(This post could also be called "42 self-portraits and almost no scenery")
When the Tram was built, some enterprising fellow realized we could have a loop trail that involved three different kinds of transportation and some hiking. Thus it was made: the 4Ts trail. By hiking it, you get to experience the Train (Max) Trolley (Streetcar) Tram (OHSU's expensive way to get to work.) The fourth T is the trail that you hike to connect the other three.
You can see a map here:
http://library.oregonmetro.gov/files/trailtramtrolleytrain.pdf
I've hiked the 4Ts trail before when it was first proposed and my friend Cindy and her sister Ellen were visiting. At the time there wasn't a lot of signage, so we took a wrong turn and the Trail part got a bit more lengthy than it should have been. It was still fun. Now there is massive signage and Matt and I made the attempt.
We started by taking the Max to pick up the blue line. On our Yellow Line train, was a very loud cell phone talker whose constant annoying chatter about computers was so amusing to us that we eventually started recording him. Unfortunately, we didn't catch the good part of the diatribe. We switched for the Blue Line at Pioneer Place. There we encountered Mr. Statue, whom I call "Mr Statue.com" because he used to have a sign that read MrStatue.com. In googling him, I have discovered that Mr. Statue isn't going to be around as much. Alas.
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/mr_statue_wants_to_quit_standi.html
Aside from the bad news, this was a pretty exciting video because I'd not heard Mr. Statue talk before. I saw him once walking, which was a total thrill. He's not as tall when he isn't standing on his platform.
Mr. Statue does this juggling thing with those glass balls you see below and then also he just stands there. The fun part about watching Mr. Statue is what happens when an unsuspecting person puts money in the jar.
If he's in statue mode, he will stick out his hand for you to shake. If you are expecting this, it's just fun to shake his hand. If you are not, it can be a bit startling. If you are a child, there can be a jump and a yelp involved. This is followed by giggles from other passers-bye.
Here's what happens when you are attempting self portrait on the train and have not properly anchored yourself.
We discover more signage and learn the sad fact that we should have started with the Tram portion. By the time we arrive, the Tram will have finished running for the day. Had we read the sign back at the train, we would have known that. Alas, switched trains a few stops earlier to see Mr Statue.com and didn't read the sign. Oh well.
We are sad.
But then we take the bus to the trolley (streetcar) and go to The Old Spaghetti Factory and all is right with the world again.
1 comment:
I love all of the self-portraits!!! You need a SP label! Looks like a very fun outing.
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