Portland Rose Festival Fleet Week, June 7, 2012, more photos, No. 1

Once the USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) completely cleared both the Broadway Bridge and the Steel Bridge, two tugboats went to work, turning the destroyer around right in the middle of the Willamette River! The tug at the back pushed; the tug at the front pulled,using a blue strap, and in no time at all the 510 foot long ship went from pointing south to pointing west.
 

Not that the tugs stopped there. The goal, to turn the ship completely so that it pointed north, the direction that would it would go on Monday, headed to the mouth of the Willamette River where it meets the Columbia River. That's the route the ship would take back to Astoria so that it could reach the Pacific Ocean and head on home. It's totally amazing to watch, fascinating enough that time literally flies by!
 

I took all of these photos through the openings in a chain link fence erected along the seawall to keep the ships, except at boarding areas, separate from folks walking along in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Sunshine napping at the Saturday Market

April 21 Portland's weather meant glorious sunshine to be enjoyed by everyone who made their way outside. As I walked along the Saturday Market at Tom McCall Waterfront Park I witnessed the usual--walkers, bike riders, skateboarders--and the unusual.

Yep, I've not seen anyone taking a nap in the sun on the concrete, although I have seen lots of folks napping on the grass in the park. However, she seems well into it, no doubt relishing the warmth of the sun collected by her hard bed. I think she was smart to be up against the temporary fencing--she's less likely to have someone walk right into her. Also smart of her to be on the back side of the market, closer to the Willamette River,  because within the market itself, hundreds of folks walked through the arts and crafts and food booths. Hundreds out in the sunshine.

She's wearing stockings with wide-spaced, straight-in-a-line tiny black polka dots, well straight as in following each other straight along her curved thighs and calves.

Can you see that curved grid on the sidewalk? Looks to me like it's there to help drain the sidewalk when rains come down.

One more thing. I believe her right shoe has thrown a heel. Maybe she's had a chance to get it repaired since then. Or found herself a new pair of comfy walkers. Hope so, because we're in for another sunny weekend here in Portland!

Colorful Cinco de Mayo

All in all, Cinco de Mayo was not exactly what I had hoped it would be, lots of music and dancing. I suppose I just missed most of each on Sunday afternoon in the two larger pavilions, but I managed to get this photo of three little girls entertaining a small crowd.

At the north end of Tom McCall Waterfront Park

These three caught my attention because they appeared to be taking a break, enjoying the sunshine. Piled around the base of the lamp post, note the backpack, purse, and a jacket which appears to be draped over another backpack. I wonder how far they'd walked when they decided to stop for a while.

Seems to me that the woman is about to walk off to find something to photograph--I see what might be a camera strap in front of her, and she's holding her hands in such a way as to make me think she's got a camera.

The people you can see in the distance along the gray railing are on the lower level of the Steel Bridge, on the section set aside for pedestrians and bicyclists. Railroad tracks fill the center of the lower level, and there's another pedestrian/bicyclists path on the north side of the bridge. To tell you the truth, folks on skates and/or skateboards more than likely cross the Willamette River on this part of the Steel Bridge, too. You can easily see the brown waters of the river--we'd had plenty of rain lately. That's why the sunshine provided such an allure to those with the wherewithal to get out and about.

I found it interesting that the only one sitting is the youngest, perhaps because he's still agile and able to easily get up from sitting on what is essentially a curb.

The fullness of the blossoms on this tree makes for a lovely sight, don't you think?

Come back tomorrow for a bit of serendipity--something unique about the gray-haired man! Taking a close look at his right ear provides a hint, a preview, a clue.

A multi-tasking walker at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Wonder if she's ambidextrous? Wonder where she's gonna light and pick that banjo? Curious over here. I like the contrast of angles and lines and shapes in this image, all around the walker and on her herself. What do you think?

