There goes the day, mostly gray..
What matters is what one does with the time involved. For me, contacting loved moms I know, wishing them the most of this wonderful day. Also, getting much motherly advice in return for my sickness recovery (yes, yes I’ll get vitamins and soup, but it’s too warm to bundle up).
So, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there from here in Seattle. I dedicate the above today pic (and bonus below) to all of yous…
– Orion T
Arrival at the new Univerity District Link Light Rail Station..
The location is new, just opened on Saturday, March 19th. The ride takes anyone from the Univeristy of Washington to the Sea-Tac Airport in one ride; which previously took at least two bus rides, traffic through downtown and the freeway, and 2-3 times the wait. To me, it’s now a pleasant 7-8 minute rush to and from the other new station in Capitol Hill.
Still, enough time to catch up on some reading.
– Orion T
The South Lake Union got some silly cute deco over it’s cover now..
With Hello Kitty pimped all over, the short ride from downtown Seattle to South Lake Union (and Amazon HQ), wants to inform you of the EMP (Experience Music Project) museum’s latest exhibit. I assume it has something to do with the decades long Sanrio company franchise. It’s amusing to suddenly notice after a hard days work. Maybe we all need a little Hello Kitty in our difficult lives.
– Orion T
Just pictures of ducks today, to bring about the calmness that comes forth before and after the busy work week (plus one Saturday of leftover plans and needed shopping). Sunday is the day we are supposed to stress a little less and be like the lazy ducks here.
And for today I did some sitting of my own, and watched the Seahawks vs. Vikings NFL game. That crazy and very cold (- 6 degrees Fahrenheit) game that had us off our tailfeathers, from the kickoff to the ridiculously close end deciding the advancement of the playoffs through one failed field kick. Go Hawks!
Pictures here, are from last week’s adventure in Vancouver, Canada on the beach edge of English Bay by the Central Downtown area. I like these shots, as I think they deserve a posting of their own, expressing my current state of mind.
Orion T
A good walk on Sunday, is to go about an unfamiliar way..
That I did for my last day in Vancouver BC, before heading out. The central downtown is vast, with far more than the few days over my short visits. This time, I walked around the Gastown area, passed many closed stores and dingy markets along the way. I eventually spent much time at a local flea market; where locals hawked jewelry, DVDs, used tools and old electronics. That was mildly amusing. Not much else happened afterwards, other than me looking through various windows of tourist souvenir stores. Nothing quite caught my interest, as I seemed more for a place to settle down and watch the Seahawks game against the Cardinals (win 30-6!).
But something eventually did catch my eye on the particular corner of Water and Cambie..a smoking clock. Why was the clock smoking? It was powered by steam, of course. The Gastown Steam Clock is awesome and worthwhile of study..
The following shot explains a bit more…
If I had not turned down that path, I may have never known the existence of a steam-powered clock. And, I learned a bit more about the area of Gastown. Perhaps, another day for those tidbits, when I have more time..
– Orion T
The other side of yesterday, beyond West Vancouver and looking back…
This time, standing upon the observation deck of the summit at Grouse Mountian. The moment, a beautiful one looking southward at the land I love exploring and will continue to do so” for later in 2016. Over the mountains in the distance I believe are the United States.
I have more to say and show, but the day is late and I am hungry. There will be features and sets soon, promise. But for now, here is a bonus pic with a different lens…
– Orion T
L 
Today, I looked to a whole new world for this New Year..
Not so much West Vancouver BC, the city pictured above beneath what I think is Cypress Mountian. The perspective is afar using a 300mm zoom lens giving a sort of optical trick. The vision, is from Stanley Park in Vancouver BC, Canada; while passing through on a long five hour walk around and through the large wooded area.
Pictures will be later, of which there are many.
But today, this picture is a good representation of why I am here. This place being part of a spontaneous trip outside of Seattle; the city I live and now working excessively in. While I have a lot less time for far-out adventures, it’s important to remember the crazy new worlds that are still within a day’s drive or bus ride on the road.
