November 26, 2004
Bridgeport
Portland is sometimes referred to as Bridgeport, because of all its bridges. This is the most striking of those, I think. The Hawthorne bridge has a section which lifts straight up to allow tall ships through.
That's the bridge control building and the two towers that jack it up to allow taller ships through. I've never seen it opened, but I'll bet it is a cool sight.
Posted by Samer at 01:46 AM | Comments (0)
Snow!
Driving around what's called the Fruit Loop, the long scenic way back to Portland from Multnomah Falls. We went up and around Mt. Hood. And there was snow. I love the snow, and absolutely loved every minute. Even when AB was sure we'd be killed in an oncoming blizzard.
We drove into this little town to get some coffee, but there was nothing open. But there was this cool, funky house that's probably has snowboarders living there getting ready for the ski season.
Did I mention I love snow? I can't wait for the first batch to hit Washington.
Posted by Samer at 01:42 AM | Comments (0)
Multnomah Falls
On the way to Multnomah Falls, AB pulled off to a view point overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. It was a very beautiful day, and the scenery was incredible.
As incredible as the drive there was, nothing really prepared me of the awesome view of the falls. The top falls barreling down over the cliff and pooling below before dropping a little ways further.
The lower falls with the bridge framing them. It is a nice walk up to the bridge, where you can really see how powerful the falls are.
There's the lovely AB. Thanks for the company and the great views.
From the bridge looking at this big boulder in the pool. Apparently, several years ago, a big chunk of rock (possibly this one) fell from the cliff and killed a few people who were swimming in the pool near the falls.
The lower falls from above. The sounds of the falls as the water rushes by and goes under the bridge is pretty loud.
The view from the bridge looking back out toward the Columbia river and Washington state.
Posted by Samer at 01:31 AM | Comments (0)
Doug Fir
AB took me to this really cool place called the Doug Fir. The Douglas fir is Oregon's state tree, and this place makes use of a lot of Douglas fir wood. It is really stunning on the inside, and quite quirky. Pretty much like the city it is in.
The bar is just a spectacular display of what a good woodworker can do with a lot of wood. It is made, as is the hanging top, from small pieces of wood placed to look like a tree trunk. Not only is the atmosphere here great, but the food is quite good, too.
Posted by Samer at 01:18 AM | Comments (0)
Skinner Butte
I took this panorama from the top of Skinner Butte. A QuickTime VR version is also available (2MB).
Posted by Samer at 12:44 AM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2004
Eugene
The rain that greeted me on arrival gave way to a beautiful day. Some of the trees had already shed their leaves, but it was still a great view.
I love bridges, they evoke the image of travel: getting from one point to another. They are supposed to be utilitarian, but they are often well designed and very beautiful. This is a pedestrian bridge over the Willamette in Eugene.
I saw this VW bug at the top of Skinner Butte. It looked so cool there with the transmission tower and shack and the blue sky.
Fall is still in force (or was) down here. The leaves were all sorts of pretty colors. By the time I got to Portland a day later, all the leaves had fallen down.
Posted by Samer at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)