road to ashland . somewhere in oregon . polaroid sx-70

Hello again, Oregon.

puffy clouds . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

rain in the hills . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

rain in the hills . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

over 30,000 miles . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

expressive clouds . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

the light . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

ivy . eugene, oregon . sx-70

sheep . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

rail . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

on the way . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

mist in hills . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

sunset . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

sliver of light . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

an oregon sunset . somewhere in oregon . polaroid sx-70

towards the sun . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

farewell light . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

So, here I am, back on the road again. This time I was heading back down south, towards home. But before reaching home, I had a few more stops to make. My next stop was namely Ashland, Oregon.

I’ve said before in the past posts about this trip that there is something about Oregon that just feels good to me. I think in large part is it due to the fact that it was where everything began for me.

And I’m going back to the beginning.

My next few posts are a bit hard for me to formulate, I really almost don’t know what to write. Half of me wants to write nothing at all and just let images talk. I haven’t quite decided yet.

Either way, here are the images from the part of the trip where I travel through Oregon again, this time on I-5.  I especially enjoyed the fact that I had clouds & rain to entertain me the entire trip down. :)

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Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. | patrick’s point . film. | seattle . part one. | seattle . part two. | the man in the alley. |

the man in the alley . seattle, wa . polaroid 420

. . . . . . . . .

One of my most absolute favorite images from the road trip, I thought it deserved it’s own post.

To wonder who this man was, where he has been & where he was going.

I hope he is well.

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Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. | patrick’s point . film. | seattle . part one. | seattle . part two. |

geraldines & sweet potato fries . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

ammmmazing french toast . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pioneer square . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

salumi . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

salumi . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pioneer square . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70

such a wise face . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

ornamo . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

rooms 75 cents . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

cadillac hotel . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70

ivy & socks . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

a collection of guitars . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

globe bookstore & bookworks studio. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

elliott bay cafe. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

amusing store writings . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

books books books . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

the elliott bay book company . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70

taping of a movie. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

public boat landing . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

rain . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

refuge from the rain . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

fremont troll . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

etg . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

mel & matt’s place. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

& commences part two. :)

A few things I enjoyed & saw:

+ geraldine’s.
The yummiest french toast resides here. And I can never say no to sweet potato fries. :)

+ salumi.
The yummiest cured meats resides here. There was a pretty large line when we went – definitely a place to visit while in Seattle :)

+ fremont.
A really cute, hip area, where the famed Troll lives and where the best vintage mall in all of the world is. (This is probably not true, there are other ones out there that I’m sure are more amazing, but this has been by far the best place ever. I spent wayyyy longer in here than I intended). Another great vintage store is also in this area, as well as the cutest tiny coffeeshop (with a working vintage cash register!) where I took refuge in while it rained.

+ wasabi bistro.
Awesome sushi place where I met up with the very lovely Sarah Rhoads & her husband, Chris. I had such an enjoyable time meeting up with them for the first time, and the sushi was pretty awesome too ;)

+ pioneer square.
Known as the oldest part of Seattle, it’s got lovely brick buildings, and I also witnessed people filming a movie (which I found out later was the movie called The Details). They also have underground tours here, but I always seemed to miss them because of the timing with parking just never worked out. There is also a really great antique shop here, where I found a great typewriter for Mel ;)

+ elliott bay books.
I just love bookstores, and Elliot Bay is the oldest in Seattle. I loved the feel of it – it’s different than Powell’s in Portland, the floors creak, the nooks are a bit more hidden, and it just feels older. I love it.

+ vintage/antique malls.
Can I just say how I love the way Seattle sets up vintage/antique malls? People can buy space and sell their things at whatever price in that space in the ‘mall’ so you can find things at varying prices. So likely you’ll find some bargains, or at least, some really reasonably prices vintage/antique items. The vintage mall in Fremont was especially amazing – the prices were really quite fair, I thought! I found a lovely blue fan there and a gorgeous grey clutch that I love! :)

. . . . . . . .

Thus ends my northernmost portion of my trip, and I begin heading south. Heading up north, going through all the cities and landscapes, I saw a lot and experienced a lot. Next in my journey would be the most personal part, the part where I learn the most about me.

Ashland, here I come. :)

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Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. | patrick’s point . film. | seattle . part one. |

seattle from kerry park . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70

Seattle! I have finally arrived. :)

sunset . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

seattle from kerry park . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

5 spot . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

molly moo’s . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

molly moo’s . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

molly moo’s . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

a random dodgeball game . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

locks at ballard . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

foliage . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

flowers . pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

broccoli romanesco . pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . polaroid 420

peppers . pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

first starbucks . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place fish . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

awesome guys rockin out . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

rockin out . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

to and from pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Upon arriving Seattle, I first went to my friend Mel’s place where I was staying while I was there. I really enjoyed being able to spend time with her and her husband Matt (whose wedding I photographed too way back in 2005!) Since I was staying with them during mostly weekdays, I did most of my exploring on my own, which I feel produced a different feel of images versus my Portland set.

A few things I enjoyed:

+ kerry park.
When I first got there, Mel & Matt took me to this park, which has a wonderful view of Seattle. On the way there I also finally got to view a sunset! I don’t know what it is about sunsets. I think I enjoy them because it signifies a transition from the day – much like I enjoy early mornings (I just hate waking up for them!) The view form the park was beautiful – I was even fortunate enough to see Mt Rainer (how lucky I was to see both mountains during my trip!)