I know absolutely nothing about this huge city outside of the samewhat familiar perimeters of Central Vancouver. Is it the same or different? How are the people? Are there cool, unique small shops I can browse through and find fantastic treasure? Are there exclusive cultures or secret societies, to which I can break into? How about the food? New friends maybe?
Not that the place is of any particular fascination, right now. It bears about the same as North Vancouver, a similar land to the east if there. There’s also the rest of Canada. Someday, I wish as I am very curious and life is short. I just want to start this new year right with the reminder and push of what I should strive for; tending to my thrill of discovery and adventuring.
2016, looking forward to what is “over there.”
Behold, the great Seattle Gum Wall to its fullest potential.
For over 20 years, this small south Post Alley area within the Pike Place Public Market welcomed people to place chewed sugary bubble gum remains upon a large wall. Tourists and locals constantly added to it, enhancing its disgustingness into an old wall (now walls, as it spread to the neighboring surfaces and pipes).
Soon, all the sticky chewings shall be removed, and the walls will go through a massive cleansing, to remove chemical buildup and potential harm upon the aged building. The Seattle Times reports that an industrial steam machine till be used. “The machine will melt the gum with 280-degree steam; it will fall to the ground, and a two- to three-man crew will collect the gum in five-gallon buckets.”
I recently dropped by after work long after sunset. I admire how the street lights adds mystique to the germy area. I may return again before the final removal of sticky contents. But for now, here are some pics from I:
– Orion T
Check out the Olympia town in Washington State, when exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Olympia a wonderful stop, halfway between the Portland and Seattle cities, close to the 5 and one 101 freeway intersection. This area is also the best stop for food and a stretch when traveling the between the major cities in no particular hurry. You’ll find much to love for any length of time you spend here.
A few things special about Olympia. You will find much art around many corners, more notably upon the walls of allies and businesses. This brings much color and uniqueness to the area. There are also some fantastic sources for literature, with some bookstores I checked out (Browsers Book Store and Danger Room Comics Store). The variety of food is excellent, with the best of it from local businesses. Also, lots of vintage antiques are also visible and up for buying. In between and throughout, you may also notice multiple signs of social activism and awareness with Black Lives Matters signs, climate change awareness, and other messages of modern progressivism. Olympia shows character aplenty in its overall presentation.
For me, it was all about stepping out from the weekday work stress. With a friend as company, I went to explore, and seek interesting visuals, eats, and a little shopping. Olympia did not disappoint, as this was my second visit to the city. Last visit, I barely walked around. This time,we had no particular direction here, other than its main downtown center.
Here are some findings in pictures, with some more notes on the area..
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One of Olympia’s prominent buildings, the Old Capitol Building. It’s now the office home of the Superintendent of Public Instruction since 1906. Before in Sylvester Park, stands John Rankin Rogers..twice governor of Washington State, who believed in giving a fair education to “every poor son of the commonwealth.”
Some up close sculpting on that building. Love the detail here..
The charming outside of Darby’s Cafe and neighboring local businesses on a 5th avenue block. I love the random little deco touches upon this old building…
The Capitol Theater across the street from Darby’s. I love the look of this old movie theater, and will look into seeing its inside in a future visit.
The inside of Darby’s Cafe, to a wall of wild art…
Above and around inside Darby’s Cafe, a tribute to the Wizard of Oz. The food was quite good too. I had a Brocco Burger (Broccoli, white cheddar, other good stuff) with fries (a bit too much they give) and a root beer float (root beer can be replaced with an alcoholic alternative). All quite good, and filling enough until my trip back to the Emerald City.
Some art on the side of The Great Cuisine of India restaurant. Many of the following pics are select examples of the overall mural art scene of the Olympia area.
The Olympia Rafah Solidarity Mural. from About this from olympiarafahmural.org. “Four thousand sq. ft., interdisciplinary mural with over 200 participants from all over the world. Project celebrates and mourns Rachel Corrie through action. Rachel was born in Olympia and killed in Gaza when run over by an Israeli driven bulldozer in 2003. ORSMP mourns and celebrates the lives of all who struggle for justice.”
Up close on a select section of the Rafah Mural..
