Dave Knows Portland

Enchanted Forest 2011

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Enchanted Forest MapThe Enchanted Forest opens for the 2011 season on Thursday, March 17.

Until last July I hadn’t traipsed down Storybook Lane since the early 80s. Heather had never stumbled through the crooked house nor witnessed the giant warts on the concrete witch’s nose, so as a birthday treat we spent a magical day at the happiest place on the I-5 corridor just south of Salem, Oregon. Afterward she declared:

If you live in Oregon and you haven’t been to Enchanted Forest, you need to go. If you haven’t been in a long time, go back. And if you have kids, Enchanted Forest will rock their world. You’d be a total ass not to bring your kids here as soon as possible.

The park opens at 10am, and rides and the Haunted House open at 10:30. Closing time varies, and for part of the season the park is only open on weekends, so before you jump in the car make sure to check the park schedule on the website. Ticket prices vary with age and ride options. There are food vendors but the Enchanted Forest welcomes picnics (no BBQs or alcohol though).

Video Interlude: A night photographer’s weekend on the coast

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A night photographer’s weekend on the coast from Valorie Unruh on Vimeo.

Another beautiful short timelapse video from photographer Valorie Unruh on Vimeo:

Oregon finally had a clear weekend so my boyfriend and I headed to the coast for some camping and night photography. I’ve just recently got into creating timelapses so it’s still a lot of fun to wait hours before seeing the results. I started at sunset, and went from there. The pile of iron is a ancient ship wrecked on the shore at Ft. Stevens, Oregon. It was a great weekend, and I had a blast putting together the timelapse.

That’s the wreck of the Peter Iredale of course.

Winter Nano Beer Fest (February 25-27, 2011)

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Nano Beer FestThe 2nd annual Winter Nano Beer Fest takes place Friday through Sunday, February 25 through 27, at Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub (12562 SW Main St. in Tigard). Indeed, the nanos are rising!

This fest feature 10 big beers from tiny Oregon breweries.

And one cider from Salem:

4 ounces tasters will set you back $1.50, or you can fill your festival glass for $5.00. Live bands play all weekend. Hours are 11am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

February 20, 1891: North Yamhill Incorporated

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Wine at Willakenzie in Yamhill County, OregonThe city of Yamhill, Oregon in Yamhill County was incorporated by the Oregon Legislature as North Yamhill on February 20, 1891.

Yamhill’s curious name did not originate with someone’s observation of hills full of tubers, but rather the county was named for the original inhabitants of the area, the Yamhill Indians, who lived near the Yamhill River.

The Yamhill area is notable these days for its numerous vineyards and wineries.

Also writers Beverly Cleary and Nicholas B. Kristof both grew up on Yamhill farms.

February 16, 1893: First Electric Interurban Connects Portland and Oregon City

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OC Electric Railway Opens (from Feb. 17, 1893 Oregonian)One of the first interurban electric railways in the country connected Portland and Oregon City. Called the East Side Railway, the first official ride took place on February 16, 1893. The Oregonian reported the next day:

The formal opening of the East Side Railway Company’s electric line between Portland and Oregon City took place yesterday afternoon, and was made the occasion of quite a demonstration at the Falls City. At 2:10pm the company’s car “Helen” left the corner of Madison and Second . . .

The 16 mile long line ran until 1958. Now an effort is underway to create The Trolley Trail, a regional multi-use trail, utilizing the old streetcar line right-of-way between the Milwaukie and Gladstone.