1880 Train

1880 Train

This is the last of the place that we visited, the 1880 Train from Hill City to Key Stone, it has the steepest climb from the many train ride that I experienced. It was indeed a nice ride to close the journey.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2005/1880

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

This is the second time we visited this park, the first being in 1982, what a change from 23 years ago. The avenue of the flags was new and did not exist way back then. We also very fortunate to meet the original Rushmore worker.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2005/rush

Crazy Horse - S. Dakota

Crazy Horse - South Dakota

This is the second attraction after the Devils Tower National Monument, it is located in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. This monument might not be finished in my life time. I believe the financing is through private donation only.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2005/crazy

Devils Tower National Park

Devils Tower National Park

I stumbled on CDs that contains photographs from our trip in 2005 to Devils Tower National Park. It brought back memory, it seems it was just yesterday that we went. This is the first part, we also went to see Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore and 1880 train.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2005/devil

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Al's Garden in Sherwood

We always visit this Al's Garden store which during this year is being transformed into Christmas Decoration galore. I say it is like Disneyland for Christmas decoration shoppers. I also find the winter wonderland by train, courtesy of Rose City Garden Railroad.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/xmas

Rocky Butte Park

Rocky Butte Park

On a cold Saturday we headed to Rocky Butte Park, our wish is granted - no rain! The fact it is cloudy, it is my dream to take pictures, the sky show is beautiful to say the least. O...forgot to mention, the Heaven gate opens up for a few seconds, Enjoy...

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/butte

One foggy morning

A forest in the sky

By now, I have learned my lesson, always bring your camera! You never know what you will encounter. This morning we stopped by at Willamette Falls look out and fog was what I found, but I take that as my advantage. I hope you like them,

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/fog

Sunrise over Beaverton

Sunrise on Nov. 5th, 2016

When I woke up and look over the window, I screamed.."Where is my camera, we have a light show", so I frantically search mt camera, deleted the old images and went downstairs and shoot, I was I were in a higher horizon to capture more...O well...

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/sunrise

Autumn 2007

North Portland

I could not forget the colors from this place, so today I rework these images, it is unbelievable if you ask me, even one of my friends ask me if I "color" the leaves using Photoshop? I forgot the location but I know it is somewhere in North Portland close to a hospital. Enjoy...

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2007/autumn2007

Vancouver Trip Snapshots

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Here are some of my snapshots on our trip to Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/vsnap

Autumn in Beaverton

SW Griffith Drive

Autumn is a special time for me, the colors are exploding everywhere and it is a joy to put my camera around my neck and exploring to see what I can capture and share.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/autumn4

Jackie Husen Park & Jordan Woods

The trail to Jordan Woods

This Friday is supposed to be dry with some sunshine, it is hold true, so I ventured to Jackie Husen Park and Jordan Woods Natural Area just north of us, This trail was not in the radar earlier this year.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/jackie

Vancouver Day Trip

View from Canada Line

The day started as drizzling continuously, but as the morning change to noon, it was just ominous clouds but no rain insight, a good thing when you travel by public transportation and walking, we explore Gastown since we have never been there for the many times we went to Vancouver BC.
Here's Vancouver through my lens.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/vancouver

 

Rocky Point - Port Moody

Across from Rocky Point

After we visited Golden Ears Provincial Park and had sushi for lunch, we headed to Rocky Point in Port Moody. Ice cream was in order before we took for a walk, it was a fine afternoon with the sun peeking a bit and the temperature was mild, but best of all - no rain in sight.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/rocky

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Golden Ears Provincial Park

On a slightly cloudy day we ventured to this park, the clouds and the mist makes it worth while to visit. One thing that was not expected was the restroom is closed foe the season, I have to use "hole in the ground" type washroom, I have to use the proper term in Canada, Enjoy!

