Tag Archives: summer

Just another never-to-be-forgotten summer…

“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.” – L.M. Montgomery

What a pleasant quote from the famed author of Anne of Green Gables! Though, I am often a bit more of a Fall or Spring favored person, as I love those variances in weather and the changes they bring, Yet, I feel a special, unforgettable summer that works best with all it brings with the awesome raised warm of the Pacific Northwest. a break for many, a time to spend with friends and family on big adventures can be delightful and near perfection.

That being said, I am enjoying this summer of 2022 so far, despite the worries of the world. I have pulled myself further from the claws of the social media beasts, to long escapes to waterfronts and large parks. My times are private, almost selfish as I enjoy my along time in self-reflections, figuring that’s next for the months of ahead. And soon, I shall take a much needed travel trip, to make all this even better.

I hope you are enjoying this summer as well.

– Orion T

The picture was taken by me a few days ago from Gasworks Park, a wonderful little spot on the north side of Lake Union in the Seattle city. The slight combined with the warm ready made that time, near perfect.

The timelessness of a good summer time

“Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well.”

― Famed writer George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

When I was a little one newly understanding the concepts of time and seasons, I never stopped to realize that I have only one summer a year. Every summertime from then on, such a thought has escaped me until now. I measure my time in years, when I should be measuring in this favored time of escape and letting my inner child run free under the piercing, brightest sun. Every summer enjoyed is a complete year in my growth cycle (also, my birthday happens at the end of a summer cycle).

I would love to enjoy over 100 summers, but then 10, 20, 30, and eventually 40 has been a wonderous blessing. There is a remaining inner child part of me, that finds myself wanting to play in some water and kick up some sand. Enjoy the summer as I should. Maybe someday should I get through 50, 60, 70 or eventually 80 summers and beyond, I shall build a mighty sand castle and declare myself king of the beach, being very wise yet childish to those around me.

– Orion T

The picture above is recent of Alki Beach in West Seattle, my favorite beach of the Seattle area. The Spidey-bike belonged to some little girl, learning how to ride.

Living the hottest day in Seattle

108 F degrees happened in Seattle today, breaking an all-time record for hottest day in this city. Portland also broke its all-time heat record at 115 F degrees. This heat wave in the Pacific Northwest is excessive!

Yet, I kept myself cool for most of the day. I went out for a few errands around noon, finding that lemonade was a sold-out commodity in the downtown area. No lemonade seen on any shelves of some local stores I checked, nor at any Starbucks or popular eating areas (or, so I was told by a few local venders). I was craving lemonade, and settled on just making my own later.

For the rest of the day, I stayed indoors blocking out the sunlight through all my windows, and keep my oscillating fan on setting 3 and very loud. I devoured four popsicles.

I hope everyone else stuck with this weather made it through, maybe found a fun way to keep cool. I think today is the height of the rough weather, and hope we can back to usual unpredictable mix of clouds and sun at 70-85 F soon.

– Orion T

The above is picture is of Westlake Avenue, through the top of an clear sippy cup of iced water.

A sweet, full day at the beach

It’s a most excellent day, to be at Alki Beach here in West Seattle.

The temperature is perfect at about 75 Farenheit, so expected to climb to about upper 80s later on. Here, is a sweet steady breeze. It’s not overcrowded with people yet. And best of all, the day is free for me.

That means I have time to plan, to figure out future travel ideas (especially on filming!) . Hardest parts that I must ponder will be money, and time. Also, going to do some freestyle writing and light reading.

So, I must put down my phone soon, and make the best of my awesome surroundings.. I hope your day is pleasant as well, and enjoying some great summer weather.

– Orion T

Summer Surfing Love in San Diego

Ocean Beach in San Diego, we meet again.

This time, for only a couple days after the annual San Diego Comic-Con for my 25th year. I have much to share in that story on, but for now…just appreciate the peace at the end. Details later…

But for this round, I partake in the best of this wonderful piece of California, where I enjoy the amazing Mexican food, embrace the tropical warm summer weather, take a long walk on the Ocean Beach Pier, smile back at the hippy culture vibe. Such are some of the better reasons I love San Diego as one of the best California coastal experiences a visitor could have.