Friendship Circle, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, several views, several ways

Found on the Internet: Friendship Circle The Friendship Circle at the north end of Waterfront Park was dedicated in 1990. It celebrates the sister city relationship between Portland and Sapporo, Japan. The Friendship Circle includes a pair of 20-foot stainless towers that generate electronic tones.

At this link, read a 2007 article about the sculpture and its sound-producing aspect.

A view from above, focusing on the public art known as Friendship Circle. Image altered at PicMonkey.
  The same view--this time the image is altered at Ipiccy and includes some color manipulation. Makes me think of a 1960s postcard.
  A view from river level. Image altered at PicMonkey.
  The same view--this time the image is altered at Ipiccy.
  Folks and their pets, out enjoying the sunshine. Image altered at PicMonkey.
  The same view--this time the image is altered at Ipiccy.

Found at the Regional Arts & Culture Council Web site:
Artists: Lee Kelly, American, born 1932 Michael Stirling
Title: Friendship Circle Date: 1990
Medium: Stainless steel and digital audio
Discipline: sculpture
Dimensions: 1: 22’ x 8’ 2: 24' x 9' audio duration: 35 minutes
Funding Source: Percent for Art-City of Portland, Portland Development Commission, and the City of Sapporo, Japan
Location: Waterfront Park, Parks and Recreation, NW Naito Pkwy. and NW Everett St.

“Friendship Circle” was a collaboration between sculptor Lee Kelly and composer Michael Stirling. Stirling composed a score based upon traditional and contemporary Japanese instruments to emanate from one of the columns sculpted by Kelly. The sculpture commemorates 30 years of the Sister City relationship between Sapporo, Japan and Portland and was primarily funded by Sapporo as a token of friendship. The sculpture subtly echoes the architecture of Buddhist temples.

Found at Portland Parks & Recreation, online:
Historical Information about Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The idea for this park came at the turn of the century when the 1903 Olmsted Report pointed out the need not only for parks within the city, but for a greenway scheme for the riverbanks in order to ensure their preservation for future generations. The 1912 Bennett Plan again showed a need for more parks and river greenways, but instead of reorienting itself to the river, the city's focus was pulled further inland. In the late 1920s, the seawall was built along the Willamette's west bank for the protection of downtown from the annual floods. The seawall not only cut off the water from the people, but the people from the water as well. The construction of Harbor Drive along the west bank in the 1940s continued the trend of isolating the public from the river.

With the opening of the Eastbank Freeway (Marquam Bridge, I-5), Harbor Drive became less important to the traffic flow of the city. Governor Tom McCall created the Harbor Drive Task Force in 1968 in order to study proposals for creating a public open space in its place. In 1974, Harbor Drive was torn up and construction of a waterfront park began. It was completed and dedicated in 1978, gaining instant popularity. In 1984, the park was renamed Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

A sunny view of the flowering cherry trees at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

A scene I've missed getting to see up close for the last several years. Bound and determined not to miss it this year, I took advantage of the sunshine on March 24 and walked through Tom McCall Waterfront Park from the Saturday Market all the way to the Steel Bridge. I continued onto the bridge and took this photo looking south. I wish the trees had been in full bloom, but one can't be too picky around here, what with gray skies, rain, and wind impacting the span of time the flowers are actually on the tree limbs.

Some of what I saw, No. 3

I had such a great time on Saturday, May 14, walking through the Yamhill Historic District, a wonderful part of downtown, and riding some of TriMet's best mass transit options, looking, looking, and looking some more--taking lots of photos!

Today is all about Doggie Dash! I knew about it because I got this Service Alert e-mail from TriMet: Participants in the "Doggie Dash" are allowed to ride MAX with their leashed dogs Saturday, May 14, until 2 p.m. Dogs must use the rear car of any 2-car train. Because of MAX service interruption this weekend, however, Yellow and Green Line trains will be running as single-car trains, and dogs are permitted to board the single-car trains. So, I figured since the event took place only a few blocks from my scheduled walk through downtown, I knew I'd get a chance to see dogs and their people. I never actually walked on either of the courses, see below, so everyone I photographed had finished participating in the Doggie Dash.


