Tag Archives: trees

Natures’ Complexity

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“Complexity is the property of a real-world system that is manifest in the inability of any one formalism being adequate to capture all its properties. It requires that we find distinctly different ways of interacting with systems. … Therefore complex systems are not fragmentable”

– D. C. Mikulecky, Professor of Physiology at the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, THE COMPLEXITY OF NATURE

The picture above is from an awesome little hike on Bowen Island, in Vancouver, Canada. Bowen Island is a peaceful area of tranquility, roughly an hour away from the big metro area, by road then ferry.  Deep within, is a complex ecosystem to observe and study. I will share more on this and other notes of the trip soon.

– Orion T

The sky suddenly changed…

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An hour after the noon during my lunch break, I enjoyed the warm weather with a mix of blue sky, passing grey clouds and sunshine. The calm was highly appreciated for my otherwise busy life.

What a beautiful day.

A few hours later, the rain suddenly poured heavy, with a little thunder mixed in. I borrowed an umbrella from work, which soon broke while waiting for the bus (came 15 minutes late).

Argh, stupid umbrella.

Eventually, the rain slowed, just in time for my long bus ride to finally end (traffic from Bellevue was a bit rough). The atmosphere of downtown Seattle felt a bit humid from the mix of warm weather and sudden dampness. I walked steady pace in a homeward direction, looking forward to a big bowl of tomato soup.

I forgot the broken umbrella, still on the bus. Oh well.

On the way, I passed by the public use ping-pong table in the outside recreational open of Westlake Park. I stopped, and admire its smooth, wet reflection of the world above, after these sudden changes of unresting weather.

Still, a beautiful day.

– Orion T

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

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“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 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

Picture of Today 4/17/16, Blue Days Ahead

  
Today in Seattle, the midday temp was around 75 degrees F. 

One here could definitely feel the warmth in the air. So much, that for the first time in 2016 I removed my jacket to enjoy much of the day outside in a t-shirt. Weather reports now point to more days coming like this. Yep, I think this is that turning point where we see summer as nearer than the winter left behind. 

We may have a hot summer ahead. After the cold and rainy stretch of last winter,  I look forward.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 3/9/16, Between the Rains..

My favorite little tree has plenty silkish white blossoms under the gray sky today. It was quite wet from the torrenting showers throughout the day.

You’ll find this tree in the Jim Ellis Freeway Park in Downtown Seattle, next to a underpass walkway under a small road bridge that cuts through the small area. I am uncertain of it’s kind. It is wonderful enough to behold enough without further clarification, especially more between the rain.

Also, Spring is coming. I have a feeling it’s going to be a wet one. Keep your umbrellas near..

– Orion T

Carkeek Park Adventures, Part 1

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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).

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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.

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Lots of moss here in the late summer. I love seeing moss on trees.

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A creek where salmon are known to travel, in the past at least. The running water keeps me calm.

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My favorite thing about woodland hikes, the odd tree formations and collapses. One could just let their imaginations run wild with this.

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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.

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Half a tree..

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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..

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A variety of life, and some death.

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Still no birds, and not much in sects either. But I had plenty for the imagination..

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Not a medium park trail unless someone leaves a visible message somewhere..

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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.

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  – Orion T

Earth Day in the Big City..

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Happy Earth Day!

And so goes all the good messages about planting trees, recycling, putting some extra through on how we converse resources. This is not much to ask for the many of us busy with work, or preoccupied with some studies and big crazy projects.

Yet, here we are again. And sometimes, it’s the little things we don’t appreciate. Like these trees that I felt fortunate to walk among in this big downtown city. Now, the Spring is full-grown, and the leaves are plenty enough to block out much of the continued development that sprouts from the grounds of this Emerald City. I smile a little more on this Earth Day, to see the efforts of this co-existence of nature and industrialization in the high-paced working world. There are ecological benefits to our longer-term survival with this continued push for nature through our cities. I would like to think having more trees helps reduce the effects of city pollution and smog. The shade also helps to bring down mental stress, I think.

So, today I spread the light on our public parks, and emphasize  the importance of increasing planted trees in our modernized civilizations. We continue to push forward, plant more trees and bushes; all great action in the right directions. This continual rebirth of local nature is helpful to our environment and futures, in more ways than we can see. But, sometimes to take in the sights of a well-developed park..is enough to appreciate.

The pictures below are of the Pioneer Square area of Downtown Seattle; taken days ago with a cheaper point and shoot camera. However, today has small outbursts of sun and shine throughout the Pioneer Square. The leaves are just as nice to look at and through, on this lovely Earth Day. If you are nearby some earthly sights, take time out and appreciate..

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– Orion T

Pictures of Today 4/19/15, Trailing through Discovery Park

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A hike through Discovery Park..yes.

That was the best remedy to a rough last week; as I needed fresh air, time away from the screens and sirens. Discovery Park has 534 square miles, of peace and nature for one to enjoy. There are open meadows, dense forestation, rocky cliffs, old historical buildings, and a beach. For anyone living in Seattle, it’s easily accessible by bus, car, and probably even a bike. Sunday, was my day of escape. To there, I went.

While hiking through, I took pictures. Here are some unedited raws, featuring the best of the today’s afternoon adventure..

072High above the upper meadow trails of Discovery Park. Downtown Seattle is somewhere behind the hills to the left.

060Today was a nice blue day, sunny at 70 degrees.

063Yet, there was a constant wind chill. Those bushes with the small yellow petals were in constant sway.

