Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sauvie Wheat and Back Across the St John's Bridge

 This Wheat field on Sauvie Island is amazingly picturesque...
... and just to know it is a staple of our food supply astounding and renewable.
 I don't know of may sights more peaceful than this tree in a field...
 ... or the shades of color.
 This field is on a rural road on the east side of the island and less than a mile from the Columbia river
 We crossed the St. John's Bridge to the East side of the Willamette river...
 ...and seeing why this is called PortLand
 Portland's Convention is highlighted by it's beautiful twin towers ...
 The historic Portland Sign has had many changes:L"Since its installation in 1940 the sign has carried various messages and animations, generally advertising Portland companies, the longest-lasting version being for White Stag Sportswear, from 1959 until 1997."

Of course I always add a totally irrelevant picture like pyramids in the Oregon Forests *lol*


Quote of the Day ~ “Plant a kernel of wheat and you reap a pint; plant a pint and you reap a bushel. Always the law works to give you back more than you give.” ~  Anthony Norvell (interesting guy look him up) 

Matt Flys into Portland

 Memorial Day was the 26th and I didn't have a flag picture so when we went to the Portland Airport Post Office I got a picture because I honor and respect the memory of our soldiers.

 From the Post Office parking lot the view of the airport control is impressive...

 ... and zoomed in I could almost see someone up there working.

 Meanwhile back at the P.O.  I thought the Water Plug was less impressive but more colorful.
We watched a Delta flight ready for take off then off it went with a roar
When we went to pick up Nicole for dinner at Sweet Tomato's ...
I got a picture of what I call fantastic Neighborhood art...
...and on the drive there I had to laugh at the whimsical mind of the person who named this restaurant.
Just for fun I captured a shot of this airliner flying overhead at our RV park

Quote of the Day ~ "Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun." ~ Pablo Picasso

Portland Food Cart City

 Just tell me what kind of food you want and you can find it in Portland's Cart City...
 ...they even have great music...
 ...and conversation with a German Chef that looks like Ed Schultz.
 Some are very creative right up to the roof vent...
 others server down home Lebanese dishes...
 ... and this cart is even on two wheels.
 This cart even had a neon "Open" sign.
 Satay served here ...
 ... Indian server there...
 ...and Chinese served everywhere (I also got Pot stickers here)
 So many great food carts from Gyro's...
 ... to Georgian cuisine (not the US Georgia)...
 ...my order was a Philly Cheese steak.
 for dining we went to a small park next door ...
 and watched young folks texting...
 ...and pigeons watching the park ...
 ...and one even dancing...
...while a stone watched us all.

Quote of the Day ~ “Food trucks are a vibrant symbol of the American dream.” – Kristin Casper
"That's why Portland Rocks" ~ Me

Monday, May 26, 2014

The Other Newport Lighthouse, Seals and some Tall Ships

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse with a haunted history based on a fictional book.

Yaquina Bay Coast Guard Lookout Tower nest to the Lighthouse

This is a very historic lighthouse ...
...that even tells you which direction you are looking ...
...and in every direction the view is fantastic from the channel into the bay ...
... to the beautiful Pacific Ocean...

... and everyone enjoys the view...
... even this awesome old tree in the middle of the road.
In Old Town we got to observe the sea lions...
... who are more like fantasy creatures...
with long whiskers.
We were lucky to see two "Tall Ships" the Lady Washington...
... with a great looking masthead...
...and the Hawaiian Chieftain...
... with an equally impressive masthead.
The "Chelsea Rose" had no masthead and wasn't a "Tall Ship"but I really liked the lines of this good looking boat
Another view of the Yaquina Bay Bridge...
... and a look at a diver in trouble on the Undersea Garden bay building...

... associated with the Ripley's Believe-it-or-Not
Old Town Newport is a combination of tourist spots but it is also a working fishing port...
... where you can get your fortune told or buy incense...
...or hang out with the gulls...
...across the street from the Bay Street Pier...
... while enjoying some great mural art like the "Willa Jean"

Thought of the Day  ~"A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." ~ Grace Hopper

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©Paul Viel