Rene' Jasper

Follow Send a Message

< 1 of 3 >

Submissions Featured by the Editors (11)

All Submissions (3)

< 1 of 3 >

Saved (10)

< 1 of 5 >

Been There (19)

< 1 of 3 >

Recent Activity

Rene' Jasper submitted on Custard King Drive In in Astoria, OR.
9 days ago

Original neon ice cream cone still glows

The large Custard King sign is held firm against coastal gusts by rusty poles, but the neon ice cream cone still glows bright against gray clouds. Burgers and shakes are made to order, and built one at a time. Ah, yes, very nice. But in my memories of this place, the food is completely irrelevant, and the attractive feature was the large parking lot outside. Situated at the end of the main drag, it was the place where kids gathered; the place to see and be seen. Although the location of the gathering spot is likely somewhere else now, most residents in the county still know this tiny pink and purple cinder-block box, and after 6 decades, Custard King continues to hold its own as a local institution.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper commented "Thank you!" on Bellevue Botanical Gardens in Bellevue, WA.
2 months ago

A vingette of branches, foliage,and pods

Temperatures are still chilly, but buds are plumping and seem barely able to contain their excitement. It is too early for bright floral displays, and the few scattered stands of daffodils, crocus, and iris seem a bit boastful in the austere landscape. This is the time of year when new growth and remnants of past seasons are juxtaposed in small, beautiful vignettes. Red bark intertwined with gray-green leaves, and punctuated with dried pods make a stunning study of complimentary colors. Throughout the garden tiny, beautifully designed snapshots wait for someone to pause and frame them. In a few weeks brightly rendered compositions will scream from all directions—but right now, you must follow the whispers.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper submitted on Bellevue Botanical Gardens in Bellevue, WA.
3 months ago

A vingette of branches, foliage,and pods

Temperatures are still chilly, but buds are plumping and seem barely able to contain their excitement. It is too early for bright floral displays, and the few scattered stands of daffodils, crocus, and iris seem a bit boastful in the austere landscape. This is the time of year when new growth and remnants of past seasons are juxtaposed in small, beautiful vignettes. Red bark intertwined with gray-green leaves, and punctuated with dried pods make a stunning study of complimentary colors. Throughout the garden tiny, beautifully designed snapshots wait for someone to pause and frame them. In a few weeks brightly rendered compositions will scream from all directions—but right now, you must follow the whispers.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper has been to Bellevue Botanical Gardens in Bellevue, WA.
3 months ago
Rene' Jasper submitted on Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park in Renton, WA.
3 months ago

Spotted trunks joining underbrush to sky

Cougar Mountain has endured many traumas over the years: coal mining, clay excavation, railroad construction, farming, logging, and cold-war missile installations. The region is now getting a hard-earned respite as parkland. Winter opens the ceiling of the deciduous groves, allowing the spotted tree trunks to claim a moment of glory. Among the evergreens, rain-fed waterfalls gush over mossy rocks in fern-lined gullies, and loud taps divulge the presence of otherwise shy woodpeckers. The friendly, rolling terrain that is popular with runners was created when large volumes of earth were displaced to provide access to coal. Many trails are named after past industrial activities, and park maps denote important sites and artifacts. The healthy forest hides the scars of misuse, but a guidebook will reveal where to find the evidence. When you stop to sip from your water bottle, pause a moment to make a toast to nature's resilience.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper has been to Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park in Renton, WA.
3 months ago

Spotted trunks joining underbrush to sky — Like Rene' Jasper

Cougar Mountain has endured many traumas over the years: coal mining, clay excavation, railroad construction, farming, logging, and cold-war missile installations. The region is now getting a hard-earned respite as parkland. Winter opens the ceiling of the deciduous groves, allowing the spotted tree trunks to claim a moment of glory. Among the evergreens, rain-fed waterfalls gush over mossy rocks in fern-lined gullies, and loud taps divulge the presence of otherwise shy woodpeckers. The friendly, rolling terrain that is popular with runners was created when large volumes of earth were displaced to provide access to coal. Many trails are named after past industrial activities, and park maps denote important sites and artifacts. The healthy forest hides the scars of misuse, but a guidebook will reveal where to find the evidence. When you stop to sip from your water bottle, pause a moment to make a toast to nature's resilience.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper has been to Smith Rock in OR.
3 months ago

