE Going or Klickitat Street (or any of PBOT’s Neighborhood Greenways) recently? Holy cow! The number of people out walking and biking - in the streets - is just phenomenal. A lot of that is due to PBOT's projects.
• Wind/sun on your face – Many of us work in a very climate controlled environment. It’s pure love to come out of work and feel that cool westerly breeze coupled with the warmth of the sun. It's a glorious combination. And when you ride the bus, try to sit on the left side of the bus so you can open the window (if the A/C isn't on) and revel in the sun dripping over the west hills.
• Calendar of Events – Free concerts and movies in the parks, a different themed bike ride almost every day, farmer's market runs, Sunday Parkways, Pickathon — August is a bevy of Portland goodness almost every single day. We should start lobbying for a month-long vacation like the French get. August can be Portlanders' month to be tourist in our own city. Velib!