The gang gathers at the downtown Portland South Park blocks to listen to speeches before the rally. Michael managed to direct us to the North Park where the cute anarchists were but his ruse was soon discovered.

Amy, ever the artist prepared a well made banner.

The first speaker was inspiring and thought provoking. The second one was prone to yelling slogans. Michael's ears got cold while we waited.

Someone was foolish enough to park their SUV right behind the stage. Being nice civilized protesters the "I love Foreign Oil" was drawn with easily washed chalk.

In keeping with the Furries theme someone came looking furry and in support of... pretzels?

"Bellies not Bombs". How can you argue with that?

Belly dancing at one of the intersections was good enough to deserve a pause.

That is until the drums came along! The drumming was incredible. These people knew what they were doing. They raised the energy of the march to a very positive crescendo. We walked the rest of the distance by this group.

Is that a smile Mr. Marino? Surely not.