A mural inside the alley of next to the building of the Old School Pizzeria. A wonderful and very colorful tribute to the imagination..
The best thing for us comic nerds out there, this old school tribute to the classic Marvel Comics. Located to the side of the Old School Pizzeria. I love this.
The inside of the Old School Pizzeria is pretty awesome too. Lots of vintage nostalgia all around, and the pizza was pretty awesome too.
Capitol Lake, with what I think is the Washington State House of Representatives capitol building.
The lake itself is very serene, and calming for anyone who enjoys a nice walk in the park.
That’s all for now on this amazing area of the Pacific Northwest. I will be back, with a look at other interesting signs and aspects of this interesting area.
– Orion T
Last weekend, I decided to take a trip north past the Washington U.S. border, and visit Vancouver, British Columbia (and Canada) for the first time. The reason being, to satisfy my long-time curiosity on what that big city is like. I have heard much from passing travelers through the PNW on that city beyond the border.
By much, I only heard it was. Much on the high rises, nightlife, booze, hockey cheering, food variety, expensive living and real estate. But having visited Vancouver, I have to say it was all so much more than such simple opinions.
Vancouver is a grand city, that went beyond my expectations. The central area is not enough to explore on a mere weekend. So, I took my time and savored select things and spent time with some friends for a lunch and dinner. For the remainder time, I kept to myself and walked around.
By the end, I can not close or sum up on how wonderful I think the Vancouver central area is. This must be done through repeat visits, and excessive time spent. But for now, I share my pictures and notes below of select moments in my first (of many) Vancouver visit to come.
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The first large notable structures I noticed while walking towards downtown.. The Science World Center. If I had the time, I would have went inside and checked this out, as I like big science center things. Also, the big stadium in the back looks fantastic under the bright blue sky. Science and sports, so far so good.
I noticed many fantastic creative works of art spread about around the long walking paths along the False Creek inlet. On my next visit, I will focus on some particular works and uncover some detailed info on them.
Enter the city, after a long walk around and across a bridge. Sorry for the lopsided picture. I was too over-excited and forgot to change the lens and settings.
My first destination was Granville street, and lunch with an old friend. It’s a great row for shopping and browsing through random shops, as I went through many.
An awesome favorite place I went, the Rock Shop. It’s a fantastic store for various old and new pop-culture related apparel and novelty items. I bought an awesome Hulk (classic Marvel look) cup from there.
Inside The Factory, on Granville. A small little bar where each food item on the menu is $4.95 (Canadian dollar). I noticed other places with a similar structure. I really liked that idea, and wish more places would try that. As for this place, I liked the service and the food (had a quesadilla plate with dipping sauces).
The front display of Golden Age Collectibles on Granville street, a highly recommended comic book and collectible store for those into that.
Later on, I relaxed at the Vancouver Central Library Branch, while giving my phone a much needed charge. Love the architecture here..
I was quite thrilled to find the Movieland Video Arcade on Granville street. It seemed refashioned after an adult X-rated spot. What seemed odd, was the place being still for 18 years or older. All I really noticed was this selection of game machines, many of which i enjoyed when I was a kid hanging out at old video arcades.
The Holy Rosary Cathedral. It’s an awesome building, where I think a wedding reception took place at the time of my passing by.
The Harbour Centre Building is the closest Vancouver has to Seattle’s Space Needle. It looks grand from afar. From up close, not so much. I think I am too used to seeing the Seattle one.
Here is a place for all book lovers to visit in central Vancouver, Macleod’s Books. This is an amazing used bookstore, where much buried treasure is likely under the overflow stacks throughout. I took out some interesting reference books and paperbacks. I have much to say and share on this store, which I will save for a future posting.
At the end of the day before dinner with another friend, at Crab Park..
Later in the night, I tried some poutine; a popular dish to Canadian folk containing fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It was good.
One last picture, before some boozing with a new friend I met earlier.
Overall, a great trip and not nearly as expensive as I thought (considering the exchange rate between the US and Canadian dollar). The weather started sunny, ended run on my departure the next day. Next time, I plan to explore the city and surrounding areas much more, as I live about four hours driving distance away.
