Monthly Archives: May 2015

Vashon Island Adventure, on Fisher Pond Trail 

Vashon Island is a magnificent escape for anyone wanting a good step outside from that busy work week.

You can visit the island, southwest of Seattle. The trip is easy and cheap by ferryboat from the nearby lands. For nature lovers, this is a paradise of many options and places to go. Not all could be covered in a short visit here. I chose the Fisher Pond, a mile west of the small town of Vashon within the center of the island. I spent much time in town (which will be covered in another post), and had only a few hours until the last bus to the duck would go back.So with local advice, I went there for a few hours.

So, here are some pictures taken, mostly from the Fisher Pond Trail surrounding the pond…

 

On the way to to the pond trail on Bank Road. The walk was about two miles, very peaceful with views like this between the houses..

 

The trail itself, pretty short compared to the time it took to get here. Most do the time spent here was in being still taking pictures and reading short stories. 

 

Just a cool shot of some leaves. I trying for a small bird just beyond the leaves, but was a little late.

There were many of dragonflies fluttering about. This I think (based on a Google search) is a blue damselfly.

One of may birds you can hear chirping about on the trail. I wish I was good at taking pictures of birds, as they are hard to locate. Also, I also wish I could identify them better. Maybe on my next library visit, I will look more into this..

Another small red bird, enjoying a little sunshine..

Another bue damselfly, I believe

 

Fisher Pond itself, covered with leaves and pollen…I think.

A little caterpillar, crawling around.  I took this picture with my iPad mini, after failing to get these awesome details with my Canon Rebel T3i. I stayed next to me for quite some time on a bench overlooking the pond. I felt a had a little friend for that time..

Another blue damselfly, I believe. These things fluttered in small groups by the pond.

 

An odd arrangement, one of many noticeable’ along side the outer area of the trail. Some were much longer, some bent. This one was shorter, but sweet in its presentation. I was unsure if these are natural in design, or some man-made manipulation. But either way, I think is pretty cool.

An old chair in the distance, by Bank Road. I wonder when the last time someone sat upon that chair. Now, I think it’s work is done and has been left here to retire..

Another countryside view, on my way back to the small town of Vashon.

– Orion T

Pictures of Today 5/28/15, Secret Life of a Squirrel

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For the moment, Sam Squirrel was carefree, and cracking yet another shell. Inside, another nut to enjoy.

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Sam would take time, processing the meaning of life in every bite. This was a good reward for all the leaping and dashing Sam was born to do.

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But wait..Squirrel Sense is tingling!!

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Time for this Secret Agent Ninja Squirrel to take cover.. Danger is sensed, or another nut…both are equally exciting and impossible to tell apart.

– Orion T

Weekend Pic Fun at the NW Folklife Festival 2015

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Good times!!

The 2015 Pacific Northwest Folklife Festival brought much joy to the many festive folk attending in Seattle, this Memorial Day weekend. Much of this was in thanks to the monetary support from the visitors, business donors and merchants. Further support was also in part to volunteers, who also made this wonderful event possible. For me, it was just relaxing and sampling of new and exotic musical and dance talents (while tipping many in appreciation). There was something for everyone here, I felt. And for that, I had to see what everyone had.

I took some pictures with notes, featured below..

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Near the International Fountain, there was a drum (mostly) circle. Beats combined created a nice fusion, mostly of a constant tribal pattern calling many to the center to shake and dance wildly.

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Many got their motions on, some with fantastic visual attire and style.

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There were some big stages, where some larger acts took place. I was drawn to the jazzy stuff. This is M9, a Romani-style brass band, from the local area. I enjoyed their music.

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One of my favorite things about the Folklife Festival are the surprise sidewalk performances. You just have to be at the right place, at the right time to discover and enjoy something new and exciting. For this year, it was a mix of some Celtic (not sure) and country ho-down fun. I meant to ask more info on this group. I hope to see them again someday.

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I noticed many sidewalk performers had their dogs with them, which I think added a lot of charm to the overall atmosphere.

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Another favorite sidewalk performance. I was hoping to get a name, but couldn’t hold out until the full act was over to ask. The steel drum (I think) produced a cool Caribbean beat when tapped, combined with the stepping of the speaker he sat on it. The effect was a hypnotic awesome rhythm.

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Some fantastic locking and popping happened here. Loved this, as these sick moves brought me back to my early years on the streets of San Francisco.

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Not sure what dancing this is. There was some fiddle music from the stage at this time, and the line moved all around.

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Not all was music. Some fun came from people finding their own ways to share the delight.

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Anthony Briscoe and his band Down North brought some serious fire to the Saturday Night, fuming with a combo of rock, R&B, and soul.

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I didn’t catch the name of the guest guitarist who Anthony brought on stage for one jam, but daaamn, he was good.

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More drums!

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More dancin!

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Festivals are not complete without some crazy food choices.

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Not that it ever really gets hot here in Seattle, but the trees make for great shade and atmosphere.

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Overall, a lot of cheer from many. I was happy to be a part of all this. Thanks again to the PNW Folklife Festival and all involved, for making this happen.

– Orion T

Pictures of Today 5/22/15, Living the Folklife..

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The Northwest Folklife Festival kicks off this Memorial Day weekend with groovy vibes and solid rhythms.

This Friday evening, I dropped by the ol Seattle Center park for this annual tradition. The festival is free to all and run as a non-profit event, since 1972. It’s made possible by donations big and small by many supporters. Here, you can listen to many folk beats from many musicians on stage, or just hanging out by a tree. Many ethnic variations involving different styles of dance, vocals, and instruments are proudly presented. Listeners are encouraged to groove, and perhaps dance with the soulful sounds.

