The Cherry Trees at the University of Washington, Seattle..

The best sign of the fresh Spring..

These Yoshino cherry trees, are scattered throughout the Seattle area. Now, they are full and amazing. This is a nice reward to us locals for putting up with the plentiful showers of early March. Now, the weekend weather is grand and sunny. Many cherry trees, you can easily find Downtown, International District, Capitol Hill and the neighboring regions throughout.

Perhaps the best place to see an organized assembly is here, at the University of Washington, in the center Quad. The weekends are best for non-students. The blossoms are at their peak in late March, early April.

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Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
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Pictures of Today 3/18/14

Under the great Pike Market of Seattle, inner Post Alley…

You may notice ever-changing art; boggling and fantastic, ugly and beautiful.

Behind and further down, there is an entire wall of chewed bubblegum built over the past decades (pics for another day on that). Tourists tend to focus their attention towards the gum, while I feel this is more deserving of such appreciation.

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Picture of Today 3/16/14

The Seattle Space Needle on a rainy day..

From the sky to my feet.

Scroll down, all the way..

It took a lot of tries to get this right.

That was a little vertical panorama experiment, using a special setting my smartphone’s camera app (Android, LG something something).

Someday, I would like to try this again with a better camera.

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Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Picture of Yesterday 3/14/14

The name of that horse is Charlie.

I didn’t get the name of the policewoman, who was very nice. Together, they are part of Seattle’s police department’s Mounted Patrol Unit. This local mounted police force have been a part of the Downtown watch for over 100 years. Currently, the cost and existence of Seattle’s mounted police unit are supported by charitable donations from the Seattle Police Foundation and the Seattle Hotel Association.

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Pictures of Yesterday 2/26/14

Here, is the view from the 40th floor of the Columbia Tower; the middle of the tallest building in downtown Seattle. There is a Starbucks here, open to the public during business hours. You can get a better view on the 76th floor (and very top) for a small price.

This was good enough, and relaxing for me. I was here for some hours working on a special project. The sunset was a great distraction.

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Pictures by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Picture of Today 2/25/14

I feel the changes, looking to the sky.

The clouds are thinning, dispersing. The blue is breaking out as the sunlight pierces. Below, the grass is more inviting, as I need to rest. My clothes are heavier, from the warming weather. Just days ago, the city had possibilities of snow, in addition to its long period of cold and rainy weather. For the while until much later, I think such characteristics will dwindle, along with those long nights.

Spring is coming. I can feel it.

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Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Picture of Yesterday 2/18/14

Some happenings..

A little late last night, in the lower Queen Anne district of Seattle.

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Snowy Day in Seattle II (last pics from days ago)

Enjoy every step while they last..

And here in Seattle, is my final stretch before a work day at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. I took a long detour through Myrtle Edwards Park to Sculpture Park and down the downtown waterfront.

Here’s to the peaceful memories..

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Snowy Day in Seattle (pics from days ago)

Ah, fresh snow..

Enjoy more pics from Seattle’s snowy weekend.

This set, depicts the very quiet Sunday morning that followed after my previous post. These are from the Seattle Center park, with close proximity to the Space Needle landmark.

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Snowy Night in Seattle (pics from days ago)

Here, some pics I took from last Saturday night (previous ones were from my smartphone).

All unexpected pleasantness, as snow is a rare thing in the Emerald City…

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Pictures of Today 2/9/14

Snow in Seattle..

A grand surprise for this interesting city. As snow is often in th near mountian regions, but only hitting the city lowlands once a year, maybe. For days, the local weather reports downplayed the plausibility of sticky snow. Yet, here we are; along with Portland and the rest of the northwest.

The snow fell yesterday morning, hitting hard and fast. The temperature was a steady cold (30-40 degrees), typical of the deep winter for Seattle. The morning, light snowflakes from the many trees and tall structures about, floating down.

Very pretty.

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Pictures of Today 2/2/14

12th Man Victory!!

The Seattle Seahawks crushed the Denver Broncos 48-8 in tonight’s grand Super Bowl football championship. The fans took to the streets, chanting SEAHAWKS!! SEAHAWKS!! SEAHAWKS!! Constant cheering, high-fiving, cars honking, joints smoking, crowd surfing, flags waving, police nervous, and all good for the home team.

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Picture of Today 2/1/14

The eve for the Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014

Here in Seattle, there is much 12th Man excitement for their mighty Seahawks football team, as they face off against the Denver Broncos tomorrow, in New York City. This will be their second Super Bowl, after making it thus far in their 2005 season.

So what does 12 represent?

A football team has 11 players. The 12th man is..are the fans, all legion as one; showing their support, and becoming a big motivator for victory.

Why Seattle?

The 12th man goes back further for back for decades, with the originators for the fandom term being Texas A&M University. Through stubborn continuation of the 12th Man (and an eventual settlement with Texas A&M in 2003), Seahawks became the official team in the NFL to now use this phrase.

