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.