I highly recommend attending for anyone looking to chill and enjoy some cool jams with other like-minded spirits. Though, I also encourage visitors to bring whatever loose change and dollars they happen to have. Though you will find company backed stage performances, there are also many more small acts in between, and throughout the park area. You may enjoy them, and smile; perhaps even dance and cheer to these wonderful performers mere footsteps away. If so, show some appreciation and drop them some of that cash down. Becoming part of that action is what keeps the NW Folklife Festival fun.

You may also visit the many food and merch stands scattered about. For more info on the Festival, visit nwfolklife.org.

I will be back tomorrow, and likely on some grass for much of the day, enjoying this Folklife. If you see me, come and say hello. I promise to return the favor. I might even buy you some roasted corn on the cob.

Meanwhile, here are a few other pics of today’s Folklife opening day…

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-Orion T

Ferris Wheelin on the Seattle Waterfront..

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From the weekend before, as the big thrill of that moment should have been documented much sooner..

The view here, on the first rotation part my 20-30 minute ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. Shot taken from my cellphone. Below are more low-res shots, where I share the heightened sense of moving on a giant crazy contraption.. I had a friend with me, who kind of freaked out in the beginning. I however, love scary heights and felt an excitement rush. Also, I enjoyed these new views of my familiar surroundings. This was also my first time ever on a large Ferris wheel, of many I will do again in my future. Hooray, for new simple joys in life.

Wheee!

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– Orion T

Pictures of Today 5/13/15, The Almost Empty..

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In my apartment building, on the third floor around the corner from my residence, and a few doors down..

There is this emptied room, vacated by an elder male tenant for reasons I know not. This may have been the result of an eviction, or an untimely passing. Anything could happen, when you believe the mystery. For weeks now, there is little evidence of recent living. The fixtures, sockets, and remaining furniture are all gone. Little is left but the cold wind from the open window, sending chills on my passing neck at times.

Later today after the outside heavy rains, I walked toward the empty room again; this time a little slower. I felt there was something else nearby. So, I decided to take a good peek inside the abandoned place.

Someone was waiting…

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Sleep well..

– Orion T

Picture of Today 5/7/15, Life Cycled..

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“Fish swim in the dizzying vortex of a trap. Tiny sacred diamond shapes swirl in circles that relate to the waters around them. This work commemorates a sacred expanse of water where great ancestral forces were brought to bear. In that water, one can find established laws, clan estates, and policies to govern language. Such ritual and visual patterns signal paths to take through life.” 

Buyku (2008) by Djirrirra Wunungmurra, an Australian Aboriginal artist,  Dhalwangu artist from Gurrumurru, near Yirrkala. This work was done using natural pigments on eucalyptus bark.

This shot is zoomed in from larger work, to show the detail I admire. This art was among other similar Aboriginal artworks with water themes on display, at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). This was my favorite exhibit of many, of which I highly recommend for visitors to the Downtown area. The rest of the museum is also worthwhile of your attention.

– Orion T

Special thanks to Wedgewood in Seattle History, for recommending a visit to a museum for the first Thursday this month; of which many have free admission at set times. I would have otherwise missed this at the end of my day, in my usual casual walk home. Also, special thanks to the Seattle Art Museum for the free admission from 5-9pm on the first Thursday, this month.

Pictures of Saturday 5/2/15, Waterfront Blue

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Finally, time to relax..

A lot of us had a rough week. Some more than others. A huge protest involving more than 10,000 people in Baltimore happened last week, over the untimely death of Freddie Gray. The death was later ruled a homicide, with six involved police officers charged. A riot also broke, leading to urban chaos Baltimore.

In other parts of the country, many experienced some first world problems. Multiple theaters sold out on seats for the opening day of the Avengers: Age of Ultron movie. Some were not looking forward to the disappointment and waste of money spent on the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight.

In Seattle, I just wanted to be me. For that, I was hoping to leave the citylife for a day and enjoy some outdoor adventure surrounded by trees and shrubbery. But the errand-doings squandered much of the day, so I instead decided to use the good time leftover by the ol Seattle city waterfronts. The weather was beautiful, and the atmosphere cheery. Here are some highlights of that time…

051 copyThe entrance to the Seattle Aquarium. I love this sign. I should go in, someday. I promise to take pictures when I do..

060 copyA local street performer act. He drew a lot of attention among the locals and tourists. Not so much for the unicorn head, but also for being quiet good with his drum beats on the buckets..

067 copyWhile looking for a restroom, I stumbled upon a second floor food court on Pier 57, of which I did not know existed. It’s a cozy spot for those who like local junk food and cool neon signs.

070 copyI love neon signs. The bigger and more, the better.

074 copyBack outside Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel continues to thrill. I remember not liking this much when the attraction first opened in 2012. Now, I have gotten used to it and appreciate the cheer it spreads.

073 copySome free reading material, as it was “Free Comic Book Day” on May 2nd. I partook in a comic store visit that day. I found a nice seat by the waterfront., and enjoyed them.

085 copyLater on at Pier 62/63..the nice wide open wood area. There is a ping-pong table that I have never seen used for ping-pong. Still, it’s there and looks oddly cool in the sunlight.

2015-05-02 19.49.26A look at a tiny boat, using an extra lens mounted at Pier 66.

091 copyA look at the water, before I go. I promise to take more pics of the water on my next stroll through here.

– Orion T