Lagging behind my AHC tour group, I had the opportunity to take this fab photo! I remember for sure that the woman in blue and black, the woman in red and the woman in teal were all on the ACH tour with me. They're on the right, heading east across SW 2nd Avenue at SW Stark Street. And you know the people on the left, heading west, are Doggie Dashers 'cause you see a little bit of a pug and a grinning Jack Russell and a little bit of a small black and white dog which I can't ID, plus a bit of another one just off the sidewalk. Well, to tell the truth, there is one Doggie Dasher heading east--the man in the blue cap whose dog you can see on each side of the legs of the lady wearing the teal.


Check out the little boy with his face painted to match his dog!


I hope they've got some antiseptic hand wipes close by 'cause that little guy is all boy!


Big fluffy, well-groomed dogs. Wish I could have gotten a photo of their faces!


Love the hot pink party hat cocked to the side on that front dog's head! All three of them seem still to full of energy after participating in the Doggie Dash.


Sweetness is a miniature dachshund in step with its person. I love this photo!


Another really big dog.


A mother and her dog, a daughter and her dogs. Look at the grin on the big dog's face! And that miniature dachshund's stretch, looking back at Mom for approval. Love it!


A few seconds before I took this photo, the entire family was sitting on a park bench with that good looking dog sitting on the sidewalk in front of them. Across the sidewalk on a tripod was the family camera, taking a photo of them. I heard the joy as the camera was checked and it was discovered that the dog had been looking at the camera!


Color-coordinated fashion statement for dog and owner. Too bad the Doggie Dash goodie back wasn't red, right?

Here's a whole lot I found on the World Wide Web about the Doggie Dash, just in case you want to know or maybe want to start one in your town or city!

Now entering its 24th year, Doggie Dash is Portland's most popular event for animal lovers (voted #1 pet event by Spot Magazine readers "by a landslide"). Last year, more than 6,000 animal lovers came to Waterfront Park, raising over $230,000 for animals in need. Registration is $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event.

When May 14th, 2011. On-site registration opens at 7:30 am; runners leave at 9:00 am; walkers begin at 9:15 am for the Bridge-to-Bridge route and at 9:30 for the "Classic " route around Waterfront Park.. Note: all runners/walkers must check in at the main registration tent before the race. Doggie Dash activities continue until 1 pm with fun for all. A full schedule will be posted online as we get closer to the day of the event.

Where Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland (Google Maps) The main registration tent is located in the park near the intersection of SW Naito Parkway and SW Pine St. (close to the Battleship Oregon monument). Vendor booths and demonstration areas will stretch along the park from Pine St. to the Morrison Bridge.

Course There are two courses to choose from: the 1.5 mile "Doggie Dash Classic" begins on SW Naito Parkway near Stark St. You'll proceed down a car-free Naito Parkway to the Salmon St. fountains, then turn north along the park's seawall, and return south on Naito Parkway.

The "Classic" route takes you on a stroll down car-free Naito Parkway.

The longer route offers great views of the city and is dog friendly.

The 2.5 mile "Bridge to Bridge" route is open to both walkers and runners. It uses the same starting and ending points as the 1.5 mile route, but takes Dashers over the Hawthorne Bridge, along the Eastbank Esplanade, over the Steel Bridge, and back to Waterfront Park. It's dog friendly and has great views of the city. Runners leave at 9:00 am for the 2.5 mile run, followed by walkers on the 2.5 mile route at 9:15, followed by walkers on the 1.5 mile loop at 9:30.

