If you read one of my previous posts, you know that I was stuck in Portland Oregon for a couple hours due to a missed train connection. At the time it was kinda annoying since I had to figure out different travel plans and wait around for 4hrs, but looking back it was nice being forced to take a couple hours and slow down. What do you do when your in an unknown place with your camera? Take pictures of course!
This first picture is taken in one of the many nice river-front parks in Portland along the Columbia River.
This second picture is taken from the 5th floor of a parking garage I spotted just a little way from the park. I had taken a couple panoramic shots at the park but I didnt really like how any of them came out; thankfully with my higher position, this picture proved worth while! (click on the picture to get WAY better resolution)
This past weekend I had the opportunity to ride the train down to Oregon where I was able to hang out with some good friends and meet many new ones. The main reason that I headed down to Oregon was to talk with some folks who I possibly will be heading over to Africa next summer with to do missions work. Me attempting to surf
Thursday I left in a whirl wind right after school finished to catch the afternoon train heading south. The ride was nice and I was able to do a little reading and even catch some wonderful zzz's. I pulled into Salem late in the evening where I was picked by Rachel Swanson(boxt friend), then we headed to Sheridan where I spent the rest of the weekend.
Friday I had a late start to a relaxing day with little planned. Jonathan Bigelow and I decided to head out to some falls about half an hour away...an hour and a half later we finally found the falls located on some gravel back road. The short hike out to the falls proved worth while; there was a steady stream of water cascading down the probably 60ft free-fall. It was beautiful and very peaceful. After the hike we headed back to the dorm for some dinner which was followed by a surprise birthday party for Jake Bumstead.
Jon-o and I at Niagara Falls
Saturday morning I got to meet with Dan and Regina Bumstead(the folks who I might travel to Africa with). The Lord blessed our time; I was able to learn a little about what they are doing in Zambia, and they were able to learn a little bit about my vision and who I am. After my meeting Jono, Rae, some others, and I headed out to the Pacific City on the coast. The drive over was amazing, and the beach was even more beautiful. Unfortunately the waves weren't the best, but Jonathan, Titus, and I all got to do a little surfing(it was a blast).
Rachel
Sunday we went to church which was followed by a potluck. Church potlucks rock! Unfortunately I couldn't stay long because I had to catch the train back to bham from Portland. I planed to get to the station about 15 minutes before the train left but....there was steady traffic all of the way. We pulled into the station and I ran to catch the train but....you guessed it. It had already left. Lame. Eventually, after many phone calls to my sister and parents, I figured out that I could catch the 7pm train and be in seattle my midnight. Carla was nice enough to come pick me up and drive me back to Bellingham. Thanks Carla! Since I had a couple extra hours to kill in Portland, I was able to take a couple pictures of the town(I'll post some soon) and even meet a nice homeless man named Richard.
