Friday, July 22, 2005

A bit from yesterday;

Hiker 1 (me): You'll have a great view of Ranier and Adams, but try to ignore the clearcuts.

Hikers 2 and 3 (slightly fatties) Oh no! (hippie alarm sounds) knee jerk retalitory comment: "Well do you want us to stop using paper?)

Hiker 1: Smile (to self: perhaps these people don't know much about sustainable forestry. I should keep my opinions to myself!)

(background: the new cuts in the astoria state forest are far exceeding federal forestry suggestions for timber harvest plots. Well, anyway I guess you had to be there.

This mom and son team really was unprepared for such a radical suggestion like making logging blend into the landscape; utilizing small plots and select cutting. anyway this bothered me for a few minutes until I thought about the tasty chicken enchilladas I had for lunch. mmm...enchillada

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

From Kurdistan with Love

He wiles away a Saturday night. Luckily, business is good and a big funeral crowd scurries toward home amongst the spot lit wooden edifice of Ikuta shrine. His furrowed brow and thin stature suggests evidence of a harsh reality. How harsh I had no idea…

Born in the high steppes of Kurdistan, a political no-man’s land comprising northern Iraq and a sizable portion of Turkey, this kebab vendor is a man without free passage, without the ability to travel across established borders, as there are simply no Kurdistan passports in existence.

His Kebabs, comprised of pita bread, shredded cabbage and chicken painstakingly roasted just centimeters from the patron are an investment both in curbing our hunger and stepping into a frightening world of a Kurdish political refugee.

Putting his real name in print would undoubtedly bring him harm, so his adopted name, for the duration of this article, shall be x x a common name among Kurdish men of his generation.

Having not set foot in his homeland for more than 25 years, x spent a decade as a certified refugee under the UN refugee act living, working and longing in Norway whilst waiting for the political situation to improve. Further persecution of Iraq Kurds and Kurdish asylum seekers across the globe were frustrating reminders of his ever-worsening odds to raise his family in a place he felt he belonged.

What does he miss? “It’s very beautiful in my home town, with the high mountains, and the dry air.” Asked whether he considers returning to the village he fled almost three decades prior, his face darkens: That is just not a favorable option, he notes.

Around Kansai: Takedao’s Tunnels Ryan Parker Visits the train line turned recreational center of Takedao Dating from before World War Two the now disused brick tunnels of Takedao offer a cool, breezy respite to the summer heat. With lots of unspoiled nature, hiking courses and picnicking grounds it’s a good spot for a day out. The main hiking (some would say walking) course follows a section of the former JR Sanda rail line along the Mukogawa river. The tunneled railway line was fully decommissioned in 1986 with the new line veering west away from the river canyon. Following along the abandoned tracks there are a number of tunnels to pass through. They are damp, refreshing and, of course, very dark so it is advised that you bring along a flashlight. On the way you can cross ageing iron trestles, whose rotting timbers afford you a birds eye view the rivers emerald-green waters as they cascade down numerous series of rapids, spillways and chutes. The depth of the river level here varies considerably depending on rainfall, evidenced by the water markings on a giant tree stump wedged into a bridge in front of JR Takedao. That is almost 15 meters above normal river levels. As of spring 2005 the railroad ties were being removed and replaced with coarse crushed rock. So, sturdy hiking shoes are advised. While the tunnels can be done as a one-way trip, this path ends at busy Rte 176 from where you can walk down-river to JR Namaze. However it is more pleasant to turn around and retrace your steps as most you’ll walk in a day here is about five kilometers. On the return leg, Sakura House comes recommended; they offer a good mix of seasonal desserts, snacks, beverages and the usual Japanese noodle dishes. Look for the Swiss-inspired wooden hut in the picnic parking area. They have staked out prime river-front views to boot. At the start of the trail there are a number of popular picnic areas where you can enjoy a well earned rest after the day’s exertions. Access:Takedao is a local-only stop on the JR Fukuchiyama line. The hiking and picnicking action begins a few hundred meters south of JR Takedao’s lone exit. Parking is free and located near the start of the hike. Extra:From Osaka board a local JR train bound for Sanda or Shin-Sanda. From Kyoto or Kobe use the Hankyu Railway to Takarazuka station; then transfer at JR Takarazuka

Saddle Mountain 800 Words July 1, 2005 (deadline March 7, 2006)
Saddle Mountain State natural area lies just 8 miles from the Necanicum Junction, and looms on a clear day over nearby Seaside, in the wet, green center of Clastop County. Comprised of accreted terrains as the melting pacific plate slides under continental North America, this ancient volcano and its forested surrounds is one of the least-touristy spots on the North Coast. In fact visitors to Saddle mountain have much to do, see and experience as the mainstream whirrs by to more popular )and thus subject to summertime traffic snarls) destinations along the stretch of Highway 101 immediately west of the park.

