Nosy Neighbors

No, this isn’t a post about difficult neighbors. It’s the newest place to buy coffee (and donuts) in the Claremont Village. After our Potato Mountain hike (and a shower), we walked to Nosy Neighbors next to Pepo Melo to try out their cappuccinos. Last week was their soft opening, so it’s hard to be critical, but I have a few suggestions for this new venture.

The Claremont Courier’s article says that this shop is on the Village Outskirts, which sounds almost as funny to me as their description of where Neon Moon Art Supply is. Outskirts? The Village is four square blocks – give or take. It is across the street from Shelton Park, kitty-corner from Rio de Ojas, and across from Bardot.

Anyway, we ordered two regular cappuccinos, although they had other specials listed. During the soft opening all drinks were $2. Cash only. No decaf.

It was busy, with people waiting outside for their drinks. It’s small inside, and there is no place to sit. I saw at least two places which would be great for benches. But, you can walk across the street to Shelton Park after you get your order.

There are, however, many places to park your bike.

I would also add some kind of hanging plants in this area – maybe that will come. We waited 15 minutes for our drinks. Again, this is a soft opening, and they might become more efficient as they get going. The cappuccinos were very good, though. I’m not a big donut fan, so someone else will have to tell you if the ones here are good.

Potato Mountain

On my list of hikes to do, we finally trekked up Potato Mountain last Tuesday. Rumor had it that it was extremely difficult. Rumor had it that it was moderate. Rumor had it that the view at the summit was worth it.

Potato Mountain

You can read a more detailed description with more information here. We parked about a quarter mile past the trailhead with five other cars.

The first part of the hike is through Evey Canyon, and it was beautiful. Some trees are starting to turn color.

It took an hour to climb the two miles (plus a little more) to the summit. I found the incline moderate, although I stopped a few times (I had to take photos, of course!).

As promised, at the top, people have left potatoes. And the rumor of the great view was also confirmed.

The hills in the immediate background are the ones we most often hike in the Claremont Wilderness Park – the very popular 5-mile Loop and Gale Mountain.

It took us 40 minutes to descend. It might have taken longer if my phone had not nearly run out of battery and I had stopped for more photos.

We saw two bikers and 5 solo hikers on the trail. We will return.

Portland MAX Stations

I came across the website of artist Nina Katchadourian and was inspired by her creativity. She takes photos on airplanes with her camera phone. When I fly, I take photos out of the window, but Nina takes the constraints of limited opportunities to create small masterpieces. Many of her photos use airplane magazines, plentiful in the before-times, but not available in pandemic-times.

While riding the MAX to the airport on Monday, I decided to take photos of MAX stations. I limited myself to what I saw out of my window. Sometimes the scene was interesting, sometimes, less so. The day was sunny, and the trees are turning all kinds of lovely fall colors.

Flamingoes at the Oregon Zoo

Fall break means a weekend in Oregon. Saturday was a beautiful, warm, and sunny day, perfect for a trip to the Oregon Zoo.

Many animals had pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns in their spaces, including the flamingoes.

Getting Creative with Orchestra Rehearsals

It’s been great to see students back on campus after 18 months. It’s not exactly like in the before-times with masking, social distancing and other Covid precautions, but people are learning and working together again.

The Claremont Concert Orchestra has, under the direction of David Cubek, has been rehearsing in new ways. String instrumentalists can mask while playing, but it is hard for wind players to do so. Some rehearsals have had strings on stage, and winds in the back of Garrison Theater. Recently the orchestra has had rehearsals outside, in front of Garrison Theater. With evening rehearsals, it’s been dark, but the ability to make music together makes the challenges worthwhile.

The first concert of the year will be on Sunday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m. It will be outdoors in front of Garrison Theater. Audience members must reserved a free ticket at this site:

Register on Eventbrite

The orchestra will perform Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Dvořák’s New World Symphony.

Kansas Skies

I was only in Kansas for the weekend, and Saturday was cloudy. Sunday was bright with no clouds, but I was rewarded with lovely skies as I left on Monday morning.

This photo was taken from the hotel window in Newton.

This photo was taken from the backseat of the car less than an hour later as we drove north along I-135.

Someday I would like to spend a week on a photographic car tour in Kansas. I would get some great sky photos, I’m sure.

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains

Trees are not turning colors just yet in Kansas, but on Sunday I visited the Dyck Arboretum in Hesston, Kansas. The prairie is getting ready for winter, so I saw many plants past their prime, but beautiful in the sunshine.

Spiderwebs in the dewy grass caught my eye, and after I downloaded the photos, I noticed the spider in this one.

Some flowers are still blooming.

Neon Moon Art Supply

The Claremont Courier article says that Neon Moon Art Supply is hidden between Aromatique and an outdoor patio space. Actually, this new (opened during the pandemic last year) art supply store is right on First Street around the corner from Espiau’s for all to see.

Right now there is an display featuring art by Female Faceless, but they are thinking of creating spaces for people to come make art along that wall.

Check out their Facebook page to know about upcoming events and new items in stock!