But even better of that experience is to surf the mighty waves, something I wish I could take time to learn (along with swimming, and getting over my fear of drowning), and engage. San Diego seems ideal for such, as Ocean Beach is one of many known for its big waves, and large sandy fronts. I shall return, again and again with a renewed dream to ride the waves.

– Orion T

 

 

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, up close…

Continued from my last post, here are some closer views below of Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and Ecological Preserve, off the coast of Southern California in Rancho Palos Verde. I explored near the Sacred Cave with longtime friends, during my very short stay in the South Los Angeles region. I wanted something different, and here we are…




Overall, a sweet and peaceful place for shore explorers and tide-pool enthusiasts. I remained wet, and glad I had the right shoes for stepping over the many rocks and watery holes. The tide was low, enough..

If interested, check out the official www.rpvca.gov page for more info, warnings, and area closures.

– Orion T

Another Happy New Summer

ddcef3fe-87ff-4518-8467-fb30c2aa60ad

The Great Wheel at Seattle’s waterfront is still a favorite familiar site, along with the peaceful Elliot Bay waters beyond. After seeing the backdrop in gray for so long, I learned to appreciate the return of the blue for this middle time of the year.

The above picture is from a few days ago.

Today (and currently past midnight), I just realized the summer solstice time just started, as my life is full of busy distractions (and worn out from much work overtime) to further notice. Yet, I feel the pleasant, warmer temperatures alongside the brighter skies and wonderful smiles that come with. Such things give a natural comfort to my day, but I feel I am missing something else.

Hmm.

Perhaps, I should slow down and enjoy this summer season.

– Orion T

 

Pictures of Today 8/27/2017, Flea Market Exploration

img_7649

This morning, I awoke to good feelings and a need to go outside and enjoy some good warm weather (with sympathies to those in Texas, who are dealing with a terrible hurricane and storm right now). And so I did, to the Capitol Hill area of Seattle for a morning walk.

There, a pleasant little flea market, known as the Cal Anderson Park Garage Sale. I saw many local looking people with tables, with their own stuff sprawled out for sale. I gazed over the nice variety of all one could ask for at a garage sale/flea market/swap meet or whatever you want to call it. For me, it was a glorious treasure hunt, with $40 dollars in my pocket to spend.

Such fun, and probably the best outside flea market I have been to in a long time. One reason being, the sellers were friendly and represented the best of the local Cap Hill eccentric vibe, leading to a lot of fun and special items being sold. Another reason is nearly everything being super cheap, and reflected more of the garage sale mentality promoted in its title.

See my phone pics below for more of my joys in flea market diving, with the last being a sampling of my treasures (I spent $34).

img_7653img_7652img_7649img_7646img_7650img_7647img_7648img_7651

Sunset through a Hazy Sky…

Just days ago, the air in the Pacific Northwest suffered through smoke from some wild fires in Canada. The air quality was bad, with the hazy skies covering the blue. Yet, the good part being the decline of the threatening heat have and awesome sunsets.

I was not around for the height and worst of the air but managed to see this catch this moment last Friday. From the Seattle waterfront’s Olympic Park, I enjoyed this moment of this dim sun falling far beyond Elliot Bay.

Then, I went home.

 

Picture of Today 7/10/2017, Bursts of Leaves

img_1861

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

The picture was taken by me, looking up during the day as the sun briefly came out and they sky turned partial blue, during an otherwise cloudy day.

-Orion T

Picture of Today 9/19/2016, the Golden Hour

The sunset earlier today, where I took my time from the earlier evening shop and hustle of getting home, to appreciate a vision that doesn’t last very long. That’s where the sky becomes illuminate, and all around should stay still for the change from night to day. It’s either a sign to go home, or embrace the night.

Such is the golden hour. 

– Orion T

Picture taken before the Pike Place Marker, In Seattle. It’s a good place to visit before the sun sets.

