Monday, May 30, 2016

Cedar Mill Falls

Boardwalk leading to Cedar Mill Falls
This is another nature walk that I have never known before, Viva Village (independent retirement community) really shows me where to go and look. This falls is again within the city limit of Beaverton and Portland. I have to come back here again after a real downpour, to see a bigger falls.



Portland View from OHSU

Portland skyline from OHSU
I came in earlier in the week, but it was in the morning when I had to deal with the back lighting. This time, I came back in the afternoon when the lighting is much milder, but it was missing Mount St. Helen and Mt. Hood. You can't win them all, I guess.


Creekside building IV

The view from Creekside IV
This is just a few block from Fanno Farmhouse, it is a different world around here, the fact it is still within the city limit, I saw a glimpse in the morning, then I had to go back in the afternoon and take a few shots. Here it is...


Friday, May 27, 2016

Fanno Farmhouse

Original Fanno Farmhouse built in 1859
I drove by myself this morning to check out the Fanno Farmhouse, it was a beautiful morning indeed, but I have to take a detour on the trail, thanks to the beavers.



Thursday, May 26, 2016

Hood Strawberries....

Picking your own strawberries
The ominous clouds do not scare us to pick the Hood strawberry at Baggenstos Strawberry Farm. We managed to get about seven pounds at $1.70 per pound.



Moshofsky Woods @ Willow Creek

Wildflowers I found along the trail
This is the second half of the trail, running from NW 158th all the way to NW 173rd Avenue. During my walk, I saw the biggest slug in my life and I saw a garden snake. The names of the trails is confusing to say the least, but enjoy the scenery anyway.



Willow Creek Nature Park

This trail is good for jogging as long as it is not wet
Thank you to Steve Davis who took me here and drove me back home. This boardwalk is amazing, you think this is out of town, the fact it is right smack in the middle of Beaverton and within the city limit boundary.


Monday, May 23, 2016

Little Prairie Loop

Little Prairie Loop Viewpoint
My good friend Rod Lemeni is kind enough to take me to this beautiful place, located inside the Cooper Mountain Nature Park. I could not ask for a better lighting for this occasion.


Columbia Gorge

The view from Vista House
On Sunday, we venture to the Columbia Gorge, hoping it is not raining too hard, We get our wish, the rain stops and we enjoy the views, this time I stop at Rooster Rock for the first time on the way back, I took a couple of shots and it is not a disappointment at all.


Friday, May 20, 2016

My birthday at the beach

Nehalem Bay at a distance
I spent my birthday all day at the beach, first we went to Cannon Beach then drive south to Tillamook for some ice cream. The weather was cooperating, no rain just cloudy day, perfect for taking pictures.

Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion
If you want the best view of downtown Portland, then you have to come here to experience it. The best time is after it rains follow by a dry day. When we came here, the haze beats us to it. It was not all that clear, but it gave me opportunity to take pictures around the mansion.


Monday, May 16, 2016

Oregon Coast

Yaquina Light House
I am travelling virtually to the coast these days, these images were from 2010, but I know how to process them better than way back then. I have more appreciation to colors and composition.



Sunday, May 15, 2016

May 15th, a Rainy Day

Murrayhill Pond
After lunch, I decided to stop by this pond to take some photographs and to study the clouds formation, in most part I was successful in doing so, a bit dark at times, but it will do for my study. BTW, I found my retirement bench.

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

OHSU in early morning

Kohler Pavilion 
On May 12th, I had to go to OHSU for some blood test, the appointment is mid-morning, but knowing that the traffic will be heavy, I decided to come very early to catch the morning sun ray, but it is better to take that picture in the afternoon on a clear day. Morning has some challenges, namely the back lighting.


Sunday, May 1, 2016

Farmington Gardens

Inside the gardens
Farmington Gardens have expanded tremendously over the years, we got our for flowers and plants from here. The setting and ambiance is very pretty and peaceful.