Recent Seasonal Memories..

There was a little snow in Seattle, last Friday morning.

Fun, how some moments can make each seasonal year unique. The light shed of snow blanketing the central areas of the Emerald City, leaving untouched areas covered until the later rains. Here, the snow was a rare thing. The last time was early 2011, in much grander amounts.

I snapped a few pictures, before heading north to the Ballard area. I wish I wasn’t so busy with important matters as I would have loved to explore the temporary changes. Still, are some moments I captured that morning.

The Space Needle area, of where I first noticed after my wake. Then, hurried to the Downtown area on other business, hoping for more. Much of the snow was washed away by the time I reached the Westlake Station area, but I managed to capture some evidence (as featured picture above).

Then, to an industrialized sector further north by the Ballard Bridge. Here, the snow still continued for another hour. I haven’t seen much snow in my lifetime. For me, the weather was wonderful for its difference, visual beauty and sudden peace brought to the surroundings.

…
Pictures by Orion Tippens

Lending my eyes for a moment..

Finally, the monorail is here..

And I was thinking just that, holding still in this grand city of Seattle. I stood on a high concrete platform in the chilly weather, waiting with my arm raised up.

At least 5 minutes, I recall.

The building to my right is the Experience Music Project (E.M.P) and Science Fiction Museum. To my left and VERY close is the great Space Needle tower. The moment between them is worthwhile, but more-so for a faraway friend.

I did not shoot this picture, yet I was holding the “camera,” lens through my smartphone.The shot was remotely capped by Howard Hill, my friend from 1300 miles (1800 km) away in the Los Angeles area. The shot occurred around noon during a lengthy Skype video chat, at a spontaneous moment within a long walk. All, a leisurely walk turned tour through the local area I currently live, a fun alternative to our traditional face chats in those boring enclosed spaces

I think, what a great concept this is.

Show your distant friends around the streets and expose them to your familiar life and adventures. A video chat within a walk can be exciting and fun, and enhance one’s view of the world beyond familiar boundaries. The live commentary, and sudden directions from afar could also turn the familiar feet to expose new sights and discoveries.

Here below, is a another remote shot by Howard exhibiting the rising of Seattle’s Belltown area, from the roof of my apartment building. Behind me, is the Space Needle and the Queen Anne area, which follows in another shot at the end of this write-up.

Howard applies the new modern communications to his own fantastic passion for photography. He uses the Skype software, with his own sharp eye to remotely capture and apply his own filters and style. Howard currently networks places of interest around the world, finding new subjects to feature (many of them are also models).

See more and follow Howard’s fantastic work on his own blog here – howardhillstudio.wordpress.com/.

NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Howard at howardhillstudio.wordpress.com for more information). © Copyright 2013 Howard Hill. All Rights Reserved

More Northwest Adventuring

Continued from our recent adventure in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, state of Washington in the Northwest US…

The Boulder Cave, about five miles down the nearby road our campground at Little Naches (25 miles from Mt. Rainier).

Our camp group headed there by car, with a small uphill hike (2 miles round trip). Incredible place, with the deep ravine between forest covered rocky hills more amazing than the cave itself.

Also, the occasional special tree to stare at.

Further in, the more I loved of this deeper forest withing itself.

More further down, a small cave to the side of one cliff..not the Boulder Cave promised at the end of the trail, but worth checking out a bit later.

Love the colors here.

Under that smaller cave, but not so small now.

Moving on, and further down the ravine.

And finally, the Boulder Cave. Open on both ends, and a small, steady water stream from Devil’s Creek from the other side. At times, bats are said to hang inside.

“The frame of the cave leads to the frame of man.”

– Stephen Gardiner, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I

For more on Boulder Cave and its surroundings, click here.

Northwest Adventuring

Love a spontaneous adventure, especially around the Northern Cascades of Washington state, US Northwest area.

I enjoyed two half days to and through the Okanogan National Forest, camping with friends at the Little Naches campground. All, very close with the camp about 25 miles to the Mount Rainier. Just the cheer with a little hiking and night drinking was enough. The simple pleasures of camping and hiking were renewed, as such was long overdue with the extraneous stresses of city life.