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/golden

Autumn in the Northwest

Coquitlam, British Columbia

We ventured to Canada for the second time this year, I enjoy the trip this time around, the fall colors are exploding everywhere, this is the season that I like best. Enjoy my trip up north.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/autumn3

Autumn Around the House

Autumn 2016

This is my favorite seasons of the year. I better get busy taking pictures before the storm gets a hold of the leaves. This is just around the house. We are lucky to live where the seasons change.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/autumn2

Commonwealth Lake Park - Early Autumn

Early afternoon

This is the park that I visited the most, at least three times this year and fall is a good time to revisit this park, the colors are exploding everywhere.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/common2

The Changing Leaves

Northern wall of SW Scholl Ferry Road

It is beginning to get cold and rainy around here, so I better get busy and document these changing leaves before they are all gone. A blessing to live in the four seasons surrounding.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/autumn

Finley Sunset Hills

Finley Sunset Hills

"Beauty is all around us, but not everybody sees it". It is so true, we have to learn the beauty around us, especially for a photographer wannabe like me. I have to be sensitive with the surrounding.

Here's the result:
http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/finley

Boardwalk

Hall Creek Enhancement

I fell in love with the boardwalk while taking pictures awhile back, so when I saw this boardwalk, I have to document this. I always see this from the commuter train to and from downtown Beaverton. It is a short boardwalk, nonetheless it is a beautiful enhancement to the city of Beaverton.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/board

Old Country Market

Old Country Market, Coombs, BC

We just love the store, you can find almost anything to your fancy, from fresh produce, ice cream, pastries and it has a fine Italian dining as well.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/vanisland/old

VIME & Heritage Acres

Vancouver Island Model Engineers

When one of my co-worker Jacki told me about Heritage Acres in Sanichton, I say why not? Before visiting Bruce Morton, I divert the tour to this railroading hobby, by now I used up my quota for railroad for the year. I only have two railroad related to see in one year.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/vanisland/vime

Home on the Road

Bellingham RV Park

This website shows where we stay during our short trip to Vancouver Island. I have added a few images related to where we stay.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/vanisland/rvpark

Vancouver Island

Old train station in Qualicum Beach

When my neurosurgeon gave me a FULL green light, I decided to travel again. Later I found out that my energy is not the same and I should have waited a little longer. Anyway, this is a short vacation - just one week. Enjoy

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/vanisland/trip

Swan Island Dahlia

Swan Island Dahlia

On a cloudy Saturday morning, my good friend Rod took me to the Swan Island Dahlia Festival in Canby. We spend a good two hours touring the field, it was a cool and no rain insight, a perfect timing to take pictures of the flowers without worrying the harshness of the sun.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/dahlia

Lily Flower Festival

Extreme close-up by Pokie

We woke up early and picked up Steve on the way to Forest Grove to the Lily Flower Festival, it is actually Parry's Farm and this year is their fourth year, last year all the lily died due to extreme heat (29 days of 90 degrees). This year is more mild and bearable.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/lily

Elk Rock Garden

Inside the garden

When my friend Rod suggested this garden, I asked DA WIFE to take me here after my appointment with the doctor in which I get a full GREEN light. What a way to celebrate the good news than coming to this beautiful garden, I felt a bit guilty because you can't get a bad shot in the environmental. Enjoy the beauty!

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/elkrock

Holcomb Creek Trestle, Helvetia too.

Helvetia Trestle

Steve and Joan showed me last night, it was an impressive structure, considering it was built in 1908. I also saw the Helvetia trestle, so the next day I visited again with Rod who finds a safe place to stop and for me to take photographs.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/trestle

Orchard Park Loop

The boardwalk on the loop

I have visited the park three times, never gets tired of it, this time I was doing the loop which is just 0.5 mile, but most people can do two times and more, I just love the boardwalks.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/orchardloop

Pacific Northwest Live Steamers

Preparation  for the public run

It is Founder's Day at Pacific Northwest Live Steamers in Molalla. It is a perfect say for a picnic and some pictures taking. We came early and had a special treatment, the majority folks are nice and accommodating, too bad I could not take pictures while on a train, it is after all for safety reasons.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/pnls

The Belle Ainsworth Jenkins Estate

Footbridge at the Jenkins Estate

When Pokie agrees to take me to Jenkins Estate, I am ecstatic, to begin with the day is cloudy and the lighting is even, and not to mention that the flowers are blooming left and right.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/jenkins2

Trail to SW Oleson Road

Trail to SW Oleson Road

Thursday morning we woke up early, Pokie did a round trip about 2.0 miles and I was doing one way trip to document this trail, then Pokie pick me up at the end of the trail which is SW Oleson Road.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/oleson

