Welcome to The 2007 Annual HPS Meeting FAQ Page
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What can we expect for Portland weather in July?
- A: Weather in Portland in July will most likely be sunny and warm, highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, lows at night in the 50s. Rain is possible, but not likely. Keep in mind that being North, sun set will be after 9 PM. One mistake people have is not accounting for the sun, especially around water. Sun burns are possible, wear a hat, sun block and watch time out during mid day.
- Q: Are there things to do around the convention center?
- A: Right next to the hotels will be the Lloyd Center mall, which has lots of shopping and an ice skating rink. A short MAX ride puts you into downtown though, where there will be plenty to keep you busy no matter what you want to do. Check out the Pearle district, Powell's Books, Saturday market, brew pubs, shops, etc. Bring your walking shoes, Portland is a beautiful city to explore on your feet.
- Q: What are some of your recommendations for things to do after or before the meeting?
- A: If you have not seen the Oregon coast, you are missing out. Wonderful views, public access to > 95% of the beaches, sea life, shopping, food, history all make the coast a must see. Mount St. Helens to the north is very interesting. Oregon also has some great wine country, within a couple of hours of Portland. The Columbia River gorge or what we call "the gorge" is wonderful, with waterfalls, river activities, hiking and history of Lewis and Clark and the native peoples. Washington also has Seattle, Olympic National Park, Washington Wine Country, Hanford, Boeing, Microsoft and a lot of other things to see and do. See our Fun pages for more ideas-
- Q: How safe is Portland?
- A: Portland is a very safe city, but it is a big city and such some caution is prudent. Common sense would say do not go out late at night alone. But with that said, the downtown is very active at night, with music, the bar scene, movies, major hotels, pubs, food and other draws. The more people, the better. I think with the Max running between the hotel and downtown, it should be a fun and safe meeting for all.
- Q: What is the deal with the rain?
- A: Oregon and the Pacific Northwest does get its share of rain. They say there is two seasons, the rainy season and August. That is a joke, but from November to April, it's possible to rain every day. Really, its not the rain that is hard to take, its the grey skies and the short daylight time in the winter. During the summer, it's not as likely to rain. But, all the rain results in the look of the area, the tall Douglas fir trees, the rhodies, spring flowers and the moss which grows on anything. People who live here put up with the grey skies and rain cause we know that the area would not be so beautiful without it.
- Q: I was at the Providence meeting and went to the Jam Night, which was so fun. Is there going to be one at the Portland Meeting?
- A: Funny you should ask. Not only will there be one, but we have a website for it : 2nd Annual Radioactive Open Mic Night!