The lofty 3,283 foot Saddle Mountain is the Queen of the coast range, with Benton County’s Mary’s Peak king at 4,038 feet. You may be asking yourself, what exactly, is Saddle Mountain made of? Explained best in the handy Roadside Geology of Oregon, the mountain is comprised of pillow basalts, seafloor scrapings, both from geologic processes, millions of years ago that transformed what was then ocean floor, into what is now the coast range, the Willamette Valley and the heavily-eroded western Cascades..

The forest cover in and among the mountain’s shadow is good evidence of the sheer biodiversity of the northwest corner of Oregon is blessed with. Alder, western red cedar, pine and several species of fir intermingle depending on altitude.

Oregon state parks boasts 231 properties statewide, of which 179 are developed for day use and overnight camping. This vast amount of land exceeds 96,000 square acres! For more information on Saddle Mountain State Natural area (one of four natural areas statewide), turn to these online resources:

Fast facts (boxed)
There are 10 primitive camp sites available March 1 thru November. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis. To make reservations, contact Oregon State Park Reservations at 800-452-5687, well in advance of your planned visit.
Saddle Mountain’s official Internet site is www.oregonstateparks.org/park_197.php
Send general queries to: park.info@state.or.us. The General information helpline is 800-551-6949.
Day use fees for hikers and visitors is $5.00.

For consideration:
Tree species: make notes Sources list. History links
Photo angles: Sign at highway, sign stating 3 miles, from viewpoint, from summit, open meadow, sunset, sunrise, from Warrenton.
Digital images via well-labeled CD-R and Slides.
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http://englishriverwebsite.com/LewisClarkColumbiaRiver/Regions/Places/saddle_mountain.html
www.nwhiker.com


Sidebar: Other Day hikes in Saddle Mountain’s vicinity.
Cape Falcon trail: Just 20 minutes south from Saddle Mountain by car, wildlife and spectacular trailside views are what make this hike a must. Convenient for visitors going south down US 101, the four-mile hike can be done in two to three hours. Moss-blanketed Sitka spruce, erosion-resistant salal and grassy plateaus are highlights. Hikers often spot black-tailed deer, pilleated woodpeckers and, of course, plenty of seagulls scanning the rocky shoreline for hope of a wayward sea star or jellyfish remnant.

Access: The trail begins at Oswald West state park. Parking is available on either side of the highway.

Neakahnie Mountain Summit hike: Jutting out into the Pacific and creating the photogenic view of Nehalem bay, this mountain is steep, rocky and totally doable. As you drive toward the crest Neahkahnie Mountain on US 101, look for a brown hiker sign on the left. Follow the access road to the trailhead. Reach the actual summit by an easy scramble. Please take along a flashlight when heading up to watch an unforgettable sunset. The trail tops out at 1,631 feet.
(DRAFT)
From Kyoto, Hurry up and slow down. Falafel's appeal as "fast food"

Amir Trojbicz came to Japan in 1987. For the past 18 years, he has worn a number of hats. All the while, he has not forgotten the turbulent life in Israel he left behind. His current venture Falafel Garden has become an all-encompassing ecology-minded quest to educate minds and fill stomachs full of locally grown cuisine.

Speaking of the century-old former sake shop where he runs Falafel Garden, Trojbicz notes the beautiful wooden structure was heavily under-utilized. For example where diners can relax amongst a flower garden was once a dusty storage area for decrepit cardboard boxes. Relying on a meager budget and a mental image, he gutted the interior and the new look is mild, friendly and affords a great view of the neighborhood. This Sakeyaten cum falafel outlet is "a very special place," and a neighborhood anchor.

He fell into the place by chance, notes Trojbicz. At his first restaurant, Falafel King in Nara, a loyal customer living Kyoto's Demachiyanagi sector mentioned his neighbor's sake shop was up for sale. Sensing an opportunity, Trojbicz made his move.