There are pictures, with some note below:

Stepping outside the 410 freeway. Here, a vista view of some mountains and glaciers, I am unsure of on name. The funny thing here, are several views adjacent to each other on the road, divided by some nearby trees. The three views are different yet so close to each other of the same area. This one is best.

This is from the scenic route on the 410 freeway, heading east and further up.

When reaching your destination, look up and let it sink in. On a fast cloudy day like this, look up often. No two views over time were the same. The clouds move fast in the Northwest.

Get to know your surroundings. Also, have good sturdy shoes.

The Naches River is peaceful. The ambiance of running water, free of honking cars, is a better thing.

The light dryness of the rocks resting above the busy water.

Enjoy nature to the smallest parts. I always do.

Have a seat.

Love this moment.

O look, a squirrel!

“A squirrels teeth grow continuously. Their incisor’s will grow six inches per year, but stay short due to the constant wear they receive. “

– fact from squirrels.org

(More from this trip is coming soon, in another post)

More San Diego Comic Con snaps…

This week, I have more pics taken by me with a point and shoot camera, of my 19th annual visit to the San Diego Comic Con posted on the site I contribute to, All Day Comics. For part 2 click here and for part 3 click here. Part 1 is here.

So, all that and more there. I’ll soon share further details, fun of my observations and involvement with the greatest comics, alternative pop-culture, geek gathering in the world. Much will be in my next post, right here. I also have a planned write-up on the place of comics in a convention growing with influence from the big Hollywood, big gaming, and big collectibles industries.

I have much to share soon.

Summer Daze at Ocean Beach part 2/2

Continued from part 1.

Put the world behind you, and enjoy the best part of Ocean Beach.

The dense and plentiful sand, a grandest sky, the endless water, the resonance of unending tides. OB has it all in wait.

Further out, is the amazing Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, standing tall since 1966, This is my favorite escape, within an escape. The OB pier is where one takes good time, slow walk and let the worries of the wold fade out with each step out. Among you will be those with fishing poles, casting out for good catch. Maybe, I will someday join them.

Look out and far, especially on a clear day.

Also, the OB Pier is the longest concrete pier on the West Coast at 1,971 feet (601 m).

Looking over, the pier is a great place to watch surfers in action. Like much of California’s Coast, OB is a prime spot for the surfing culture.

Here in OB, the surfing lifestyle has its early roots. Surfing was been traced back as far as 1916 when local lifeguard Charlie Wright borrowed a wooden surfboard from the Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfing’s living legend, Duke Kahanamoku. Wright went on to produce more boards, gave lessons, and promoted surfing to the local area. Afterwards, that surfing community grew as the sporting became native to San Diego.

Some surf late, enjoying the best of the golden Californian sunset.

For me, I often go for another walk on the great OB pier. The coming night offers a different reward for those looking for quality alone time. Also, one could enjoy a more illuminate view of the coast looking back. On my last visit, the camera battery power faded. So, I present these views from the same place from a previous time some years ago, upon the night of a Harvest Moon.

From here, there are no more words..

Summer Daze of Ocean Beach part 1/2

Welcome to Ocean Beach, at the coast of San Diego in the great California state.

I tell myself this, often coming back after some annual business in San Diego. This is my end priority, after seeking out some fantastic yet cheap tacos. Visitors should be anxious to settle the many great beaches here. Choices are great, depending on your surf and sand desires. One is greater in surrounding youthful party energy (Mission Beach, further north), another is more upper crust (La Jolla, more further north). Ocean Beach is always my choice, the perfect balance between California’s more chillful beach culture and a small town vibe that doesn’t overwhelm in tourist behavior, yet still holds great entertainment value.

Ocean Beach is that surfside place of simple joys. Here, a medium family-friendly community connects to a beach big enough to support appreciators of the Pacific Ocean soothing roar. OB has nothing to draw attention to itself to the abroad travelers flocking to popular beach elsewhere. Lacking are the visible souvenir shops, tacky tourist museum traps, carnival and stereo noise.

Ocean Beach is the better escape.

