Another good weekend to get outside and hike. I didn’t give it much thought besides knowing I wanted to hike with Jenny. The easiest thing was to just hike Elk Mountain that we talked about the week before. We knew where to go, it was close, and Kings Mountain had a good view from the top. As Jenny pointed out this was a much more extreme hike. It was 1.5 miles and a 1900′ elevation change.
We got a super early start. Some coffee from Coava and we arrived at the trailhead by 8:30am. The deeper into the forest we got the worse the weather looked. For half the hike it was raining. It wasn’t hard and what got us soaked was the narrow trail and all the water on the leaves.
This trail had many good spots on the way up to stop and look across the valley. With all the rain clouds you would see it following the wind patterns down the valley and up mountain sides. As we got higher up the mountain the weather cleared up. Near the summit the tree cover never really clear up but it was still a decent view. Here we cracked open a beer and toasted our victory. The extra weight was worth it. This hike was shorter and I thought not as difficult getting to the summit compared to Kings Mountain. Even coming down wasn’t that bad on my knees.
With the early start and short hike we again stopped at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse for a drink. Way more crowded this time but we found a secluded spot on the lawn to enjoy the sun, nice weather and a beer.
Another good hike in the Tillamook State Forest. Still thinking about that full loop. Its doable I think. Just need to see if we can camp and plan out a visit. The summit trail head starts at the Elk Mountain campsite so if we can’t camp on the mountain we can at least camp at the base. A sunrise or sunset from this area would be pretty cool.
McMenamins Tropic Heat After hiking we got a well deserved beer.
A holiday weekend and after many months of quarantine it was time to get outside. Among many other activities this long weekend Jenny and I went for a hike. We decided to hike up Kings Mountain in the Tillamook State Forest. We found this from a hiking book I have. It talked about the summit and the view and we both where in before even really understanding what it was we where getting ourselves into.
summit of Kings Mt.
We then saw just how challenging this hike was going to be. It is a only 2.5 miles but in that distance you cover 2500′ by the time you get to the peak which is 3226′. You spend most of your time climbing. There are very few flat sections on the trail. What you find is that you’re constantly climbing up the hill. The trail doesn’t have many switchbacks like some other trail because you just climb up the hill.
It took us just over 2 hours to get the to top. Thankfully the weather was cool that morning because I needed it. I was sweating my ass off the entire way up and if it was hot and humid it would have been a brutal hike. Its just shows how out of shape I am not necessarily how extreme it is. As we walked up a guy passed us running down the trail. Later as we started our hike down he passed us hiking up the mounting. Before we returned to the trail head he ran past us down the trail. That guy was crazy fit.
several other trails can start from here
We hung out at the summit for a good bit to relax and take in the view. The pictures don’t do it justice. Even thought it was cloudy we could see pretty damn far across the valley. We also ate lunch to regain some energy. After about 20 minutes of relaxing we started making our way back down the mountain. While it only took 1:20 minutes to get down I feel it was much harder. As steep as it was it was hard on my knees. Weird as it sounds running down the mountain helped. We could use the momentum we already had which would help carry us down the mountain.
On the way back we stopped for a well deserved drink at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse. I think next time I might just bring a bottle with us to the top of the mountain. I know the glass is heavy but after a long hike up a mountain like that a beer is well deserved. This location has a huge grass area you can lounge at along with several areas with picnic benches. Considering the circumstances we decided to drink outside. Nice place on a good day to be outside.
One thing I realized was the deforestation you can see. When you are at the summit you can see well manicured cleared patches of forest dotting the valley. It is such a shame to see this broken and disjointed patch work of forest. Only the valleys are left with trees as everything else is cleared. It seemed like half where not replanted either. As we walked down I noticed all the uniform trees and a single tree section that must have been 5′ across. It was then I realized this was a reforested patch of land. I was glad to see it have trees again but sad knowing all the old growth had been cut down.
