Portland etc, July 4-7, 1998

It was a draw bridge, so there was a Walk/Don't-Walk signal near the center of the bridge (plus: a sign, of course, saying: "Obey the Walk-Don't-Walk Signal"). Why not a Jump-Don't-Jump signal? Or maybe a sign saying: "All Jumpers Must Register", and then don't provide a registry. I think it's worth a try.

Portland Blues Festival So extremely fine. I spent an amazing 2 days there, and will surely return next year. Two stages at opposite ends of a grassy sloping park along the Willamette River. While one stage was setting up, the other was performing. About 1 hr per band. Every single one was absolutely fantastic.

The boyz in this bunch did a fine tune, then the lead guitarist told a bluz story 'bout his search for luv, he searched in the bars, he searched in the supermarkets, he searched in the churches, and finally searched in the Insane Asylum, and as he's telling this bluz story 2 nerds in white coats lead out this babe, Duffy Bishop, in a @#$% straightjacket and stand her up in front of the microphone and she belts out, POWERfully, MOURNfully: "BABY...BABY.. SAVE ME PLEASE...".

And the crowd went wild.

But the writing of it certainly can't convey the experience, you had to 'been there.

Ya shudda been there.

All these bluz folks were old & fat. It takes time to learn & experience. Big Monti certainly was no exception. Acquire his CD. He was absolutely incredible.

Sunday, a bridge in Portland... Bridge deck.

This is my favorite - i held the camera up to shoot right thru the center of the razor wire, aiming via the LCD display. The colorful background is advertising on the rounded sides of an old grain elevator.

Inside the old railroad station. Check the reflection on the polished pink marble!

Urbanity.

A moldy facade.

The best photos in this series i didn't think much of at the time, and this is one of 'em. This is half of the remnant of an old wall, including faded advertising, before another old wall.