+ 5 spot.
A restaurant that apparently changes their menu & decor every few months to a certain theme or location. While I was there, it was Puerto Rican themed. Unfortunately it seemed we got there a bit too late, and most of the food was gone, but we were still able to dine. And they had live music! :)

+ molly moon’s.
Ice cream! Who wouldn’t love it? I enjoyed the lavender lemon sorbet which was delicious! I absolutely loved the decor of this place, and while we were enjoying the ice cream, we were also trying to see who could make their trash into the trashcan from halfway across the room. And while Matt wasn’t looking – I totally made the shot. :)

+ portage bay cafe.
Famed for their breakfasts, I met up with my friend Nickie here and we enjoyed lovely breakfasts here, & watched as Nickleback enjoyed their breakfast from across the room as well. lol. (we went to the Ballard location)

+ pike place.
If you’re familiar with Seattle, then you will notice that the majority of these images are from Pike Place. There is just so much there! I was in awe of all the colorful flowers (and so cheap!! $5 for a beautiful bundle with dahlias and everything!) and perfectly displayed fruit and of course the entertaining fish throwing. I wandered around a lot, there are many nooks and crannies that you can look into. And the food! I was able to try a mini doughnut place that is near the front of the market – by the time I got there they were about to close so they gave me a bunch of doughnuts for insanely cheap. Even though they weren’t warm they were still delicious, and I would imagine taste amazing when they are warm & fresh! I had to stop into the first Starbucks as well, just to do it. :) Pike Place is a really touristy area though, and it’s obvious, but it’s still fun. :)

+ a modern dance class.
While I was there, I decided to try & take a dance class to keep a bit in shape (I was able to take a pilates class in Berkeley while on this trip) & asked Mel if she wanted to come with me since she dances as well. I really enjoyed taking the class and getting my feet dirty so to speak. Dance just feels so good for me to do, and I love moving to music as well. Unfortunately I’ve slacked off since coming home from my trip, but I always tell myself I need to get back into class! There’s really nothing like it for me.

. . . . . . . .

Seattle reminds me a lot of San Francisco in some ways. Mel noted that when she first visited Seattle, this was her impression as well, and she LOVES SF, so it was a done deal for them to move there from California. It’s definitely much more of a city vibe than you feel in Portland.

More images are coming up – I had to split Seattle into two posts because I took so many images! And I just want to share so much with you all. :) So part two is up next.

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Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. |
patrick’s point . film. |

the pearl district . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

menus . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

trees. portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

carton service . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

oblation papers & press . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

je pense a vous & je t’aime . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

water tower . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70

modern confectionery lofts. portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

hunt & gather in b&w . portland, oregon . polaroid 420

pearl district . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

flower . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

vespa & sushi . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70

crockery . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

pearl district . portland, oregon . polaroid 420

pella. portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

electric . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70

mini cupcakes & coffee . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

a french lunch . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70

me & common table . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

amy & her coffee . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

chandelier . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

mt. hood . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

washington park . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70

emily at living room theaters . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2

tacos . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70

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Portland, oh, Portland. I fell for you. Hard.

Instead of describing exactly what I did, I will share with you what I loved, as well as a few things I noticed.

+ the pearl district.
Oh, oh. How I loved this area. Most of these images are from the Pearl District – I loved it that much. Plus that was the area I spent the most time exploring on my own. It reminded me of a cross between Chicago’s buildings & Sacramento’s midtown feel.

+ powell’s books.
It’s book heaven. And I could’ve lived there. Three floors filled to the brim with books? The possibilities are endless. It is also where I purchased my Heart in Oregon sticker because yes, my heart is in Oregon.

+ living room theaters.
What a lovely little spot! I met up with an old high school friend of mine here, we watched Amy‘s friend Michalangela sing live jazz (she has such a lovely voice – I bought her CD while I was there) & drank delicious spanish coffee while catching up :)

+ restaurants & shops.
. isabel pearl . Coincidentally, the owner resides here in San Diego, and also owns other restaurants here :)
. cupcake jones . Had the most adorable key lime coconut mini cupcake here. Yum!
. st honoré boulangerie . The most charming french boulangerie, & had the most delicious lunch there! I love places that have common tables – it’s a very fun way to eat :)
. ipnosi . bought the most adorable blue coat here ;)
. sapphire hotel . this is actually a restaurant, but it formerly a seedy hotel where rooms were rented by the hour around the turn of the 20th century. Pretty awesome location & delicious brunch food!
. oblations paper & press . unfortunately it was closed when I passed by, but I did droll through the window ;)

+ the people.
One of the things that struck me the most about Portland was definitely the people. On my entire trip, it was probably the most welcoming, warm & comfortable locale; random strangers would compliment my clothes, and I just felt like I was accepted. I got the impression that people genuinely cared for each other – even strangers. One of the things that I noticed immediately when walking around the city was people looked at one another. People were looking at me! I was actually quite self conscious about this in the beginning, I thought there was something wrong with me or that I stuck out strangely, but I then realized that this is just how Portland people are. The way people look at one another isn’t a mean way either, like some cities do – they’re not looking at you to judge you or size you up in any way – the way people look at one another is a comfortable, gentle curiosity. While I was there I noticed myself looking at others more – and looking strangers in the eye more – something that I don’t feel like I can necessarily do here in San Diego. In Portland, I felt like I was actually a part of their community, even though I had been there only for a few days. It was pretty amazing.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In short, yes, I love it & want to move there. I had never felt so immediately comfortable in a city like I did in Portland. I loved it. In my head, I’d like to think someday, someday. Portland. You are in our future.

Someday. :)

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Up next, Seattle!

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Previous road trip posts:

the beginning.
day one.
day two.
day three.
day four.
portland . the home.