– Orion T
The night will not wait.
I am on the road heading home,
after a fantastic adventure through the streets of Vancouver, Canada.
Pictures and notes, soon..
– Orion T
Now turning the wayback machine to the last weekend, and continuation from my Part 1 adventures posted days ago..
So here I was at the beach of Carkeek Park, after an hourly hike (prolonged because I kept stopping to look for birds to photograph). I was hoping for a beach less crowded than the Golden Gardens of nearby Ballard, where I can catch up on some reading in a peaceful non-interrupted setting. This beach had less people, but also less land.
Then, those hazy skies intensified from the distant brush fires. But, the air had a weird, good feel to it. I would imagine for a moment, this was like some alien planet from Star Trek or something. Not sure what the feeling was, but I enjoyed the somewhat surreal atmosphere.
Also, my camera had plenty of battery life left. So, I snapped some pics at times. Here are the best of them..
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Before the beach, i came across this artsy piano crosswalk. There seemed to be no specific purpose to this, being that playful hopping on this would put one in danger from the sharp turn around the corner from coming vehicles.. But, I like it..
Also before the beach, a massive railroad. A freight train would come through every now and then. Just wait..
The bridge over the railroad. I was hoping to capture a shot of this with less people on it.
The southern part of the beach, with many rocks during the low tide. The birds gather, left alone by the humans…
A passing boat under the hazy sky. The sun coming through gave the water an eerie effect at times..
I hit up a thrift store on my way here, and brought an early last century music dictionary there. Interesting read, as I love to learn obscure stuff..
I also got this book of science fiction short stories from an author I never heard of. I love the cover. Some of the stories inside were quite good..
Someone doing a bit of fishing out there, I think.
And hey there, here comes the train!
That’s all for now. I enjoyed this small little adventure in two parts. I hope you did too.
– Orion T
A weekend adventure outside the concrete jungle life..
This time at Carkeek Park, a small 220 acre woodland to the north of the Ballard district of Seattle. The area has much greatness hidden through its joggable trails; wetlands, orchards, grass picnic areas, and a beach with so much more. But for me it had a lot of peace and quiet, which I needed for much of this weekend.
I also took pictures (below)
I stayed on mostly two trails, The Piper Trail to my destination, and the South Ridge on my return trip. Most of these trails are easy and friendly for the casual hiker or jogger. The signs aren’t always at all the fork splits, so it might be good to have a printed map. This is not so much for getting lost, but to make sure you reach the right destination point, or to leave where you walked in (I took the bus here).
Soon on the Piper Trail, the Piper Orchard. A series of fruit and nut trees planted over 100 years ago by the Piper Family. There are bags tied around the fruits, with signs kindly asking people not to take.
Lots of moss here in the late summer. I love seeing moss on trees.
A creek where salmon are known to travel, in the past at least. The running water keeps me calm.
My favorite thing about woodland hikes, the odd tree formations and collapses. One could just let their imaginations run wild with this.
I also love to see some crazy root action when on the upper trails. This was on the South Ridge trail after an upward crawl.
Half a tree..
I wanted to capture some pics of birds here. I can hear them all about up high. But here I think, the birds are shy and keep their distance from the constant humans passing through. I can hear many, see nothing. But, I enjoyed what I had anyway..
A variety of life, and some death.
Still no birds, and not much in sects either. But I had plenty for the imagination..
Not a medium park trail unless someone leaves a visible message somewhere..
The end, or beginning of things. This was my destination and rest area, the beach area of Carkeek Park. I am immediately reminded from the sky of the wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest, causing this hazy sky. More on that, as I will post pics and notes of that in Part 2, coming soon.
– Orion T
For me, this last weekend had some interesting choices for great outside food.
Feeling a bit more local and needing clear air, I checked out the Seattle Street Food Festival in South Lake Union. This covered a few blocks and adjacent lots by Denny Park. Featured were the food truckers and other street venders. Some music can be heard in the distance, of which I paid little attention. I was very hungry, with a little extra cash.
Also, I had my camera handy. I took some shots of my food venturing experience, leading to some featured highlights below…
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A vegan taco and Mexican style food truck. I got a Portland vibe from this..