Picture of Today 9/18/2016, The Tired Flower…

photo-sep-18-1-54-01-pm-1

Summer for 2016 will be at its end soon, with a little of the season to show…

Yet, that flower is much like me, a little tired and in need of great rest. While much of it has been productive providing a place for bees or whatever to deal with, there has been much endured over the unusual yet varied temperatures of the summer, ranging from sudden rainstorms to the oncoming wind. There was the sunshine, but not as much as one could hope for. The garden around was a bit crowded, as the flower constantly had much to do. The Fall is coming, and then adaptation will be needed, from the roots to the very top of its next born stem. Perhaps, next year will be a livelier summer.

Meanwhile, here are some friends made. There is a little summer left in them too..

photo-sep-18-1-53-04-pm

photo-sep-18-1-52-32-pm

– Orion T

Picture of Today 9/3/2016, the Much Colorful Cosplay..

image

The PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) returned to Seattle, bringing the unusual bunch special, colorful bunch of gaming enthusiasts together.

Though this year, the event is now PAX West (former PAX Prime), an annual convention for gamers of both the video interactive and the physical tabletop variety. Tomorrow, I will be attending the inside of the event and intend on doing much mingling and observing of a culture I enjoy taking part in.

But outside (where I was strolling by for a walk behind the convention center), there was an interesting sub-group of gaming enthusiasts among the PAX participants gathering around; the cosplayers, who dress up as their favorite characters of their current favorite fandom. Often, they gravitate towards other and court the local photographing paparazzi. With the nice weather peeking out, there were clusters of cosplayers about presenting their colorful attires.

Above, are a sub-group of cosplayers who are growing in presence with their costumes familiar to the League of Legends online MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena). I have yet to play this fascinating game, but very much enjoy the character designs that bring a worthy challenge to its fans who cosplay. The costumes are traditionally hand-made or assembled from ordered fabrics, with some parts taking great craftsmanship and skills to bring about the wonderful details.

Here, is another shot of the League of Legends gathering, taken from my smartphone..

image

That’s all for now. More pics soon!

– Orion T

Picture of Today 8/21/16, with Special Food

It’s been a while and here I am back with a hot dog and fries!

And not just any hot dog, but a Tokyo Dog from the annual Seattle Street Food Festival. The Tokyo Dog was from one of the many food trucks present over this weekend; presenting interesting food and merchants for those wanting more out of their summer weekend than sunshine.

The meal in question contains the following. A smoked cheese bratwurst with butter teriyaki onions, bacon bits, furikake, tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayo. The fries on the side are seasoned with seaweed and sea salt. The drink is some boring canned green tea.

Meanwhile, much has happened since my last posting (and some before). I will post some of that in good time, soon.

– Orion T

 

Picture of Today 7/26/16, Sunset at Sunset Beach..


A nice sunset at Sunset Beach in Southern California. The day was much warm, and the winds were light for the evening. All came together nice for this time with friends. One among them took his phone out before the sunset to capture a Pokemon in the Pokemon Go game. It was a Psyduck. 

– Orion T

Picture of Today 7/13/16, Little Strange World..

A snippet of the little world around us, with much of that similar to ours. We see interesting things under construction. The workers around them play a small part, as they provide for their community, families and themselves…so I would think through observance. Soon growth will develop, and such will be noticed by the world around them in admiration. The workers I suppose will benefit, but for how long? I think as the process repeats, they and new generations could be there to partake in and around new constructions. That could be enough to live by. Such, is another cycle of life. 

– Orion T

I captured this pic at a small garden in front of the Seattle Space Needle landmark. It’s wonderful to see a small sight under a big sight, to be just as grand.

Picture of Today 6/29/16, Hello Summer


I’m a little late waking up, and so is the summer. Yet, here we are now with blue skies and shady trees.