I get that sense just walking down the main Newport Ave. Within the surrounding area, I see little of the big name stores or snobby label fashion outlets. Fast food is pushed away with only one Starbucks (with a very aggressive no-public bathroom policy). More inviting, are some great thrift stores including the 2 Dollar Thrill, a store store chock full of DVDs, fun beach-themed clothes. Near to that was a five (or was it 3.99) dollar store with similar themes. Also, I found Galactic Comics, a collectibles and sequential art store with good geek treasure (hint: look up). Down the way, some tempting antique stores, especially the one with an army of tin robots in the window.

Ocean Beach, much to love before the beach.

The eats are plentiful and good on choice; with much local-owned or exclusive to San Diego. One personal favorite is the Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt, where one could grab their amazing hot waffle and ice cream sandwich. Another fav is the South Beach Bar and Grill, where I found the best fish tacos ever. Also, the taste of fumes of the BBQ House on Newport Ave are hypnotic, heavenly, a must for carnivores. All this and more, very reasonably priced.

However, the biggest star of Ocean Beach’s local food scene is Hodads, a bar and restaurant that claims the worlds greatest burger on their menu. I come here often questioning that, but always face a line down the block. I ask a few in my waiting attempts on the worthiness of Hodad’s great burgers. Heads nod, and replies imply its lengthy waits are rewarded.

I always consider Hodad’s olate, full of tacos or ice cream. Next time..

The most colorful building on Newport avenue is Ocean Beach’s International Hostel. Someday, I must go inside, perhaps even stay the night. Otherwise, there is another hostel of choice for me; the Point Loma Hostel, of which I personally recommend for visitors. That and this hostel, you will likely find a friend or few to further explore this wonderful area.

There is more to share about Ocean Beach, but must wait until next blogging time. Then, more time at the beach and a walk on the pier. Also, a some surfing and some moonlight later. Come back!

The wonder full International Fountain of Seattle

In Seattle, you can find rain on the sunniest of days.

Visit the International Water Fountain near the great Space Needle! It’s got a nice surrounding lawn, relaxing classical music, and some fantastic art museums nearby. The fountain itself is an everlasting, constantly changing work of awesome.

For more info on this grand fountain, here are the specs from the official Seattle Center online page:

Built: Originally in 1961 for 1962 World’s Fair
Replaced & rebuilt: 1995
Landscape Architect: Kenichi Nakano & Associates
Mechanical Designer: WET Design
Diameter of bowl: 220’
Height & width of dome: 10’ tall & 27’ wide
Water Capacity: 9,000 gallons
Water Shooters: 137 total mist nozzles
77 fleur-de-lis’
56 microshooters
4 Super Shooters
Height reached by Super Shooters: 120’
Water in one Super Shooter: 66 gallons
Air pressure in one Super Shooter shot: 120 psi
Number of water programs synchronized to music: 5
Welcome to Seattle Center Show, Aaron Copeland’s ‘Billy the Kid,’ Duke Ellington, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and a mix from Northwest Rock ‘n Roll legends.
Time of shows: up to 12 minutes

Touch the center if you dare..

The awesome SF-88 Nike Missile Base (near San Francisco)

Interested in Cold War era military history? In or near San Francisco’s Bay Area?

Check out the SF-88 Nike Missile Base, a U.S. military defense base established long ago against the possible invasion of Communist forces. Now, accessible to the public.

Find it, a little northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands. Visiting hours are very limited, and by guided tour only. More details at the end of this entry.

For me, this place was an awesome surprise. I heard nothing on this before and just found it while hiking around the perimeters of Fort Barry and its abandoned battery military posts (to be featured in a future post). I came across a fence, chuckled at this sign.

I noticed a missile in the distance and an open gate beyond, then walked towards. Turned out I was welcome, and in time for a grand tour of this fascinating place.

SF-88 is one of four public accessible decommissioned missile bases out of 280 that were purposed to defend against possible Soviet enemy aircraft attacks. After opening in 1954, SF-88 was armed first with Ajax anti-aircraft missiles, and later on with Hercules II anti-aircraft rockets. This establishment was eventually closed in 1974, and restored for historical preservation decades later by dedicated volunteers.

Thanks to these volunteers, visitors may personally see and understand this fascinating time of our history. With the aid of a volunteer tour guide, you may personally study a plethora of Cold War defense equipment and operations. Included on this base are radar stations, yesterdays top-of-the-line computer stations and communication networks. Also, lots of small military objects, pictures, and informative writings of its time in use.