Contests Doggie Dash features different contests for people and pets, such as Silly Pet Tricks, Bobbing for Dogs, Strangest Mutt Mix, Singing Duo, Best Kiss, So Ugly I'm Cute, Best Dressed Dog, Peanut Butter Challenge, and Doggie Musical Chairs. Watch this web page for more information and a complete schedule. Contests winners will receive prizes courtesy of K103-fm, such as tickets to concerts and special events; other prizes to be announced. The contests are open to all registered Dashers; there is no charge to enter.

Activities In addition to contests (see above) and music (see below) Doggie Dash features a Fred Meyer pancake breakfast (free to Dashers, $5 for others) from 8 am - 10:30 am. Food from from other vendors will be on sale from 10 am - 1 pm.

Greg Gustafson of Border Collies International will be conducting doggie Frisbee demonstrations at at 8:00 am and 11:30 am, with tips on how to make your dog a Frissbee champ. Greg conducts a Frisbee contest (open to all registered Dashers and their dogs; no charge to enter) from 10:30 am - 11:30 am.

Don't miss the LexiDog Fashion show and the Best Dressed Contest (Dashers and their dogs may enter the contest without charge).

Music You can enjoy live music before and after Doggie Dash.

The Gabby Holt Band will kickoff the day at 8 am
Whistlin' Rufus will follow at 9:45
Beaver Boogie Band will appearing starting at 11:15 am

Dash rules for pets and people: Dogs entered must be currently licensed with proof of Parvo and Rabies vaccinations. You do not need to bring proof with you; if an incident occurs, you must be able to produce proof in a reasonable amount of time.

• For safety reasons, “extend-a-leashes” will NOT be allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Leashes should be no more than six feet in length while on the course.

• Female dogs in heat are not permitted.

• Race officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so that this event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.

• No bikes, skateboards, roller blades, etc. are permitted for safety reasons. Baby strollers are permitted.

• OHS suggests that dogs younger than six months should not participate.

• Be sure you and your dog are conditioned and properly trained for this event.

• Running all or even part of the 2-mile course is not required. Walking your dog throughout the course is encouraged.

Exercising at lunch in Tom McCall Park, June 18, 2009

Please scroll down to see today's dahlia, Swan's Desert Storm, from Swan Island Dahlias.

Happy Birthday, Lamont!

On my lunch hour I hurried to the bus, then hurried from the bus to the sidewalk along the river. I wanted to be sure to get some photos of The World, docked on the west bank of the Willamette. More about The World soon.

Anyway, I'm walking along, gawking with lots of other folks when I hear an amplified voice and look around to my right. I see this row of people being led by a diminutive woman calling out their exercise routine. Naturally I swung the camera up to my eye and clicked!

The grass has been worn out by the Rose Festival's Waterfront Village. It closed up shop just four days before I took this photo.

Today's dahlia, Swan's Desert Storm. Facts from Swan Island Dahlias--Bloom: 10" Yellow and Rose Blend, Bush: 3'

Ferris Wheel at Rose Festival

Here's what I found at rosefestival.org about the fun along the Willamette, only one of many, many activities during the festival's run, May 29-June 8.

The Rose Festival's WaMu Waterfront Village is where Portland celebrates its favorite family traditions, awesome new activities and diverse cultural influences. Located along the scenic Willamette River in Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the WaMu Waterfront Village offers a park-load of whimsical and magnificent kid's adventures. Quite simply, the WaMu Waterfront Village is a great place for parents to bring their families. Come see why our village was honored from among IFEA's 2000 plus member festivals.

Along with this year's featured attraction, Dinosaur Jurassic Journey, the village features the Pacific Northwest's largest carnival, five stages packed with family entertainment, the BI-MART Kids Zone, WaMu Big Top Stage, zany strolling minstrels, two of the tallest thrill rides in the Western United States, three food courts, marching school bands and festive cultural music.
Dates & Hours
Dates
Thursday, May 29 - Sunday, June 8, 2008

Hours
11 AM to 11 PM* daily except May 29 when gates open at 5 PM

*Event hours & closing times are subject to change based on weather, attendance and park safety conditions.