Portland Adventures: Poet’s Beach

Another discovery during my morning runs in Portland was Poet’s Beach. Established in 2000, this little gem of an area provides some unique waterfront views:



…as well as approximately 30 excerpts of children’s poetry featured on the rocks that are strewn along the pathway:







Definitely worth a visit, and a fantastic backdrop for a photo shoot. But that’s another post with a Disneyland connection for later!



See more Portland, Oregon photos at my main website.

Portland Adventures, Pt. 6: Union Station

When visiting a new city (for me), I love discovering the unique architecture and especially the historic buildings. I literally stumbled upon Portland’s Union Station one night when I was out shooting photos. The structure and its signature Romanesque clock tower opened in 1896. Unfortunately, the neon signs on the tower were not working during my visit.

Overall, I was somewhat unimpressed. Typically, Union Stations have interesting tile, cool light fixtures, and give a sense of the importance of train travel in history. Instead, this place looked like it might have been stripped of most of its interesting character and truly needed a good cleaning. At least there were some vintage signs, both neon and otherwise:







The main lobby area:







Unlike most Union Stations I have visited, I found this one the hardest to find interesting things to shoot. Still, it was good to see that the building was in use and functioning as a train station!

See more Portland, Oregon photos at my main website.

Portland Adventures, Pt. 5: The Pittock Mansion

I’d never heard of it before, but thankfully a coworker and friend clued me into the existence of the Pittock Mansion in Portland. This 46-room French Renaissance-style château was finished in 1914 as a private home for publisher Henry Pittock and his wife. Surrounded by 46 acres it is now owned by Portland's Bureau of Parks and Recreation.

Unfortunately, it was not open by the time we arrived. Regardless, even the grounds and the exterior of the house were worth the visit.



The views from here were crazy incredible:



Framed by the fall foliage, I could have spent a few hours here. Oh wait...I did!





And the details...you all know how I love my details.





I was able to get one "interior" shot through a window. Next time…



See more Pittock Mansion photos at my main website.

Portland Adventures: The Heathman

The first time I went to Portland, Oregon was back in 2003, when I stayed at the Heathman Hotel. Back then I was still shooting with film. When I returned there earlier this month, I had a few locations on my list to update with “new and improved” shots, using not only a digital camera, but one that doesn't need a flash. I once loved flash photography because it showed EVERYTHING; I grew to loathe it as I matured because it changes natural lighting AND blows out everything in the foreground. In comparing the neon sign at the Heathman from 2003 to present day, it would appear that the entire marquee has been changed.



Even the interiors have been transformed. The once ornate and slightly Asian influenced Art Deco lobby…



is now simplified in what I would call 21st Century Hotel Chic.



The library/sitting room located near the lobby was once dark, serious, and rich in woodwork…





is still paneled, but looks much larger and brighter.





I believe the fireplace screen is the same:



Even if you don’t stay at the Heathman, make sure you check out Headwaters, the Hotel Restaurant. The food is DELISH!



See more Portland, Oregon photos at my main website.

Portland Adventures, Pt. 3: Waterfront Sunrise

One of the things I enjoyed most about my stay in Portland for the 2019 UCDA Design Conference was being able to get a good morning run in along the waterfront. Unencumbered by stoplights, the waterfront provided gorgeous views and the ability to run continuously for over an hour. Thank you Portland! One morning, I actually ran with the camera so that I could capture the sunrise and the silhouette of the city.

While the majority of the waterfront run was on flat territory, there were enough dips, turns, bridges, and stairs (if you chose to use them) to keep things interesting.



And the moon was still shining; yes, it was an early morning run!







The Maritime Museum is located on this little boat; unfortunately according to signage it was closed due to maintenance and lack of volunteers.



In the distance you can see Mount Hood:



See more Portland, Oregon photos at my main website.

Portland Adventures, Pt. 2: FALL!

One of the unexpected benefits of traveling to Portland for the UCDA Design Conference was encountering my favorite season: Fall. Living in San Diego, we really don’t get much in the way of seasonal change. When we complain about the cold, that means temperatures are in the 50s. The landscape near where I live just does not get the spectacular colors that I encountered in Portland on this visit.



The view from my hotel room:



…and from my walks around the city:







Not much else to say about the fall foliage other than ain’t Mother Nature grand?!?

See more Portland photos at my main website.

Portland Adventures, Pt. 1: Blue Star Donuts

At the UCDA 2019 Design Conference in Portland, the buzz was all about Voodoo Doughnuts. EVERYONE had to go to Voodoo Doughnuts.

Well, I’m not everyone. I listened to some very trusted sources and was told that Blue Star Donuts was the REAL place to go. So that’s where I went.



As I waited in line, I watched the craftsmanship of the donuts being made.



Founded in Portland back in 2012, I loved their vibe, the motto(s), and especially the donuts. I got the lemon curd/key lime and the PBJ. They were both delish.



Looking at their website I see they have hit SoCal. Planning my trip now!

See more Oregon photos at my main website.