We talked about continuing the hike around to Elk Mountain. If we did that we would camp and catch the sunrise/sunset across the valley which I bet is pretty amazing. At least hike up that mountain as a single hike. Initially I didn’t read the description closely but it is 1.5 mile and 1900′ elevation change. So it is shorter but sounds like it is a steeper grade. I just need to pack plenty of water and snacks and I will be able to make it.
Kings Mountain certainly is a challenge but if you are determined you will make it up. Just take breaks as you go but you will make it. There is a larger loop if you are interested in completely in. Several other trails from this central location which is also nice.
Tillamook State Forest Kings Mountain Trailhead
Kings Mountain and Elk Mountain trail map.
Even when you get to 2500′ you still have to climb another 700′.
Almost near the top the trees start to open up and you can see across the valley.
February ended up being a busy month for concerts. The PDX Jazz Festival was this month and I saw two shows in a row the weekend before. Friday night was Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Saturday it was Antibals. It was another Friday night and moe. was playing at the Revolution Hall a few blocks from my house. This place is not the biggest but it is really cool.
An old school that has been turned into a multi use building. One of the space is for a concert hall in what was the old school auditorium. There is a pretty big second level which I have yet to see but it looks nice up there. Most of the main floor is seated which is a change for a place this size. Very old and classic wooden auditorium chairs that are pretty worn out. Way down in front there is a dance floor which is usually packed with people. Honestly with all the chairs the places doesn’t really feel packed which is nice. The moe. show that night was sold out but I felt like there was plenty of space to move and not feel crowded. We were only just starting to understand covid-19 in this country so I’m sure some people stayed home out of an abundance of caution.
I got there a little after 7:30pm and sat right next to the light board in the middle of the floor. The section to my left was the sound board and I knew no one would be coming that way. I was also at the end of the row so there wold be at least one space between me and someone else. Even in front the woman didn’t sit directly in front of me which I thought was weird but appreciated. This spot allowed me a good view of the light guy who was interesting to watch all night. Seemed like most of the show is pre programmed as he just “randomly” smashed buttons. He literally had a button labeled “Tap” which I was curious about. At times he would bang away at that button. Anyway a good view of the stage and I could take a seat if I wanted.
Settling in for a spacey night of moe.
That night it was a weird audience for sure. Covid-19 was really only just starting to hit the US. There where a few cases in Washington and they found an early case west of Portland a few days before. That weekend the city prepared for what was to come. Friday night we all just tried to enjoy ourselves and have a good night.
A smaller venue for moe. to play I thought but a good stage. Because the venue is not very large everyone gets a good line of sight. I love the small dance floor and the option to sit down if you want it. Anyway I thought the first set, the entire night in fact, was very spacey. It was a lot of far out and jammy shit in my opinion. Definitely some different stuff then I have seen live over the last few years. It was great to see this different side of moe. I don’t think it is a larger shift in how the band sounds just an expression in the moment of space and time.
Set break was rather interesting that night. The woman in front of me really wanted to talk. I was tapping away on my phone writing a post but she was persistent. She even mentioned she would circle back as I continued to write. Eventually she did and we talked for quite a while during the break. Certainly much more liberal than I am. I got the feeling that she didn’t like me very much but that was ok. We managed to each keep a level head and talk about a lot of touchy subjects. It was more important to being correct was more important than being right.
moe. set 2
moe. really keep with a schedule that night. Second set started on the dot and continued the spacey jams for the rest of the night. It was just some very good relaxing stuff to be listening to. With everything that was going on and especially with everything that I know now after the show, it was great to just relax to a live concert with others. With the slow downtempo space beats it really added to the vibe for the evening. A sold out show according to ticket sales but pretty sparse the day of the show.
