Photos From the Week

With a full week of good weather things lined up nicely to acquire some quality saddle time.  Although I was "Riding and Thinking," rather than post any particular thoughts I decided to share a few photos from the week. Nothing earth shattering just some doodling with the camera.

The one above is the oil cooler radiator vents.  After doing the brakes last Saturday I washed and waxed the bike.  If you look closely you'll see the haze of dried wax yet to be polished. Kind of a different view.

Yesterday while working in Corvallis I parked under a large shaded area.

Something caused me to look up and I noticed how the branches seem to be leaning toward the sun. These old trees make a nice big shade canopy.

Before leaving Corvallis I like to stop at Great Harvest Bread to get something before hitting the road for home.  Instead of taking the Interstate I took the country way through small towns.  I happened to get behind a guy on a cruiser bike.  Out in the country we rode at a good pace but in the towns he went pretty slow and kept a large distance away from the car in front of him.  I try to learn what I can from these experiences.  I realized that I tend to drift in a little too close sometimes when following traffic.  The obvious problem with this is when traffic stops suddenly.  The other issue, which I don't think of as often as I should, is road debris.  It's harder to see and react when following too closely.

This was today behind one of the hospitals I visit.  It would have been nice if I could have gotten the bike in that lift.  Looks like it's waiting in line for the next ride.

Today I had lunch at a mall.  While walking back to the bike I noticed the light gently bouncing off the back wheel.  This shot looks a little lonely but in my humble opinion the mall is actually a happy place.  The sun didn't show up today so everything had the Northwest shade of gray. 

Just some doodling with the camera while on two wheels.

God's speed.

Random Shots and Random Thoughts

While riding to my first account yesterday morning I had thoughts about some current events. Watching the events unfold after the tragic earthquake in Japan is a reminder of just how fragile our world is.  In the days after hurricane Katrina some of the New Orleans police force walked away from their jobs due to the enormity of the challenge to maintain law and order.  It's sobering to be reminded that a major disaster can change life quickly.

Another thought to consider with disasters is how small our planet is. People and nations pull together to help and support those who are suffering.  It brings humanity closer.  It puts our focus on others.

The earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand was only a few weeks ago.  Earthquakes are happening more often than any other time in history and this was foretold in the Bible over 2000 years ago.  Add this together with the events going on in the Middle East and one has to admit that these are amazing days in which we live.

___________________________________________________________

My first stop yesterday morning was one of the high schools in Silverton. I was going there to look at some plumbing parts.  Silverton is about 40 miles southeast of Portland.  Checking out plumbing parts sounds like fun, right?  I know, plumbing parts and fixtures are not real stimulating but they put bread on the table and I enjoy selling all the product lines that we have.  The fun part is helping others with the parts they need to do their jobs.

The ride took about an hour with roughly half the trip on I-5 and the second half in the farmland of the Willamette Valley.  The above image is in Mount Angel, a town originally settled by German pioneers. It's about 5 miles north of Silverton.  It's also the home of a famous and well attended Oktoberfest held each September.  Just thinking about it makes me hungry for bratwurst with sauerkraut along with an Um-papa band playing in the background.

Wow, this is the second post in a row with a McDonald's in it.  I don't eat at McDonald's very often - only breakfast about once a month.  I'm finding, though, that many of them have free WiFi and since I like their coffee they make a great place to stop and setup a temporary office.  The other benefit is the ability to keep most of the riding gear on and not worry about what people think.  Chances are I was just seen rolling up on the bike so I must not be a real storm trooper.

So you're cruising along enjoying the ride and being aware of impending dangers, all the while looking for photo opportunities.  You see what could be an interesting shot down a side road along an orchard but you're going 60 mph.  By the time you ponder whether it's a viable photo opportunity you're almost 1/4 mile down the road.  Do you turn around or shrug it off and keep going?  Lately I've been turning around. It's part of my, "Enjoy the little things" program.

I eventually wound up at the mall for lunch.  

These people were waiting in line near the Apple store for the new iPad 2 that was released yesterday at 5:00 pm. The line seems like a good marketing tool by Apple.  It advertises the popularity of the new device.  I wonder how many people got in line so they wouldn't miss out on something.

