Southbound Train

Seattlest took a trip down to Portland over the (self-imposed) long weekend to see what the heathens do with themselves without an -ist, and on a lark we decided to take the train. Score! Through Portland's "The Big Deal" deal you and a friend can get there and back for $48. If you don't have a friend we suggest finding a travelling companion (or a friend) via Craigslist.

Being the concerned Seattleites that we are the question came up: Is the train to Portland environmentally better than a car on the same trip? Today we stumbled upon the answer on the site of the great local magazine, Grist. The short of it is, for those too lazy to click, the train is more environmentally friendly than a car. No kidding? Grist cites The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices by Michael Brower and the Union of Concerned Scientists in their response, which is a great book and will save you a lot of hassle. For instance, next time you're asked "paper or plastic?" you'll know what to say. (It doesn't matter, according to the book.)

It seems they get by without an -ist down in Portland, but for Seattlest life ain't about gettin' by. Cool things to do in Portland? Powell's City of Books, Burnside Skatepark and, for light rail aficionados, MAX.