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My sister came down to Portland OR from Seattle WA for a taiko concert, so we visited the Oregon coast en route.
- (Expletive) Oregon Signs
Our drive out to the coast was a little more tense than it needed to be. Why put a "Next gas 40 miles" sign well AFTER the last gas station?!?!
Wouldn't it be better to have a sign BEFORE that says "Last gas for 40 miles"?
The Oregon Highway Department needs an information design consultant. So many signs here are placed inappropriately or have confusing wording, not to mention those signs that are obscured by trees or moss (it rains a lot here). Luckily half the distance to Tillamook OR is downhill -- we coasted into town on fumes, and breathed a sigh of relief as our tank filled up at the first gas station.
- Tillamook
At the Tillamook County Creamery Association visitor center, we learned that one of Oregon's signature products has a Canadian connection. In the early 1900s, a cheesemaker came from the Great White North to teach Oregonians how to make cheddar. The production floor had an observation level, where short video clips explained each step of the cheesemaking process. The museum showed how dairy work today has become more technological -- each cow has a tag with an identifying silicon chip, which allows farmers to keep track of milk production. Before heading out on the road, we enjoyed some Tillamook ice cream in the center's cafe.
- Dairy Records Management Systems
Processes data each month on over 14,600 herds with more than 1.7 million cows. Programs for handheld computing devices, data downloads, benchmarks.
- Veterinary Informatics
The discipline concerned with the application of information science, engineering, and computer technology to support veterinary teaching, research, and practice.
- Chips and Fish x 3
We stopped at the Oregon Coast Lighthouse Co. for the best fish and chips I have had in quite a while,
something like "Fish McNuggets": tasty chunks of cod, salmon and tuna deep fried in a garlic-lemon batter.
- An Angry Sea
The Hawaii Five-O theme was not out of place as huge waves crashed into shore. We had to drive past the
Sea Lion Cave near Florence OR -- no time to stop if we were to make it to Eugene for the show.
- Two-For-One Taiko
Asian American drumming group Portlnad Taiko organized the group purchase by
its performing members and past students of tickets for a
taiko concert in Eugene, a quiet college town in southern Oregon. We all rendezvous-ed at the
Taste of India restaurant for a pre-show meal.
The helpful staff there made sure we ordered enough food and they provided plenty of rice!
Eugene Taiko played a set in the lobby of the
Hult Center for the Performing Arts before the show.
In the indoor venue their sound reverberated off the roof and walls, sounding more powerful than
when I last saw them at an outdoor performance. Spectators were crowded several people deep around the stage and along the balconies and stairways. To see the show, I looked up at the reflection in the glass roof -- an interesting perspective.
The main event was in the
Silva Concert Hall. Because we had bought our tickets early, we were just four rows from the stage! Kodo from Japan was outstanding, as usual. About half of the 10-song program was the same as what they played when I last saw them in Seattle WA, including Kodo standards like Monochrome, O-daiko and Yatai-bayashi -- still amazing every time I see them. Of the new (to me) pieces, Hana-hachijo was most impressive. One man and one woman at either end of a raised drum traded rhythms back and forth, graceful but powerful, especially the woman, who managed intricate sticking even while dressed in a kimono.
The show received a standing ovation. Afterwards, we made the two-hour drive back up I5. I have gone north and south to see Kodo now. Maybe next year they will come to Portland?
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