Later in the afternoon when I was riding home from the jail I noticed an unusual plane flying slowly overhead. When I got close to home I saw the pilot sitting in the plane and idling right next to the road.  I did a U-turn and watched him take off from his personal airstrip.  This place has had small planes fly in and out for a long time but I've never actually seen it happen.  I parked the bike near his takeoff spot to take some photos of the setting sun.  I was about to leave when he taxied nearby again.  Through sign language I asked if I could take his photo and he agreed.

Again through sign language I asked if he was going to take off again and he gave the thumbs up.  So I got some shots of his short takeoff.

He doesn't have much runway.  You can see it turns to gravel pretty quickly.  His road has a little bump just before the gravel and he hits it just right to hop him into the air.

He was airborne in less than about 15 seconds.  Pretty cool to have your own plane and airstrip.  And some think riding a motorcycle is dangerous.

At the end of the day the bike had 115 more miles on it.  I hope you're putting miles on this weekend.

God's speed.

Friday Parking Spots

 

If you have a motorcycle or scooter, chances are you rode it yesterday. We've had spring-like weather, although spring weather here is still rainy. This was in the motorcycle parking area at a southwest hospital. All Harleys were out and shiny.

 

When I got to my usual spot at the mall (field office), the coral was full so I took the spot next to it to give other riders some more space.

 

Beside the BMW 800ST there was this cutie - a Triumph Daytona Triple. This one always gets my attention when it's here. I like the styling.

 

This Yamaha FZ6 is almost always here. This guy works in one of the department stores.

 

And then there was this little sweetheart. Somebody help me here - I didn't see an emblem identifying it anywhere. Still made by Piaggio this one looks like a classic.

Nice chrome and paint for an older skoot.

 

Finally, this wasn't a parking spot but rather it's a building I pass by every Friday afternoon. It's in the little town of Scholls. I've been wanting to stop and compose some sort of photo. Not sure why it has two speakers and why they're mounted over each big door. It would seem that one speaker would be enough for this little town.

  

 Life's little discoveries are a little sweeter on two wheels.

Vespas at the Mall

How about riding a Vespa home for Christmas from the mall? Friday afternoon I saw this interesting display. The weather outside was about 35F so I'm not sure how many takers they had that day.

Santas alternative method for delivery.

Fridays sunset from the mall parking structure.

As we approach Christmas I hope you're plans are coming together and you're surrounded by loving family and friends.

Black Friday at the Mall

Look at what a beautiful day it was today, and late in November! All week it's been like this, except for yesterday, and I've been riding each day for work. Today I didn't really want to ride somewhere by myself again so I told my wife and oldest daughter that I would meet them at the mall for lunch. Wait, did I say I would meet them at the mall on Black Friday? What was I thinking?

One of the worst parts of this day at any mall is being patient, forgiving, and generous while making your way through the parking lot. No problem when you're on a bike. I figured I'd find a spot in my favorite corral when I come during the week to my "field office". These two guys work in the mall so their bikes won't be moving for a while.

Here's the food court. I should have a picture of what it normally looks like on a Friday. Here's where you do the same routine as in the parking lot except with tables and chairs.

In past years on this day I'm usually assigned to being the mule. I carry the shopping bags and occasionally shuttle them to the car. Today I spent a fair amount of time people-watching with my camera. I figured I'd take pictures of other mules and it might make an interesting blog post. But to my surprise I didn't see many.

What I did see were a lot of people using their smart phone while walking. They had the tell-tale head down and concentrating posture.

 

These shots were taken using stealth mode. Act like you're adjusting the camera and push the shutter button and hope the shot turns out.

It even worked on our oldest granddaughter. And hey look, she's messing with her smart phone like most everyone else.

I managed to pop this shot of the lady next to me and it turned into a two-for-one. She has an iPhone and I think she was watching a video. Or maybe posting on her blog about the guy next to her constantly adjusting his camera. What did we do before cell phones?

Another surprising observation was that many people carry their smart phone in their hand, choosing not to put it in a pocket, purse, or holster. This wouldn't work for me. I'd set it down somewhere and that would be the end of it.

These three guys look like potential mules. They have that classic blank stare and they're waiting outside the store for their significant other. They're too macho to go in Bath & Body Works. Some of that applies to me but hey, I'm on a photo assignment.

It was a good afternoon at the mall. It's interesting how having a blog causes heightened awareness about the surroundings. I've always enjoyed people-watching but have never done it with a camera. So when you go to your mall watch out for people adjusting their camera.