The Deep Fried PB and J stand.. I tried them at another food event. Quite good, but very thick with guilt afterwards on the body.
Love a food truck with a mascot. I wasn’t quite in the mood for chicken, but almost…
Love some of the names of these trucks and stands too. Also, Freedom Fries here because ‘Murica..
Aria’s Shaved Ice flavors. Get your Tiger’s Blood here..
Not sure on where the coconut drink out of the coconut bowl came from. But damn, I got to have one next time I see this..
Nothing like a jumbo anything with lemonade anything at any fair/festival, right?
Love the artwork on this truck..
What I had to drink…a Spiced Pineapple soda from the Soda Jerk. Well worth the $4.00!
And from the Nosh truck..their Fish and Chips dish for $7.00. I got beer-battered wild Alaskan cod, hand-cut British “chips,” mushed peas and house-made tarter sauce. All fantastic for the price. Also, on the side for a few dollars more, a raspberry mint Arnold Palmer. It was all right.
That’s all for now…until the next festival!
– Orion T
Ah..Long Beach, California.
This is a city ups and downs, at the southwest corner of Los Angeles County. Also, the birthplace of pop-culture icons, Nicolas Cage and Snoop Doggy Dogg. I lived for nearly two years about 7 trips around the sun ago, and came back last weekend to visit old friends for some days.
Unfortunately, I was sick and recovering from the crazy San Diego Comic Con adventure I had (of which I will bring up again in more detail, soon). I eventually recuperated, and had a some days left to get some outside air, and walk around in the Long Beach city area. Unfortunately, I did not have my good camera on me, so I took some pictures using my tablet. Here below, are some raw unedits of some sites admired…
First off, not quite Long Beach. This is further south in Seal Beach, in Orange County. In the far distance, you can make out the outline of Long Beach’s Downtown area. Sadly, the rain and heavy humidity was difficult on me. But at least, others there had fun…
The I met with the sun some days later. I walked around, noticed some new art on some buildings. This work is an alley, in the East Village area..by “Drew”
This is on the same building, on a different side. By DABSMYLA
This is in the same block, next to Cafe Berlin. I didn’t get the name of the artist..
Having enough of urban art and errands, I went to Shoreline Village at the waterfront. Here, is a colorful place with many crowded restaurants..
Ah, the ol Hot Licks, a store for the hotter sauce connoisseurs. I love that sign mascot.
The Rocky Mountain Factory Chocolate Factory shop. That bear makes me smile…
I enjoyed some good BBQ dinner and yams at Louisiana Charlies restaurant still inside Shoreline Village, and headed around to the other side of the waterfront. I looked to the boat, with a yearning to jump on and go on some wacky old timey adventure .
I took some time out, to look down and admire this curvatures of the brake layout on the long pathway walked (part of an area called the Pike)..
Also, this fishy bike rack!
And around to this lighthouse, a favorite place to rest when I lived here. I once again sat on the grass hill around it until the sunset, reading a stack of free comic books I took in San Diego..
The Queen Mary ocean liner (now stationary as a tourist attraction and hotel), in the distance. If I had more time, I would have went..
And the Rainbow Harbor Bridge, that leads to the Queen Mary and some industrialized areas. Also, very cool if you stay late, to gaze upon the awesome water reflection of the colorful bridge.
That was pretty much all I could do for this visit. Here is the one last sunset I look had, before leaving (and battery exhausted on my tablet).
– Orion T
Happy Solstice!
Spring ends, with the summer now fresh. For Seattle area folk, many flock north to the Fremont district. Here was the street fair, a musical HonkFest festival, the naked bike ride, and this awesome parade. The Solstice Parade is all volunteer powered, with no assistance by corporate entities. The passing display exhibitions of large are all human powered with no fuel or electricity used in the propelling forward. Environmentalism and social issues remain constant themes for multiple parade groups. In addition, it’s also good fun with music and dancing. Donations are collected at the end, to help ensure this annual tradition continues.