I hear the weather down in much of the southwest US has hit triple digit Fahrenheit. Coming from there the Southern California regions, I do not miss that sticky heat. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the summer works better on me. I now feel upper 70s, early 80s F weather, with occasional surprise showers. Such would be prefect, if I didn’t spend so much of it cooped indoors, doing grown-up things like working and figuring out finances. Still, the summer is early, and I think more of these good warm days will be waiting. I shall strive to not miss them..

– Orion T

Last weekend, a stroll and chillax through Long Beach, California..

Photo Jul 21, 7 57 39 PM

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…

Photo Jul 19, 4 30 45 PM

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”

Photo Jul 21, 3 34 39 PM

This is on the same building, on a different side. By DABSMYLA

Photo Jul 21, 3 31 07 PM

This is in the same block, next to Cafe Berlin. I didn’t get the name of the artist..

Photo Jul 15, 4 20 52 PM

Having enough of urban art and errands, I went to Shoreline Village at the waterfront. Here, is a colorful place with many crowded restaurants..

Photo Jul 21, 4 51 48 PM

Ah, the ol Hot Licks, a store for the hotter sauce connoisseurs. I love that sign mascot.

Photo Jul 21, 4 58 10 PM

The Rocky Mountain Factory Chocolate Factory shop. That bear makes me smile…

Photo Jul 21, 4 59 29 PM

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 .

Photo Jul 21, 6 05 04 PM

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)..

Photo Jul 21, 7 53 07 PM

Also, this fishy bike rack!

Photo Jul 21, 7 53 49 PM

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..

Photo Jul 21, 6 45 20 PM

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..

Photo Jul 21, 7 57 39 PM

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.

Photo Jul 21, 8 05 27 PM

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).

Photo Jul 21, 7 19 54 PM

– Orion T

Picture of Today 6/26/14

20140626-211145-76305450.jpg

Almost below the Space Needle around 8:45 pm today..

But the best of Seattle today is behind the Needle, and all above. This evening sky is complex, yet beautiful. The temperature is a little windy, cool but not cold. We have had similar skies the last few evenings. Much to love with these Seattle skies; the more reason to stay outside a little longer..

Fremont Solstice Parade, Seattle 2014

IMG_0057

I love a fun parade..

Especially one not pushed on by the big corporations, dominant messages of commercialism and shameless promotions. Also, there are no motorized vehicles, no animals, no company logos. Here, is the good ol Fremont Solstice Parade, in north Seattle. The annual event is produced by the Fremont Arts Council, with much funded support by the locals.

Check out some of the best of the parade below. I love the good ol fashioned big band music, the hand-pulled floats, the creative puppetry, dance numbers. All, very local and very friendly. At times (at least where I was, near the end with less people), some parade participants would surprise random crowd spectators with silly props, photo-bombs, and hugs.

I got hugged, twice.

IMG_0027 IMG_0044 IMG_0090 IMG_0061 IMG_0059 IMG_0039 IMG_0031 IMG_0066 IMG_0070 IMG_0077 IMG_0080 IMG_0036 IMG_0086 IMG_0050

 

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):

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

- photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com)photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com)Travelingorion.wordpress,.com

Seattle Summer Solstice!

Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013

Look, there was a parade here!

That, and so much more within the highly overlooked Fremont district; home to a bridge troll, giant stone Lenin, long walks, desserts and happy people.Also, the place for the great Fremont Summer Solstice Fair of 2013.

Among thousands of happy people in attendance was big live music, an auto show, a nude bike ride, food carts, art galleries, random dancing, tents full of stuff for sale. Between all, was a sunny, glorious day with an epic supermoon on the way.

I missed a lot of this, but not the nude bike ride. That will get its own entry soon. I was here for the parade. I love a parade, especially one like this..

This happening was amazing for its content and local feel. Sights and sounds turned special from all by the present area folk; nothing corporate or crying out for name recognition. Much was homegrown and very creative, with silliness attached (also, some environmental awareness mixed in).  From that, we had monsters and knights, sea beasts and jellywomen, pharaohs and hippies, puppets and propellers, disco and drums, jungle and jazz. 

I’m out of words, let the pictures say the rest..

Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013 Fremont Summer Solstice Parade 2013