And of course, the missiles themselves are present. Most here, are the Hercules II rockets. Some are taken apart in the sheds, others with detailed cutaways revealing complex construction and construction. Also, there is the center launchpad, where a platform leads to an underground area. Inside are more decommissioned missiles, and the launch room.

Fascinating to me, was how lightweight these missiles were, as the tour guide gave us the opportunity to move a couple on their metal lifts. The missiles were to be prepared and ready promptly; recalling the guide saying these missiles had to be less than 20 minutes, should an attack happen.

SF-88 is much worth checking out. Hours and tours are limited, as the base is closed most of the week. The cost is free, and donations were refused at the time I visited. Do check its official Web site for current times of the tours.. SF-88 is also closed on federal holidays, and days of rough weather conditions (alerts are also online). For more information and directions, click here for the official visitor page.

Below are additional pictures of the Nike site, taken by me. Click on each one for the full picture.

- photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpress.com)

Libraries, for your travels

Hello to all, and Happy National Library Week!

Libraries are useful and not limited to their typical establishments; the collected, organized, accessible amount of printed material and physical media. In modern times, libraries are also important as central hubs for the online access to digital information and services, through computer/printing stations and personal WiFi accessible devices. There is so far more a good library can offer to ANYONE.

Love a good public library, especially when traveling.

Libraries are perfect for travelers. They can help, save, and probably enhance an adventure. By that, I mean a descent into unfamiliar territory. This could be the next neighborhood over, or a different country. There are useful, often amazing libraries through every developed setting your feet can take.

I have walked through many libraries, mostly through the Pacific U.S states. I’m always excited to see one for each first time. I admire and study interesting histories behind older libraries, and innovative architecture on newer postmodern structures. Some, I will highlight and detail some in future postings.

For their content and services, libraries have been vital in contacting friends and business online, find better places to stay, sort out car repairs, chill out from tough weather, find temp work. Also, various libraries helped me follow some local mysteries in my travels and journalistic work including the Pink Lady spirit of Yorba Linda, the S.S. Point Reyes shipwreck, drug culture origins in San Francisco, the real town affected by the murder of Laura Palmer.

That being said, here are the best ways and suggestions to keep in mind, on libraries can help you better enhance your next adventure:

Online access: Many will have FREE Wi-fi access and use of computer stations with online connectivity. Commonly, they do not charge by the minute, or interested in profits or ads like most office supply stores. Most also offer printing services. Most libraries welcome incoming visitors no matter the distance, so ask for a visitors or guest pass. My best advice is to understand the extent of station usage times, closing of the entire branch (try not to hold them over to the very last minute and beyond of closing, library workers often hate that), printing costs (have some spare change handy), and sit near the reference/information desks if you may need quick assistance.

Enhanced tourism: Many libraries have amazing architecture with some rich in history and visuals (see additional links at the end). You may also find some local guides, maps, brochures, and leads to current events and happenings. Many large libraries have local history rooms or sections, to better get to know your area better. Look around. If the information desk workers are not occupied, nudge them on interesting facts about the place or area. The answers may surprise you, perhaps lead into your next local adventure.

Personal directory: Sometimes unfortunate stuff happens, and help is lacking in a strange land. You may need a nearby clinic, police department, or other public service. You might need a phone-book or local directory to fix your car, or tech gadget. You may need this info fast, as patience wanes for the inclusive googling. A well-trained librarian or assistant can give you the proper answers or better point in the right direction. All this, often fast. Also consider, available local travel books and guides for places, ideas to shop, eat, live. Every good library should be ready to help you better understand and utilize your surroundings.

A peaceful place: Sometimes the rain, wind, snow, heat outside can be unbearable. Why go back to your hotel or temporary place of residence? You have all night for that! Or perhaps, there are many more miles in driving. An open library welcomes all inside, with no need to buy coffee or snacks. Relax and sit down, maybe recharge that cellphone. But, don’t sleep or snooze. Library workers often frown on this, and may poke with you a stick. My advice to check out any local newspapers present, where the near news really give you a feel of the surrounding lifestyle or give ideas on what to do next.