068Though much of the cherry blossoms and magnolias have vanished through the city, some were late bloomers and still showing some of that early Spring pride.

069No words, just cool shadow play.

082There is a beach down below. I just follow the trail and watch my step. But take time, because each view is fantastic.

083Some moss there. I like moss.

079Lots of birds chirping, as I walk more between the trees. I wish I was good at spotting them. There are some bird tours coming up, here in Discovery Park. I may join in on one.

037Okay, I found this one. Not sure if it’s a crow. I like this shot.

096The beach, with lots of dried wood and visitors.

090The West Point Lighthouse. A shot without anyone walking around it or taking selfies in front of it was pretty much impossible today. Still, worth the capture.

010Another group of local visitors, enjoying some off-shore strolling.

088Tides were picking up. The calming was over, and the wind also increased. The time to go back was now. Also, I am hungry and forgot to bring efficient snacks.

104On my way back, a nice small meadow to stare at. Argh, I forget what those puffy things are called..

006Okay then..

058Not Discovery Park, but my last minute visit to the Sculpture Park before heading home. I caught this awesome sunset, just in the nick of time.

That’s all for now. I will be back to Discovery Park again, soon. Hopefully then, I will see more birds.

– Orion T

Sakura Spring Fallings, Part 2

See this amazing world within, hidden from the outside troubles and turmoil. Find this little place, as the reward itself is a peaceful escape for the mind and soul.

This little world, is within the Kobe Terrace Park of Seattle’s International District. All its cherry trees, are aside concrete pathways, zig-zagged upon a hillside. The time is often quiet, if one can exclude the noisy rumble of the nearby freeway and downtown city highlife. Then but infrequent, the light rain accelerates the petals of the cherry blossom trees to fall. When under the dense cover of these trees, one can focus on the gentle sound of the raindrops. And with increased rainfall, more white petals fall in very slow and graceful descent.

The result, is wonderous. 

     

    

 

Pictures of Today 3/20/15, Hello Spring..

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.

Over the Weekend: Never Enough Blossoms

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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.

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 The Saucer Magnolia of Seattle






Over the weekend, my eyes fixated upon a magnificent tree with its colorful blooms..

That tree is the Magnolia Soulangeana, or the Saucer Magnolia. This blooming magnificently and stands alone at the Seattle Center (the park area of the Space Needle). You’ll find it a little north to the great International Fountian. This is a tree of multidimensional beauty. From far away and in early spring/late winter, you may gaze upon its’s large blooming flowers of an outside purple edge, shifting to pink and whites. Inside, the petals are white. Upon the ground, they fall to create a surreal, colorful scatter. 

Thanks to the wonderful management of the Seattle Center, I learned of this tree. I was told there colors and changes are a natural evolvement. I felt there had to be more, so I looked up more info..

From Wikipedia..

“Magnolia × soulangeana was initially bred by French plantsman Étienne Soulange-Bodin (1774–1846), a retired cavalry officer in Napoleon’s army, at his château de Fromont near Paris. He crossed Magnolia denudata with M. liliiflora in 1820, and was impressed with the resulting progeny’s first precocious flowering in 1826.[3][4]

From France, the hybrid quickly entered cultivation in England and other parts of Europe, and also North America. Since then, plant breeders in many countries have continued to develop this magnolia, and over a hundred named horticultural varieties (cultivars) are now known.”

Below, we have more, with fallings showing both sides to the loosed petals. In the last pics, are bonus Azaleas.













Pictures of Today 2/21/15, Almost Spring

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I kind of miss the lengthy cold and rain. Now, am not receiving much of either this winter, compared to prior years. Or maybe, I’m too used to these mild climates in the northwest US to notice these subtle changes.

But, I do feel we did not receive nearly enough this season, as compared to the years before. I wish I could visit the east US now, where snow is thick and crazy. Something different from this different would be nice; reminding me that winter is still here. Also, this year needs to slow down.

So, I took a walk with the fresh free time I had. And, made the best of this blue sky, direct sunlight with light winds between. I walked around and sat on some benches, occasionally pulling out my copy of Brandon Sanderson’s “Way of Kings.” It’s good so far, about 500 pages in (another 700 to go).

Below. are some pics for those who enjoy a good day of relaxation with light local exploration. These views are behind the Seattle downtown convention center, in that park I should spend more time in. Those cherry trees are blooming well, and much earlier than usual. Can’t wait to see what they look like when the Spring arrives, soon.

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Pictures of Today 2/15/15, Shadow Play

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“Shadow is the obstruction of light. Shadows appear to me to be of supreme importance in perspective, because, without them opaque and solid bodies will be ill defined; that which is contained within their outlines and their boundaries themselves will be ill-understood unless they are shown against a background of a different tone from themselves.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

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Picture is Today 4/16/14

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Spring is sprung..

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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

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

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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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Picture of Today 3/10/14

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Just the evening, after some brief rain. Walking to home, through the wonderful Seattle Center park..

And then, I look back.

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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 1/16/14

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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 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

Scattered Fall..

(travelingorion.wordpress.com)

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..

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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.

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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.

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

More Northwest Adventuring

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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.

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Also, the occasional special tree to stare at.

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

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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.

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Love the colors here.

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Under that smaller cave, but not so small now.

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Moving on, and further down the ravine.

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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.

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“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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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

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Enjoy nature to the smallest parts. I always do.

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Have a seat.

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Love this moment.

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O look, a squirrel!

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“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)

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:

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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:

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That’s all for now.

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.