A great concert that evening for the start of the 30th anniversary tour. At first I wasn’t sure the show would go on but I was glad it did. Great performance by the band. Even if the light show was all pre programmed. The space jams really is what I enjoyed most. Just kicking back listening to some good music close to home.
moe. Friday, February 28th 2020 Revolution Hall 1300 SE Stark St Portland, OR
Sold Out
Set one starts at 8:02pm
Crab Eyes *
Water >
Meat >
It >
Gone >
Billy Goat >
Meat Set over at 9:21pm
Set two starts at 10:00pm
Along for the Ride >
Waiting for the Punchline
Godzilla >
Jazz Cigarette
Runaway Overlude #
Silver Sun Set over at 11:07pm
Encore starts at 11:10pm
Akimbo
Captain America
House lights at 11:21pm
Notes * with Jake Cinninger # Blue Oyster Cult cover
March 19th 2020. First day of spring and while this should be a festive time celebrating new beginnings and the coming bounty is just all seems weird. Covid-19 is taking over and lots of people are fearful and panic. Nature doesn’t care. She moves to her own drum and right now its the first day of spring. The weather perfect. Mostly clear with the sun still out shining brightly later in the afternoon. It was even hot with temps in the low 60’s. Reminds me there are a lot of good things in this world.
Many of the stores around my neighborhood are closed. Others that can stay open are but you can tell they are hurting for business. We will get through this but we must do it together.
Second day of the PDX Jazz Festival for me and I was out seeing more live music. This night it was Antibalas playing at a new venue I had never heard of, Stage 722. Unlike the night before I didn’t over sleep and made it was plenty of time to see all the acts performing that night.
First time at this venue and checking the site they don’t book many shows. A newer space based on the construction. When you first walk in it is lined with food stalls to the right serving all sorts of food. This is also where some benches are to sit. There is a huge bar in the middle but it’s difficult to get to. The bar also have this huge weird drywall all the way to the ceiling which just looks out of place. In the back is another small bar. Never made it to the second level to check it out. Looks like maybe some stools or maybe bar tables up there. The stage is along the entrance wall and the floor is polished concrete.
First up was POPgoji who started at 9pm on the dot. Not my type of music. They reminded me a lot of this band that opened for George Porter Jr. that I believe was from New Orleans. POPgoji had a lot of bass drums which didn’t fit every song. Lots of horns. Just something I had a hard time getting into.
The True Loves
The True Loves who performed next I was excited to see yet again. It was not till this time around that I recognized Skerik whom I saw as a part of Garage-a-Trio. Most recently in Seattle for a three show reunion run. I have seen The True Loves a few times so I’m surprised it took me this long to figure it out. This is also the closest I’ve been to the band so I could see his face. Another good set from them that night. A few covers but a good amount of energy. At the end of the set they plugged their after party performance at Jack London Revue which I thought was in poor taste. Sorry not everyone at this sold out show for the Antibalas was there to see just you guys.
The Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe show the night before was over before Antibalas even took the stage this evening. I was not sure how long they would play but I knew it was going to be a late night. I was glad it was a Saturday and the venue close to my apartment. They played till almost 1am and it was an amazing show. I love the afrobeat rhythms from them. Played some of their earlier work and from their new album that just dropped, Fu Chronicles.
Well before the end of the night people started dropping like flies. I know it’s late but it was sold out and Saturday night. I feel more people should have stayed till the end. Only real disappoint was no encore that night. Try as we might we couldn’t get the band back for another song. Maybe it was the thinned out crowd.
Antibalas
At the end of the set Amayo made a similar speech like Karl did the night before. I don’t remember the exact words but it was a group chant he starts that I have heard at a previous Antibalas show. Something like “love will overcome.” The point was more love from everyone in this world. Something we can always use more of.
An interesting venue to say the least. I can honestly say I have never seen a design quite like this one. Certainly a good multi use space for all types of events. Not really sure how well it works for a music venue but I would come back. I will skip POPgoji next time, not my thing. The True Loved kicked ass and Antibalas brought the house down with their African rhythms.
Antibalas Saturday, February 22nd 2020 Stage 722 – Portland, OR
Sold Out
POPgoji from 9pm off at 9:41pm The True Loves from 9:56pm off at 10:47pm