Used bookstores: Many libraries have used mini-bookstores within, usually consisting of donations and weeded out check out materials. In addition to books, bookstores usually include music CD’s. DVD’s, magazines; also helpful in passing time for that next long trip. All usually dirt cheap, as these places are often small and needing more room for continuous incomings. My best advice, to simply ask for books on your specific interests. Often, the used book stores are managed by volunteers and happy to help. Often, I had treasure placed in my hands from behind the displays. Also, be on the lookout for large upcoming book sales, hopefully matching your schedule. Overall, proceeds from these special shops go back to their libraries and your purchases helped out.

The important thing to know, libraries are awesome and helpful on many levels. You take part by benefiting from their services, and their importance is fortified. As long as you and others support libraries, than no one is truly lost as long as a library nearby is open.

Here are some fantastic libraries from around the world to note.

The most beautiful..

The most unique..

The most historic..

My picture from above is from my visit to the Multnomah Central County Library in downtown Portland, Oregon. This library is worth a visit for Portland trekkers with, many rooms and walkways to explore. Also here, a creepy relief of famous children’s author, Beverly Cleary:

National Library Week!!

I’m having a busy week so far. Also, it’s National Library Week!

I am crazy passionate about libraries, and I have much to say on them. I will post soon and furthermore on these wonderful places. In the meantime, I did a few Instagrams through some old translucent Simpsons trading cards, at a local library. I now share here, to better show how some of us (represented by familiar cartoon icons) relate to our libraries.

And yes, I have an Instagram page! It’s mostly figurine themed at instagram.com/travelingorion!

The wonders of Cape Perpetua, coast of Oregon

I want to go back.

To Cape Perpetua, south of Yachats, of the Oregon Coast.

I was there for about one hour. That was not enough two summers ago, last since exploring its beautiful scenery. I could love so much, during my break from a southbound day drive to Eureka in Northern California, from Tillamook, Oregon.

The distant scenery is beautiful, especially up high through various lookout points. This is the very best of the Oregon Coast, of which I have seen so far. I plan to eventually witness the giant sea lion caves and Cannon Beach in time. The Oregon coast is amazing. But, I think Cape Perpetua represents the accessible U.S.Pacific Coast at its raw, most powerful, and a bit dangerous.

Come closer, go down a few trails. Do some exploring, and watch your step over the shore rocks. There are many slippery areas, tide pools, deep holes. Some rocky areas extend far out, and more visible during low tides.The high tides can be violent, crashing, surprising, warning you to stay back. If here, study your maps, know the tides, and be careful. With patience, you will find some amazing and unique wonders.

Including:

Devil’s Churn

Here, a large deep crack accessible via a short, curvy forest trail. You can walk the edge if careful, watching every step, and walk slowly. If you find your way down, it’s best to find a good spot in the back area, and gaze at the incoming ocean motion. Watch the water fill and retract in constant repetition. During the high tide, the waves can be intense in their crashing. The video below better captures that excitement.

Thor’s Well

Memorizing, boggling is this nature-made well. The timing of the tides must be perfect, otherwise, it’s too dangerous or too calm to witness its full effect. Away from the shore among the scatters of rocks, you will find this strange hole in the ground. The water seeps in, fills up, spits out, and then sucks back in the nothing. Sadly, my timing was off and missed out. There are pictures online, mostly a bit unreal; the stuff of strange fantasy. Watch this found video clip:

Cook’s Chasm

Similar to Devil’s Chasm, and below a bridge. I missed this place but learned of something that makes this very worthwhile; a spouting horn to the side. What is a spouting horn? I can’t find much on the physics of a spouting horn. I assume it’s some pressure within the rocks, push forth by the crashing waves. Here is another video found:

There are many tide pools, sand dunes, and nature trails. There is a stunning vista point overlooking Yachats, an old stone observation building lookout shelter, and a lighthouse; all of which I missed. The inland area is also interesting, full of dense forest and lakes. There is definitively more to see and discover on your own.

I will be back.

For more information on Cape Perpetua and the surrounding area, click here.

Falling in Spring, somewhere in Seattle..

Wow, Kobe Terrace Park.