Lavender Girl - 2007

Willakenzie Lavender Farms - 2007

I dig the old files and found the photographs that I took nine years ago, I am surprised that it was taken that many years ago. I took a series of the Lavender girl. I just wish I knew her name.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2007/lavender

Helvetia Lavender Farm

U-Pick $5.00 a bunch

This should be my last installment of the Lavender Festival for 2016, this place is recommended by a friend of mine since it is close to her house. It turn out to be a nice and rustic farm with the view.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/helvetia

Willamette Valley Lavender Festival

Wayward Winds Lavender

I think this is the last one for Lavender Festival, we went to two farms plus the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival in Newberg. In visiting the farms we found a very nice vineyard, who said we have to go to the Napa Valley. This one is much closer.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/festival

Fanno Creek Park & Trail

Open meadows

I am happier that we waited a day to come here, the lighting is much softer and the walk is cool. Yesterday, we just could not wake up for some reasons. In this trail, open meadows and tall trees are the main focus. Listen to the birds sing.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/fanno

Kids Parade

Fourth of July Parade 2016

Here is the Fourth of July Kids Parade 2016. We can't ask for a better weather than this, nice and cool and overcast. We have fun!

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/fourth

Westside Linear Park

Westside Linear Park

What a way to celebrate USA 240th birthday by walking and running the short trail close to home. It was a nice morning with a bit of a drizzle at the end.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/westside

Rowena & Mount Hood

Mt. Hood from Panorama Point Park

When I was offered a tour of the Mount Hood by Kok Djen our friend in Hood River, I could not refuse as he knows the town by heart, plus he has lived there for 35 years.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/rowena

Lavender Daze

Lavender Festival, Hood River

A beautiful Saturday to enjoy Lavender Daze (Festival) in Hood River, Oregon. Pokie did a U-PICK for a bunch of Lavender for $5.00. I had a blast taking pictures.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/lavender

Rod and Rosie

Rod and Rosie on a morning walk

When I heard that Rod is going to take his sister for a morning walk at the Commonwealth Lake Park, I made myself available and the morning was full of clouds, it was a bonus to take pictures in that condition.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/rosie

Farmers Market

Bridgeport Village

This time Pokie dragged me to the newest Farmers Market in town - Bridgeport Village. Judging from the crowd, I think this is a successful afternoon market. The variety is very good, you can find the latest "summer" fruits to PIPS donuts.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/bridgeport

Emerald Estates Park

Emerald Estates Park

On a crisp Saturday morning, Pokie agreed to accompany me to take pictures of this park, but she could not wait for me so I let her go all the way to the end. This way I accomplished my job and she got her exercise uninterrupted.

Enjoy the park or the trail

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/emerald

Commonwealth Lake Park

Trail around the lake

Not much to photograph, I never like sunny day without clouds, everything is just "blah" without any colors if you ask me. The only thing good is to try a perfect reflection. I did a few of those. The highlight of this trip was photographing the blue Heron.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/common

Kaiser Woods Natural Area - East

A view from observation bench

On a crisp Sunday morning (Father's Day), Rod and I went back to Kaiser Woods Natural Area, this time we take the other side (east of NW Goldenweed Dr.).

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/kaiser2

Koll Center Wetlands

Wetlands

On a cloudy Saturday before lunch, I dragged Pokie to see this wetlands from the other side of SW Nimbus Avenue. Again I saw many ducks, but beware of their poops. They are everywhere in the parking lot.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/koll

Oak Trail

Oak Trail - Tualatin Hills Nature Park

While the day is still cloudy, I go to this place and document the trail. Pokie dropped me here and at the end of the trail I go home taking the MAX at the end of the trail. The cloudy day makes the lighting for photography prefect.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/oak

Orchard Park

Boardwalk within Rock Creek Trail

I knew when the weather is cloudy it makes perfect lighting - the lights is soft and even, so this morning I venture by myself to see Orchard Park again from the south.

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/orchard

Rock Creek Trail

The boardwalk at Rock Creek

I dragged Pokie to walk in this trail on a sunny Sunday, no rain, just wish it was cloudy for the images. O..well you can wish everything. This is by far the most complex and the longest.

Enjoy...

http://www.yongkieandpokie.com/2016/rock