Moving across the mountain and starting up Falafel garden has been made easier by the networking he did running the show at Falafel King (Sadly, now defunct). Organic vegetable farmers from across the Kansai region make these meals 100% home grown. The soybeans, tomatoes and even the sesame seeds are grown pesticide, herbicide and GMO free. "Care affects taste. Falafel is a fresh, day-to-day food."

Trojbicz knows falafel. Being Israeli, it is his home nation's adopted national food. Simply put, "It's the oldest fast food in the world." But it is not that simple. Many Arab nations see their falafel as a cultural icon, much akin to the American hamburger or the German sausage. The different variations of falafel across the globe cater to that particular culture's palate. In Egypt, the falafel is drier. The Jordanian and Israeli cooking styles, are most similar. Making falafel in such places is akin to Mexican tortillas, all productions steps are done at home, with all family members taking an active role.

Falafel is a year-round snack, meal and cultural institution. All Israelis, whether Muslim, Christian or Orthodox Jew, have a favorite stall. With Kosher consideration in mind, no one need worry. Passover is the lone time to give up the breaded falafel sandwich. Trojbicz, like all Israeli males, spent between three and four years in the military. "As an Israeli soldier falafel is a good, cheap option." His weekly snack is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities and stresses he felt living in Israel, aspects he does not miss.

On whether he attained his delicious recipes from a skilled family member, he smiles and proclaims: "Falafel is the result of test, test and retest." But the fact that his mother his mom is a chef at a world-class restaurant in Argentina, cooking Kibbutz, couldn't hurt. Lying somewhere within this well-traveled and thus very spread out clan's DNA are some serious cooking genes.

His dream is being realized as he helps his Japanese customers, the majority new to the concept of a pita-based sandwich, exclaim "Oishii Katta!" and make a connection between "healthy" and the more familiar English phrase Fast food." The Japanese, Trojbicz attests, is a society built upon a "speedy lifestyle," where high costs for food grown organically and prepared as demand determines is seen negatively. Its certainly an inhibitor to the slow food movement.




Notes:

Israeli Macabe \580 from Netanya, Israel.
Organic coffee \400
Falafel's mention can be found both in Bob Dylan Lyrics and Greek Mythology.
Falafel in three words (see KTO quotes).
Sets include one pita sandwich and a drink(4 varieties: Falafel, Hummus, Baba Ganoush and Avocado.) prices range \630~\1110

Getting There:
Falafel Garden is just 100 meters east of Keihan Demachiyanagi station. Tel. 075-712-1856. Seating options include a second floor baconly, a counter and tables in the aforementioned garden. Open everyday from

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Kulture Club:

And some folks say we're all the same....

Keeping anonimity paramount, enjoy descriptions of people I know here in the development-minded archepeligo.

Person A: This tall, built and kindly man is from South Africa. He is the son of the almost 1973 Karate champion. Traits about him I like are his confidence and ability to see through problems.
He enjoys his air rifles, a nifty styrofoam cutter and a beautiful girlfriend chock full of personality, curiousity and strength.

Person B: This shrewd investor slash softball guru is another close friend whose take-no-prisoners attitude would make hime a good mayorial candidate in the future. However this person also is very educated and aware of the social problems plauguing the planet. His friend, whose political opinions could be misconstrued as chotto environmental terroristish, respects his conservative values. This guy also hiked a huge mountain wearing only Tevas, so that is something to be in awe of, as well.

Person C: This straight outt the 'peg world traveler has a lot of interesting yarns to spin. He worked for immigration Canada and such work-related stories would inspire even the most relaxed border guard to cringe. He also recommends Winnipeg as a place to avoid when he feels is an across-the-board US military call-up (aka conscription). He also is quite a dedicated teacher and has an aura which provides him many opportunities to meet chatty locals on the bus home from work. He and his wife's first initial matches that of a popular candy, made up of an assortment of shellac-coated candy bits. Of course one must add an "and" to the initials for the aforementioned part to make sense.

Person D: This person got five defermants to avoid fighting in Vietnam. To match, I believe he has had five heart attacks to match. Ironic? No, it gets better. Find this cheery fellow in one of many undisclosed locations in and around the capital of the country in which he wields enourmous power.

Person E: This British expat has a great old cottage which is over 150 years old. To add to this quaintness and low-impact living he has organized a network of organic farms across Japan. He is a major player at Kansai's biggest English-language magazine, when he is not in Hong Kong working on a Lantau Island-based butterfly garden. This initiative is helping to preserve what undeveloped land reamins, between the sleek Hong Kong International Airport and the new Dinsneyland resort.

more to follow...