Seek this beautiful yet small park in Seattle, especially in the Spring. Find Kobe Terrace Park, northeast of the International District. Go east, uphill on Washington street and past 6th, before the freeway. This small public paradise awaits you, covered with cherry blossom trees and small shrubbery.

All this on a hill, perfect for a nice stroll. Also, some well-placed benches, perfect for reading. You may notice a pleasant, distant overview of Seattle’s somewhat droll southeast region. But cares may not happen, as the enveloping surrounding nature and peacefulness will be all the matters for the restful mind.

I was here twice last week, with business nearby. First on Sunday, during the bright sunny weather. And then again on Friday, after some rain and heavy winds. The place was beautiful, but on two different frequencies. In between, a transformation happened.

I took pics on both visits. Below are some raw, unedited pics from my outdated cellphone.The first set is from my afternoon visit on Sunday evening, March 31, 2013. The weather was warm, sunny. The blossoms are near full, amazing:

The next set is from my visit after some rain and wind, the following Friday. The weather is now cold, wind and cloudy above. What was in the sky, is on the ground. Imagine, with each gust of new wind, blossoms fluttering to the ground. I imagine much of Japan like this, but on a grand scale. Someday, I hope to set foot in that far land of the Rising Sun. But for now, Seattle will do:

That’s all for now.

The art of Clarion Alley – San Francisco, Mission District

Yay, picture share time!

I present below, this cluster of pics from a personal favorite spot in San Francisco’s Mission District. This location is full of color, creativity, messages, diversity, brilliance, amazement. Here, appreciate fine urban and graffiti art; all open to the public on the walls of doors, fences, buildings. All, mostly done by local artists.

This is Clarion Alley. It’s all free, just find the alley and take a stroll (during the day is brighter, safer).

The work of Clarion Alley is done by various artists with full permission by the city and the adjacent property owners. This collaboration is part to the work of CAMP (Clarion Alley Mural Project). Here, is a little more from the the CAMP representative Web page, www.meganwilson.com:

“Clarion Alley Mural Project has been a grass roots project from beginning to future, organized by a handful of individuals who have volunteered thousands of hours, and with the added generosity of many, many community members who’ve committed their time and energy to CAMP over the past 20 years. Its possible that such a project could only be done by a small group of committed friends. Big institutions with paid staffs, enviable office facilities, and large materials budgets also have institutional strictures, competing curatorial agendas, levels of prestige to be maintained, ponderous decision-making processes, star power and quota considerations in the selection of artists and bottom line revenue projections to be taken into account. Could a project based on the affinities of artists, characterized by a rejection of western fine art hierarchies, with no enhancement of the market value of stored artworks, ever make its way through that gamut?

In a city that is rapidly changing to cater to the one-percent at every level, CAMP is one of the last remaining truly punk venues in San Francisco.”

I visit San Francisco often, at least twice a year over the last ten years. I come back to Clarion Alley when time allows. Some of the art stays unchanged (perhaps touched up or repaired), while other art is fresh and new painted over the old. This presentation is very refreshing, and retains hope for the ongoing troubles of San Francisco’s local art community (rising rents, gentrification, the tech industry invasion).

Below, is my collection of images over the past few years visiting Clarion Alley. Pics are from various cameras, smartphones on hand. Enjoy, appreciate, make this place a must-see for your time in San Francisco.

For more on Clarion Alley, CAMP, and the artists involved with more pictures past and present – click here, and here, and here.

The wonderful Trees of Mystery

Far north within California’s great redwood lands, you may encounter a wonderful, unique collection of strange trees.

The Trees of Mystery.

These are redwoods, collectively located on a hiking path off the 101 freeway in Klamath, California. The path is guarded by a massive 49-foot color statue of Paul Bunyan and his possible anatomically incorrect ox, Babe. More on that big guy, in a future post.

The Trees of Mystery is a packaged tourist destination; all accompanied by a Native American museum, a sky lift leading to a large platform high above, a collection of sculpted folk tale statues, and more.

For my visit, I found these odd trees in highest interest. How this strange lot grew together over the many years, is an interesting coincidence. The trail itself was short, but revealing. I took some pictures. Below are the most popular of the bunch. You will also find some added notes, visible below when you individually click on each.