Go Seahawks!

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Picture of Today 1/26/14

Local solidarity,

for the protests turned violent on the other side of this world.

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Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Picture of Today 1/17/14

Unrequited love..

Sigh.

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Picture of Today 1/16/14

A lazy tree.

Or, it could be posing for this picture.

Perhaps, it wants attention.

Or, just doesn’t care.

Don’t judge..

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Picture of Yesterday (1/12/14)

Go ‘Hawks!

The great Space Needle show its colorful spirit for the recent Seattle Seahawks win and advancement in the playoffs. Above the saucer, a large blue flag displays the number 12, a traditional honor to the 12th Man; a term used by sports fans with a long history, but now more exclusive to Seattle, thanks to a large lawsuit and settlement with Texas A&M University (who originally coined it as a fan term since 1921).

Another fun term among Seattle football fans is the “Beast Quake.” This came from a Seahawks game back on January 8, 2011; where fans literally shook the Earth in excitement during the playoffs in the 4th quarter as its star running back, Marshawn Lynch made a 67-yard touchdown run, ensuring the crucial win against the New Orleans Saints.

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Picture of Today 1/6/14

Good choices in life..

Especially at Pappardelle’s Pasta stand inside the great Pike Market of Seattle; where one may sample a dip from assorted balsamic vinegars, or buy at $10-$18 a bottle. Flavors include Blackberry Ginger, Chocolate, Modena Barrel-Aged, Pear Lime & Cinnamon White, Raspberry and Vanilla Fig.

Also, Pappardelle’s offers a fine selection of uncommon pasta noodles. Try the chocolate flavored!

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Picture of Today 1/5/14

Winter lifestyles can vary..

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Picture by Orion Tippens (taken from mobile phone). NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Picture of Today 1/4/14

Capture the street..

Broadway, between Pike and Pine in Capitol Hill, Seattle.
Artist at work is unknown, with no info at that time.

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Picture of Today 1/3/14

Somewhere in Elliot Bay, the great Washington State.

Meanwhile above..some blue patches of sky, clusters of dark clouds take over as the yellow Sun sets. I feel the first raindrops, too soon.

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Happy New Year’s, Seattle 2014

Happy New Year indeed, from the roof of my apartment building.

The fog came in very suddenly just before midnight and quickly intensified. This I think, made this fireworks show even more unique and memorable.

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.

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Pictures by Orion Tippens

The Seattle Center Holiday Lights..

A good evening below the Full Moon, and Holiday Season at the Seattle Center.

Just an otherwise quiet night, perfect for an evening stroll (to the supermarket). Cutting through the great Seattle Center, perfect in its Seasonal cheer. The weather, a little warmer than previous nights (around 40 degrees), and enough for its International Fountain to give a good show (usually turned off on the colder or rainy nights).

Some surrounding paths are decorated well, scattered with cheer.

Directly below, the Space Needle, at the Howard S. Wright Memorial Fountain. There stands this assembly of lit spheres, forming a very different and artsy Christmas tree.

Above, the Space Needle, with the Moon adding to its shine.

The Moon, appreciated by the giant, musical Sonic Bloom solar flowers at the nearby Pacific Science Center. Nothing Seasonal themed here, just a beautiful moment given by the wonderful timing.

Hours later, the fog rolled in; hiding the last Full Moon of 2013, but not the Holiday spirit.

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Pictures by Orion Tippens

That Seattle Holiday Spirit..

Beautiful, and festive.

Yes, this comes to mind looking at the Space Needle with its Holiday hat in the late midnight, now with 13 days to go until Christmas Day. This special time adds needed warmth, for the current chilly nights and earlier nightfall. Walk through the Downtown areas of Westlake, Pioneer Square, Pike Market, and you will find special, colorful Christmas deco; some very creative, unique adding to the Emerald City’s artistic vibe. These wonderful holiday illuminations, brings special color and vibrancy to the chilly nights of Seattle’s prime center. So if here in Seattle, or any wonderful city development in the spirit, take a walk outside and enjoy the seasonal sights.

I will, with more pictures to follow.

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

Scattered Fall..

Every weather season holds wondrous splendor, especially this Fall for the great Seattle city.

After the periodic rough winds and sporadic showers, walk into the biting cold and see for yourself. Ignore the expanse of construction and busy commute hustles, and appreciate the best, fresh signs of natural change.

Here, the fallen leaves of many trees scatter throughout the Emerald City. In some clusters, the concrete loses its dominance. Curbsides are confused as division becomes lost in the rivers of greens and browns and reds and yellows. Benches and tables become hosts to new fallen travelers. We invite those on the ground to stay with every step, kicking others to the next for moments longer.

Here above and below, is a special concrete open spot near the Space Needle before a statue of Chief Seattle. Around is the convergence of 5th, Cedar, and Denny streets with the near overhead tramway connecting the Seattle Center (and Needle above) to the Westlake Center of Downtown. Also, the best spot for an afternoon munch, at the 5 Point Café (happy hour 4-6 weekdays).

