Hiking, Treks and Updates
The new mixtape is up for download and listening over on the sidebar. It is more or less inspired by the things that I think about while I’m out on whatever walk. I talk a lot about the benefits walk friendly cities can have on communities. Additionally, one of my favorite benefits is being able to clear my mind and find new things. Any one of my various hikes has led to discovering something I had never seen before. It gives me a chance to put a different spin on life. Hiking and getting fresh air can do a bunch to benefit mood and reduce stress caused by the challenges of day to day life.
On Monday I took the bus up to the bottom of OHSU, to take an unplanned hike through Maquam Nature Park. I never knew this trail system existed up until Sunday when I was searching for a way to get out of the urban environment, but still be close to a bus line. When I arrived at the trail head I set my sites on the 4T trail that leads up to Council Crest, then over to Washington Park. After about an hour I arrived at Washington Park I moved off the 4T trail and on up to Hoyt Arboretum. I spent over an hour walking through the Arboretum soaking in the trees, sun and fresh air. I wandered through a few of the trails and learned to identify some of the trees I see around the Northwest. I got onto the Wildwood trail and followed that over to the Pittock Mansion and then down into Forest Park where I ended my journey at MacLeay Park.
It was a fantastic day, and I really needed to get out of the house. The thing that I really enjoyed about it was being able to get away from of all the noise and stress of the city, but still be close to home. When you don’t have a car, and are limited to public transit and foot travel, park systems like what I experienced are a wonderful way to connect with nature. I didn’t spend a single dollar, and had more fun than I would at any bar, movie theatre or most other entertainment sources. Here is a rough route of my adventure, click on it to make it bigger.
Next week I plan on setting out on a much larger hike. I will take the Tillamook County Shuttle to Tillamook and then hike back to Forest Grove, where I will either walk home or take Trimet. Just depends on how I feel. My friend Andy might come along. We have been talking about going out for a walk while he is on his break from PCC. I just need to get my paperwork from OHSU, so I can sign the forms and send them back. And then I am free until my start date on the 28th. Below is my intended route, which is about 52 miles. Which should take 3 days. If the weather is nice, I might keep going and hike out to another destination. Looking forward to the freedom of the woods and open road.
Public Transit and Why a Zebra?
I’ve wondered for a few years now while contemplating being car-less, and now being car-less if it would be possible to travel to and from multiple cities via public transit. It turns out it is! Evan Siroky has assembled various routes to prove the point. You got to love the efforts people make to share points on just how realistic transportation is without a car.
This oil spill is incredibly awful, but in terms of its effect on the planet vs. our total consumption and demand for oil have. It does’t even come close. You may argue the point that man made climate change is a hoax, and this is just the natural cycle. Fine, I’m not going to argue that with anyone because I am not an expert. There are scientist and people seeing it first hand that are better suited to do so. But for what it is worth the difference I see between man made development vs. a balanced ecosystem is visually disturbing to me. If it weren’t for my student loans I would surly kiss this capitalistic resource hogging world behind, and live with less out on the road.
Ok, back on topic. I really like this idea of public transit being used to travel great distances. Think about it, I could get on Trimet then connect with other regional transit systems and in a matter of hours I am in Seattle. It may not be as convenient, but there is nothing convenient about sitting in your car all alone unable to share the experience with other people. We are social animals, and while some of the people you may encounter on the bus aren’t the type of people you want to buddy up to. If more people ditched their cars the chances are better that you could meet someone new on your commute to — for example, Seattle.
This is just another idea that a better planned urban area, that focuses resources on transit of the foot, pedal, and mass-transit systems could go a long way towards developing stronger communities. So what am I missing? I’m not sure human beings; despite our social nature are ready for that close of a community. Some people just don’t want to change, don’t want to listen, and don’t want to give up on what they have come to believe is the American Dream. I wish it were different. My inner hippy mellow is being harshend, haha.
California just banned plastic bags. Oregon, are you listening? Safeway, you are the worst offender. My Safeway store doesn’t even offer paper. So if I forget my reusable bag, I have to take plastic. Boo!
Oh, check out this great audio visual bliss of five New York neighborhoods captured in their full glory. No inserted outside music, just a great ambient soundtrack and neighborhood blips. Sources: Architects Newspaper Blog and Urban Omnibus
Daniel, stop being such a gloating flower power dude and show us a cool house. Ok, here you go.
This is the JD House. It is located in the forest of Mar Azul, in the Argentinian province of Buenos Aires. Minus the Zebra skin on the ground, I really love this. The Architecture is so inspiring. I also like the minimalism of the interior. Sure it could use some art and a bit of color, but that is really those personal touches that are made by the inhabitant. Here, have a look.
Sources: Contemporist and BAK Architects
Seedbombs and Walking in L.A.
Designed by L.A.’s Common Studio, the Seedbomb project has made it’s first installation in San Francisco. They use old gum ball machines, fill them with clay balls full of seeds to assist in spreading the gorilla guerilla gardening movement. This project helps to turn otherwise dead, grey, and vacant locations into colorful, life filled spaces.
This project needs support and you can help. For a minimum $1.00 pledge you can help fund this. Go here and help out. Find out more about this over at Inhabitat.
“Nobody walks in L.A.”, at least that’s what Missing Persons sang about. Over at GOOD, Ryan Bradley has started a series discussing walking in Los Angeles, and how to open the city to pedestrian friendly transportation. Narrow roads that are friendly to on-foot transportation are a staple for European cities. It brings neighbors closer together — which strengthens the bond of their inhabitants. It builds micro-economic markets and enriches culture. Both of which could use some help in my neighborhood.
I am a strong advocate for pedestrian friendly cities. It’s part of the reasons my friends have to put up with my biased love for Northwest Portland — my favorite and former neighborhood. I now live right on Cesar E Chavez Blvd; which is horrific for foot travel and keeps me from enjoying my neighborhood. I just don’t see the bond between people the way I did living in a close, walk friendly part of town. I’m glad someone is starting to ask these questions in Los Angeles. It could go a long way towards our continued efforts to build smarter transportation systems through better urban planning. It could also help small local based businesses open doors and thrive.