For more information on the Trees of Mystery, click here.

Brotherhood Tree - Trees of Mystery in Klamath, California

Alexander’s Castle

Today, I share one my favorite pictures, taken by me. Bear in mind, I am no professional at photography, but I love doing it.

Alexander’s Castle, during a rising full moon on a winter’s night, some years ago:

The location is in the northwest United States, within the State of Washington, far north of Seattle, on the northwest side of Puget Sound on a peninsula, very near to the small town of Port Townsend. The surrounding area is Fort Worden, a state park and former US military station.

The castle itself is the oldest building there. Here is more info from the Washington State Park Web site.

“According to the legend, Reverend John Alexander built the castle for a prospective Scottish bride in a style reminiscent of his native country. In 1883, he acquired 10 acres of land near Point Wilson and constructed the building known as Alexander’s Castle. Alexander intended the building to serve as a home for him and his bride. Traveling to Scotland to get his bride, Alexander found that his bride-to-be had married another. He returned to Port Townsend alone and used the building as a temporary residence. During the park’s Army days, the castle was used for a number of purposes including serving as the first site of the Post Exchange and for many years housed the tailor shop.”

For me, it was just a night walk during my three-week stay at a nearby hostel (now closed). I was experimenting with my newly acquired Canon Rebel T1i DSLR, taking advantage of the surrounding lights for exposure. I was hoping to get a better shot of the moon in the background, but knew too little. I tried, a lot. I don’t recall the ISO settings, exposure time, etc., but I did some very heavy experimenting. I must have taken at 30-50 pictures (with no tripod), trying different camera settings. With this picture that turned out best, I used a little Photoshop to remove the noise. Later, I appreciated my overall effort and this particular moody result.

Fort Worden and its surroundings are amazing, with much to offer for travelers and adventurists. I will detail more on this area in a future write-up.

The jellyfish swarms of Monterey Bay

Look around and down over the piers of the Monterey Bay, California, especially next to the London Bridge Pub at its second Municipal Wharf. You will likely find swarms of jellyfish among the boats.

See?

Some years ago, I took these pictures (more below). I’m still astounded and felt the need to share them. Jellyfish are strange, interesting creatures. They are classified as plankton, not fish. They have existed on this earth long before humans and dinosaurs. They can reproduce sexually, and asexually. They have no brains, respiratory systems. or central nervous systems. They live through a network of connected nerves, and are commonly composed of at least 90% water.

To find them in swarms so close to civilization is surreal. I just walked around one quiet morning. Surprise, everywhere.

I’m not sure on the further details on what kind these are. I think these are commonly known as sea nettle jellyfish. They sting humans, paralyze smaller creatures. You can find these, among other types of Jellyfish at the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Here’s a cool video found from the Youtube:

Favorite Lighthouses of the California Coast

I love lighthouses.

Lighthouses save lives. They symbolize hope. They are beautiful, simple in purpose and design. For California, these add points of adventure and excitement to its majestic coastline.

Here are five favorite California lighthouses. All still in operation, accessible on the outside at least.

Point Reyes Lighthouse. Photo by Orion Tippens

Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Photo by Orion Tippens

Battery Point Lighthouse. Photo by Orion Tippens

Lions Lighthouse for Sight. Photo by Orion Tippens

Point Montara Lighthouse. Photo by Orion Tippens

TRAVELING ORION

My frequent blog of my adventures in writing, discovery, and learning.

Category Archives: Travel

Recent Seasonal Memories..

Lending my eyes for a moment..

More Northwest Adventuring

Northwest Adventuring

More San Diego Comic Con snaps…

Summer Daze at Ocean Beach part 2/2

Summer Daze of Ocean Beach part 1/2

The wonder full International Fountain of Seattle

The awesome SF-88 Nike Missile Base (near San Francisco)

Libraries, for your travels

National Library Week!!

The wonders of Cape Perpetua, coast of Oregon

Falling in Spring, somewhere in Seattle..

The art of Clarion Alley – San Francisco, Mission District

The wonderful Trees of Mystery

Alexander’s Castle

The jellyfish swarms of Monterey Bay

Favorite Lighthouses of the California Coast

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