Smith Rock — Like Anne Scalamonti

Less than three hours from Portland, Smith Rock is where Oregon's rock climbers, hikers, and photographers converge. With its free-standing rock formations, river-carved canyons, and the Cascade Range on full display to the west, this state park isn't just for hard-bodied belayers. As a weekend getaway, Smith Rock combines nicely with the Painted Hills and Bend. Even as a destination itself, endlessly interesting Smith Rock's miles of hiking trails will lead visitors around and over the sheer basalt and volcanic tuff cliffs, as the carabiner crowd dangles high above on world-class climbing routes. The photogenic Crooked River forms the perimeter of the park, and reflects back high pinnacles with anthropomorphic names like Monkey Face and the Christian Brothers. Just outside the park, an expansive first-come, first-served camping area is an unparalleled spot to watch the rocks around you change color with every passing minute, as alpenglow colors the distant mountains in gentle pastel hues.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper has been to Tiger Mountain in Issaquah, WA.
3 months ago

Thick winter moss covering tree branches — Like Rene' Jasper

Tiger Mountain is a year-round boot camp for a diverse crowd with a mash of fitness goals. Toddlers ride on shoulders, white-haired seniors stride with purpose, and runners trot by. Folks training for far-flung mountain adventures charge uphill hauling fully loaded packs, and paragliders fling from Poo Poo Point. Fortunately, most of the commotion is fairly localized. A single turn off of the main drag puts you on a trail with more biodiversity, and fewer people. Moss proliferates in the winter rains, bundling the trees in furry green jackets. A background rush from creeks and waterfalls mingles with squishy footsteps as you cross forest, trod marshland and circle lakes. This protected habitat is home to many animals, birds, reptiles, flowers, and fungus. 70 miles of trails loop through thousands of acres to several summits. The sounds, scents, and views change seasonally. Go with a spirit of exploration, and you will find that Tiger offers much more than a quick-and-dirty workout.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper has been to Snoqualmie Falls in Fall City, WA.
3 months ago

Early spring runoff — Like Scott Twardoski

This grande dame stands 270 feet tall and wears white robes formed by the flow of the Snoqualmie River. After heavy rains, she sports a full, billowy skirt that is trimmed at the hem with spray. For a few weeks in the fall, red and yellow leaves splash color onto her rocky sleeves. But winter is special. Sometimes, when the temperature gets very cold, she dons a sparkling ice gown, strikes a dramatic pose, and holds it until temperatures rise. As the air warms, the glittery gown unravels into the basin below, and she returns to her normal routine. Snoqualmie Falls greets 1.5 million visitors annually, and produces electricity for neighboring communities. She provides a romantic setting for Salish lodge, and made a spooky backdrop for the Twin Peaks television series. Indeed, the falls works hard. But eventually, chilly air will reward her with her favorite ensemble. Then, standing all aglitter, she will beam a pleased smile out to her adoring public.
Like Add a Comment
Rene' Jasper submitted on Snoqualmie Falls in Fall City, WA.
3 months ago

The falls sometimes freeze in the winter

This grande dame stands 270 feet tall and wears white robes formed by the flow of the Snoqualmie River. After heavy rains, she sports a full, billowy skirt that is trimmed at the hem with spray. For a few weeks in the fall, red and yellow leaves splash color onto her rocky sleeves. But winter is special. Sometimes, when the temperature gets very cold, she dons a sparkling ice gown, strikes a dramatic pose, and holds it until temperatures rise. As the air warms, the glittery gown unravels into the basin below, and she returns to her normal routine. Snoqualmie Falls greets 1.5 million visitors annually, and produces electricity for neighboring communities. She provides a romantic setting for Salish lodge, and made a spooky backdrop for the Twin Peaks television series. Indeed, the falls works hard. But eventually, chilly air will reward her with her favorite ensemble. Then, standing all aglitter, she will beam a pleased smile out to her adoring public.
Like Add a Comment