Here below, are some pics for you…
– Orion T
Coupeville is a nice small town, to the north on Whidbey Island (Washington State). It’s got a small wharf, where local people smile a lot and appreciate their pleasant surroundings.
I was here for about half an hour, on a break in a long quest to find a blue heron rookery for a friend (long story). I wandered for a short bit, taking in the serene surroundings.
Here are some pics of that time…
I hope to come back someday, and stay longer.
– Orion T
Shortly after Midnight, last night..
The Moon began as larger and yellowish on the horizon, from around yesterday at 11:40pm, huge but not quite full (waning). I just boarded the Washington State Ferry on Bainbridge Island, alone and bound for my trip back home in Seattle. The night air was warm, but staining wind from the slow trip out (from the moving boat or the night air, I could not tell).
So eventually after some texting, I reached for my camera and lens. I grumbled at the the sudden forgetting of my 300mm capable zoom lens during the start of my trip. Oh well, I have my small 50mm to work with, and a very rocky boat with winds outside. The trick to all this, is to simply enjoy the view and recognize the outside atmosphere as quiet and beautiful, for my next stop will be the Downtwon area..where construction noise and the occasionally smell of piss around the dock area will eventually disturb my senses.
The trip was about 40 minutes, and here are some pictures I took for you..
– Orion T
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
Today is almost done, and what a day it was!
Tis the first day of Spring, and very wet. In the Seattle and surrounding areas, there was light on/off rain. Very pleasant to walk through, especially throughout my paths. Here below, are some moments with notes..
Within a downtown park by the Washington Convention Center, a favorite little tree stands. Here, the petals seem very relaxed in the rain.
And the petals, I think enjoy this rain as much as I. Let em drop..
Much later, I journeyed far to the city of Redmond for a short research gig at Microsoft’s main headquarters. A nice busy place, but what got my attention for the longest was this little bird outside. That was a very chirpy fellow, but also not letting me too close for the more detailed shot.
And then, after a long walk and briefly ending up lost. I found myself in a parking lot of scattered sakura blossom petals. There is seriously a lot to take in, and a little dangerous. More on this, tomorrow..
Finally, back in Downtown Seattle. Here is another pretty tree in the rain.
Up close and personal..
Later, I took a pit stop at the Kobe Terrace Park at the International District. When last here, there was little on the ground. I said I would be back to see them fallen, in an earlier post last weekend. Now…
More on this tomorrow, or the next day..or whenever I get around to it. But soon, I promise.
Ah..another lovely weekend past, to enjoy while it lasts.
From what I hear, these many early blooming Cherry Blossom trees throughout the Seattle are almost at their peak. By the end of April, I think their pedaled spender will be a pleasant memory, until next year. I lived in Seattle for a few years now, and this is the best I have seen of them. I think the reason is the lacking of shaky weather, so far in 2015.
The pictures above and below, are from the Kobe Terrace Park (and adjacent community garden), near the very noisy 5 freeway in the International District of Seattle. The white Cherry Tree blossoms are mostly in the park itself (high on a hill overlooking the areas south of the Downtown area), a nice place to rest and relax. I recommend headphones emitting soft music, to cancel out the near freeway noise. The green and white trees with other shrubbery, are in the Danny Woo Community Gardens next door (a crooked pathway down from the park).
Enjoy these pics below. I hope to return here when the blossoms shed. That will be a sight.
Continued from previous Part 1 and Part 2, where I lost myself in the fog and I had a strange yet short adventure. And now, I return back to the Federal Way transit station.
And I have a little time left to look around..
And, there are others. But, not for long..
I explore the parking structure, because it’s there. And to get a better view from above.
Everyone is gone, almost.
I look at the time. I best go back (bus arrives at 9:45 pm).
and here I am again. Almost empty..
Another one appears, than disappears.
And the last one runs. But not too late. Here comes the bus.
And that was all. I slept very soundly on very comfortable seat. I remember nothing else..
Continued from yesterday (part 1), to the night before..among shadowy characters..
Above and below, we have a playground further away from the transit station. The basketball court has a very colorful layout, and very smooth. I wish I had a ball. But, I will playfully walk around.
Here is a two-dimensional maze, daring lost souls in the fog to partake..