Also a sometimes resting place for leaves..

Overall, peaceful for busy Seattle life. The leaves are a special touch and reminder of the best appreciation for passing in the Fall. Never mind the nightfall now approaching 4pm time (sunsets are still killer) and a distraction from the moving gray skies Just enjoy the leaves when here, at least before the street cleaners spoil the fun.

Enjoy, and appreciate this natural cycle of nature. Or even better, walk around and explore what changed. I hear Pioneer Square is amazing, as I will eventually venture to on a promised morning. I wonder about certain favorite places in this grand area, thinking of a good time for a visit to Kobe Terrace in the near future. Here below, is the walkway through the Seattle Center near the great Needle on a recent day of blue skies above.

All pictures taken and posted by Orion Tippens, for travelingorion.wordpress.com.

Life below your feet..

Starfish, through the clear waters below the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal pier in far West Seattle area. I notice by surprise, and quite huge, very blue or purple. Just look over the edge where the pier splits, and under the clear water on a quiet day. You may see them too.

I’m told these are purple according to some later research (I am a little color blind). Possibly these are pisaster ochraceus, or the Ochre sea star, also known as the Purple sea star.

I stare at the starfish while waiting for my transport to Vashon island. I see starfish as lazy creatures, with no patience because they wait for nothing. Here, they are likely safe from predators, meddling humans and their troublesome transports. I find amazing how their little underside can clench to almost anything that humans would find a struggling inconvenience. They simply stay, with no regard to gravity or the rising angles. In freedom, their habitat is grand, and most enjoyable for their brief 3-5 year lifespan. I imagine to be a starfish is like a day in the park, for the rest of your life.

Meanwhile, a morning of nothing else but the calm waters of Puget Sound’s Salish Sea. Then, back to the starfish. They now share a space with a lone friend, a crab. I never seen one cling to a pier like this. I can understand the ability of starfish, but how does the crab stay? See, at the water line..

I think again, what else am I missing out there and so near? Here below, holds much company within Washington State’s massive Puget Sound. I know further north to the San Juan Islands, orca killer whales are often seen. Someday, I am saving for special with a good zoom lens and proper time to see these wonderful creatures rise. I also hear of octopi and seals below these same waters. I have seen plenty of seals from my life most along the California Coast. But for the octopi, I wish to someday personally observe in their natural habitat. Somewhere out there, far below.

The Great Seattle Water Balloon Fight of 2013

I went for a walk yesterday through the wonderful Seattle Center. To no surprise on a sunny Summer Saturday, another exciting event of interest happened.

This time, a grab at the Guinness World Record for the largest water balloon fight. It was a grand attempt. Sadly, not enough registered to beat the 8,957 record by a University in Kentucky. However, over $55,000 was raised to benefit Camp Korey, a non-profit group dedicated to providing outdoor camping experiences for children with serious illnesses.

And, a lot of people had fun.

Meanwhile, in Seattle (early summer photo fun)

Here, some pictures I took over the first two weekends of summer. Sadly, I wish I was out a bit more.

First, are some moments at Gasworks Park after the Seattle Solstice Parade and Fair, 2013 (Click on each pic for more info):

Earlier that day, the World Naked Bike Ride in Seattle.

(WARNING: SOME BUTS ARE SHOWING….PAINTED BUTS!!)

A couple pics from the Seattle PrideFest 2013 event. I briefly checked it out. A lot of happy people were present, celebrating more than gay and lesbian pride; the very spirit of unity itself.

And, here are more pics at Gasworks Park from various days of visit. It’s a lovely place, especially in the summer.

TRAVELING ORION

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

Tag Archives: Seattle

The Cherry Trees at the University of Washington, Seattle..

Pictures of Today 3/18/14

Picture of Today 3/16/14

Picture of Yesterday 3/14/14

Pictures of Yesterday 2/26/14

Picture of Today 2/25/14

Picture of Yesterday 2/18/14

Snowy Day in Seattle II (last pics from days ago)

Snowy Day in Seattle (pics from days ago)

Snowy Night in Seattle (pics from days ago)

Pictures of Today 2/9/14

Pictures of Today 2/2/14

Picture of Today 2/1/14

Picture of Today 1/26/14

Picture of Today 1/17/14

Picture of Today 1/16/14

Picture of Yesterday (1/12/14)

Picture of Today 1/6/14

Picture of Today 1/5/14

Picture of Today 1/4/14

Picture of Today 1/3/14

Happy New Year’s, Seattle 2014

Recent Seasonal Memories..

The Seattle Center Holiday Lights..

That Seattle Holiday Spirit..

Lending my eyes for a moment..

Scattered Fall..

Life below your feet..

The Great Seattle Water Balloon Fight of 2013

Meanwhile, in Seattle (early summer photo fun)

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