PDX Random

OK, I realize you are probably getting tired of hearing about snowboarding so I won't give details about our last few trips up to Mt. Hood during our days off work for Christmas. So instead, here is a compilation of random pics I have taken on my iPhone while in Portland.


We will start off with a pic taken during our recent snowstorm on my way to work in the morning. It is a life-sized elk sculpture in the middle of the street a few blocks from our apt. In the spirit of the holidays, someone has placed jinglebells around its neck.

A movable road barrier that doubles as a park bench.

A unique sign warning of the dangers of riding a bike on the trolley tracks.

There are lots of bikes in PDX...apparently parking is an issue too. :)

Now that it's rainy season, it's time to hit up Powells Bookstore. It is the largest independently owned bookstore and occupies an entire city block.

As I was out driving the other day, I got to see the drawbridge raised and then lowered. Very impressive....a great feat of engineering. I'm just glad I was not in a hurry to get across the river.

Last weekend we went to the Kennedy school. It is an actual school which closed in the 60's and not much has changed since. McMenamins (owner of the Kennedy School) has a lot of unique establishments like this throughout the Pacific Northwest. They own and operate hotels, their own microbreweries, movie theatres, music venues, restaurants, etc. Each building has its own character and a lot of history. The Kennedy school has been converted into a movie theater, a pool hall, several restaurants, and several bars. It was very cool and erie at the same time. I liked the nostalgia it inspired, but I would NOT want to be there alone in the halls at night. The darkness in the pics accurately portrays the overall mood of the place (it is as if everything is in sepia).

The movie theater has a bunch of old couches and recliners surrounding the silver screen.

I am kinda glad we decided to get rid of this waterfountain design. I remember awkward moments in Lanier middle school when two people would try to use one of these and end up hitting heads.

The detention room has been converted to a cigar room.

Kern feels like a giant here...

I hope they are not still actually using these electrical transformers and circuit breakers.

The Boiler Room was converted to a bar with multiple levels to hang out. The railings are made from old radiators.
The End.