Tag Archives: winter

An early sign of Spring

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I can see a small hint of the coming season.

The cold winter can only last so long, and there is still more than a month of that to go. In wait, I will enjoy the naked trees, the grey moody skies, the wetter streets after a quiet rain. I love the new days as the dawn steadily rises a little earlier, and the set is bit more patient.

Meanwhile, I notice to the side as I walk. Some of the buds are peeking out, getting ready. No rush for the year to move forward, but I shall welcome this next Spring.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 12/3/2017, Holiday Bright

I was hoping for something bright in the sky, being the day for a new Supermoon event. But, the dense clouds have made seeing that too difficult. So being around the usual downtown, I settled for the biggest shining light seen every Holiday season here in Seattle, easily seen best from the Westlake Center.

This, as seen above in the picture) is the Macy’s Holiday Star, a 160-foot-tall, 60-foot-wide star with 3,800 bulbs and a large 1,000-watt bulb in the center bulb, lit from around Thanksgiving time till New Year’s Day. This giant star has been a local tradition since 1957, only skipping the 1973 year because of an electricity crisis at the time. You’ll see it high above on the corner of 4th and Pine, upon the Macy’s building.

Enjoy this light when you see it, because it’s wonderfully bright, grand, and closer to the Earth.

-Orion T

The Long Winter in the Pacific Northwest…

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According to a recent article in the Seattle Times, there were only three full sunny days in Seattle, with mild temperature since October start.

The last of them was a month ago on February 13th, a month ago. The other days have been a mix of gloom and rain. And compared to the prior years, the trees have shown barely any sign of bloom and leafing. I personally miss the cherry blossoms, which would normally bloom in the pics above. But not all is melancholy, for the days here are what you make of them.

There is a feeling of just another natural cycle taking place. Perhaps, the spirit of nature or whatever you believe is in control, making up for the prior warmer years. I feel the need to enjoy whatever is offered. And there is plenty of natural beauty. You just have to look up and around.

But, I really hope the cherry blossoms come around soon.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 2/27/2017, Late Winter Jams..


The winter is still maddening for the Pacific Northwest, especially here in Seattle.

There was some rain, snow, and lightning. There was no order to any of it, just a jumble of madness. Some areas were moreso on the weathering than others. Meanwhile, the main roads contained a lasting standstill of heavy vehicle traffic jams throughout the day. The air felt chilled, unwarning of the sudden hail. The evening slush was plentiful throughout the Downtown area, with leftover snow scattered about. Now the near future weather is up in the air, with no promises of any tranquility. Carry a good umbrella and warm coat. 

– Orion T

A Thawed Afternoon in Kobe Terrace Park

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I now share some pics, a little later in Kobe Terrace Park after a grand snowy morning in Seattle, earlier this week (see last post).

Here, are pics from an afternoon walk, just as the sudden rains began to wash away the snowfall. There was a special beauty to the surroundings, revealing a momentary awesomeness to an otherwise dull afternoon.

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– Orion T

Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external use for public use, please contact and obtain permission first.

Picture of Today 2/5/2017, Late Night Snow Shower…


Some snow late night, here in Seattle..

A pleasant surprise, differing from the sudden 4th quarter upset in today’s Super Bowl game (not a New England Patriots fan). I think more snow is on the way. I look forward to waking up and seeing more, in the morning.

– Orion T

The Icy Cold Elsewhere..

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Pictures shared today are recent and far, though I wish they could be now and near. I read much of the heavy snow in Portland to the south and the mountain snowfall activity far to the east and west. Currently, in Seattle there is just the cold air and whelming noise throughout. Snow here remains improbable in the near future, for now.

But on the recent New Year weekend in Vancouver (Canada), there was some decent snow around. And through a walk in Stanley Park (from the last posting), I cut through a little area around Beaver Lake, a quiet body of water frozen. All was still, except for a small little water area open for the local ducks. The surroundings felt calm on all the senses, canceling out the noise of the nearby central metropolis.