And here is a hoop guardian, ready for basketballs to pass through. It waits patiently for the dark and fog to pass.
Soon, I would I would need to board the bus. But there was a little time, but not much..to explore a little more. Next up, the Federal Way Transit Station itself..
(To be continued.. )
Lost in spirit…..
In the middle of somewhere, by a transit station in Federal Way (further south of Seattle)..I missed the bus back home, after leaving another bus from work. I was early for the next, by 45 minutes. I could wait impatiently and wear down my phone battery with obsessive social media play. Or, I could let my curiosity take over and walk away with the phone buried in my knapsack.
So, I wandered in the fog further away from the station and around the corner, drawn towards different lights. Between them, odd silhouettes stranded about.. These were the strangest strangers, frozen in the fog.
And, I wondered in my wandering..Who or what were these strange stone apparitions? Did they also miss the bus? Would I join them?
There is no escape. I am among them now..
This one is important. A spell or counterspell in process, I can only guess..
Here, I think is some part of a grand epic with an aquatic setting. Details are difficult, as the night hides much.
This one is different, and most suspicious…
And this one, I think strays from all company. It stays alone, especially tonight.
I could find no more information while here, other than shadowy visuals. Perhaps in the future, I will google this place. But for this foggy night, I like mysteries to stay as they are.
But, I noticed something else in the distance, far beyond this tree. It was enough to draw me away from the binding spell of the this strange gathering.
(To be continued.. )
The long bus ride to work was a sleepy extent of nothing. I left Seattle about 30 minutes ago, heading south to work near Tacoma. Traffic seemed slow at first leaving the busy metropolis that I lived deep within. And with each blinking morning light in the morning haze, my eyes sank closer to the headrest of my comfy seat, on the Sound Transit ride.
But not all the way…
I blinked awide, to find myself drifting high above the clouds. Or at least, that’s what was actually happening, as the bus on the highway reached its high stretch on some hills where one could either see nothing, or everything depending on the weather. Here..was unreal, perhaps could be easily fooled all was a dream, and I might have actually gained a good night’s rest..
And that moment of realization; I snapped this above picture of mediocre pixilation from my decent smartphone, through the dirty window inside a vessel traveling at least 60 miles per hour (traffic improved). I took the shot needed, to prove later that such the sight was not a dream. I watched the white fog layer speed by, drifting with the fully snow capped Mount Rainer in the back. All was breathtaking, for the minutes lasted. Then, the trees arrived on the hill censoring the smooth silky oasis. The all-view soon disappeared..forever, and the road would become part of the thick layered fog. And there was nothing again.
I drifting back to semi-sleep.
Happy New Year’s!
2015 is off to a good start..
‘Twas the peak of the Holiday weekend shopping rush all through the Market. Earlier, where the corridors were crowded with tourists and gift-givers being greeted by merchants and fish-throwers. The rain outside stayed all day, and a little in the night with some sprinkles here and there. I meanwhile, am happy with my box of smoked salmon, of which I will bring to a party later on.
Good night.
Of the Columbia Tower, tallest building in Seattle; and the 2nd highest within the west coast US states at 933 ft (284 m).
It is a nice quiet place to relax, unless a fear of heights develops. The floor is open to the public, for a small fee (of which I do not remember). The floor is almost 360 degrees, with nice seats and a cafe.
That land between here and the Sun is West Seattle, surrounded by the Puget Sound waters.
A brief moment here, between difficult weather happenings. The clouds here moved quick, in multiple layers from right to left. My fingers shiver in taking this picture; anxious to return to my warmly pockets. The moment is lovely, but I also had to move. My break is over..
(Picture taken at Sculpture Park, and that tree is made of some metal)
Hours earlier, a furious rainstorm. Hours later, howling winds. Then, early night took over, and the winds and rain will likely team. It is best to be inside now (8:47 p.m.)
The 5 Point Cafe and Bar, located very close to the Space Needle of Seattle.
A nice place to eat and sit for a late rainy night, especially when you are not ready to go home just yet. They have good steak dishes, and beer.
TRAVELING ORION 