Originally uploaded by russ.

Yes, that’s my pix from the top of the Portland Aerial Tram at the upper stop adjacent to OHSU’s main campus..
I had originally hoped to churn out a YouTube post but due to my “duh”- battery in my camera did not have enough juice to shoot vids. Only stills.
But anyway, this is an exhilarating 3 min, 20 sec. ride.
Leaving the lower level, the first few seconds are more in elevator mode than in actual tram mode. We lift off to attain the height that will get us soaring over I-5 and Lair Hill.
The I-5 soar-over is at about 175 feet. We looked down at the cars and I am sure their drivers looked back up at us.

We literally soared over rooftops, over backyards. In fact, our host told us that in one of those houses down below, there’s a dog who regularly barks at the tram.
The tram cars are comfortable, hold 78 and go at a maximum 22 mph.
The project may have been pricey, but to call this a “ski lift for docs” is unfair. Patients with treatment regimens at both locations can ride. I spoke to a Physical Therapist who says that thanks to the Tram, his commute between the main OHSU campus and the brand new Center for Health and Healing that it connects is now three minutes rather than 20. And given the bus and streetcar connections at each end, I wouldn’t be shocked if a few non-medical commuters wind up taking the thing once it goes live.
Speaking of, we’re told the Tram will open to the public around the end of January. I’m going to go out on a limb and forecast Saturday, January 27.
Oh and I will ride it again and bring you the ride via YouTube.