So in light of the recent stresses of the world and current news on modern civilization, I share the recent pics of the frozen area below; especially for those others not quite in presence of the peaceful falling snows.

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– Orion T

Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external use for public use, please contact and obtain permission first.

Embrace the Coldness…

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The above pic happened last week, on the New Year’s Day of 2017.

The waters are of the Vancouver Harbour, with the Lions Gate Bridge ahead, and the mountainous (and snowy at the time) regions of West Vancouver beyond, all in the wonderful British Columbia region of the Canada country.

But of the day and of fascination, is the lone woman taking a dip in the icy cold waters. I overheard nearby, she was practicing for some attempt at the world record for enduring the freezing water. I think it was 22 seconds, or around that. I didn’t get her name either.

But what I did learn later, was of the annual (97th) Vancouver Polar Bear Swim on the south side of Central Vancouver, at English Bay. Over 1,500 persons dived into the frigidness for a similar and shorter feat, where the waters temped at 7 degrees Celsius (44.6 Fahrenheit). I was a bit late for the main show, yet in time for leftover festivities. Here are some giving it a go.

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Overall, an exciting and notable day for many in 2017, a surely interesting year to come.

– Orion T

Pictures and notes by Traveling Orion, (Orion Tippens). For external use for public use, please contact and obtain permission first.

Picture of Today 2/21/16, Full Beast Moon

A wild Full Moon suddenly appears!

Lucky I had my trusty (yet damaged from a recent drop) camera handy to capture it. I managed to get a little of that early yellow, though the sky was much brighter than pictured. I had experiment much to get this right with no tripod. And here we are, with the Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch doing a photobomb. 

-Orion T

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 2/14/15, Bloom Together

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Noticing more colorful blooms this later Winter season. This time, a little hidden by some bushes on a street divider at Denny and 4th. You can notice them easy on a sunny day like today, as the blue skies mingled with big fluffy clouds here in Seattle. Hopefully nobody stomps on these little ones while crossing, as I would love to see these continue. I will be checking as the Spring season nears much closer..

If reading this today on 2/14, then Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Picture of Today 12/28/14, Cloudy Days

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Funny thing about these cloudy days..

Others see gloom and depression, and little reason to go outside. Sometimes these comes with cold chills, or some forceful winds. The rain can often be expected as the clouds darken. So, many will hide from the greys. That’s understandable, as only a small glimpse from a small or the portion through a windshield may not offer the best of the day. Expect poor reviews from peers who prefer the bland days of blue.

Yet, there are the bold who appreciate some variety. Those who, even on a cold or windy day, will put on their shoes and seek a more truthful view of their day. Because, often there hidden and changing variety above. No two days are the same, and some are better when there is less of everything else. These clusters of moist crystallized formations can put on the best show, though the stage itself can greatly enhance the performance. There is no cost, better than any HD screen. The best way to enjoy, is to seek a proper view to enjoy the grand show.

I found a lone bench on the edge of a city. This was the best seat ever.

Picture of Today 12/21/14, Winter at 3:03 p.m

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Early today at 3:03 pm, I snapped this moment.

Then, also the official minute when the Winter Solstice officially begins for the area, says this site. The shortest day of the year will soon become the longest night.

What else included the unique and special moment, was my sipping of some amazing hot buttered rum apple cider. It was the best, tastiest cider I can recall from memory. The comforting aroma and steamy hot mixture made with organic fresh apples, was minutes purchased from the nearby Pike Market. They also had other cider mixes, of which are all good (you can taste test). I highly recommend these to visitors, especially if feeling a little ill (like myself this weekend). For those here and wanting, the location is usually in a small tent outside, or check out their site for more info at tinysorganic.com.

That totem pole is awesome. There are others throughout the city, with an interesting history, but for another day to me to share. For now, here is a better shot of that very tall pole..

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Picture of Today 2/25/14

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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

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

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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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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.

Pictures of Today 2/9/14

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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 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.