At Least One Port in a Storm

Seasons turn...our mild but wet Winter has blossomed into an even more mild but still wet Spring.  Gentle readers, I have been exceptionally remiss in updating everyone on my adventures.

First two adventures, both ports but only one in a storm:  first up Portland for an extended art scene weekend and then Port Costa for a quick day trip on a rainy Sunday.  

In late February we spent an extended weekend in one of my favorite towns, Portland.  We attended Yosiell's art opening at Liquid Sky gallery.  Even though the other two joining him in the show are really talented artists, Yosiell's work stood out for its excellence.

A bell jar Sickling.  

Excellent work, each of these bell jars seem to tell a  small story.  The candle is actually a light...

Lydia, another Woodland Orphan.

Another of our art stops was the Fernie Brae.  This eclectic store focused primarily on artworks by Brian Froud and his son, Toby.  Brian's work is featured in the movie the Dark Crystal and Labrynth. Way cool mystical artworks and an awesome vibe all around.  The shop owner Bryonie welcomed us as if we were guests in her home.

An exceptionally large piece on display at Fernie Brae. 

Another beautiful piece in a display case.  

This is definitely a shop that would be perfect for a showing of Sicklings.

Bryonie recommended a second stop to the Portland Puppet Museum.  The proprietors and master puppeteers regaled us with stories about Sherri and Lanbchop, Howdy Doody and all manner of famous puppets and puppeteers. We spent over an hour in this little workshop/puppet museum.  If in Portland, definitely a look-see is in order.  The proprietors curate a different show every few months as they can only display a few of their thousands of puppets at one time.  Definitely representative of the quirkiness that is Portland.

Indonesian puppets, very intricate.  

The chorus for an ancient Greek drama, Perseus.  

Medusa...

A puppet patterned after Elizabeth Tylor, very swivelly hips.  

Antique puppets.

Many of you may not be aware that Rusty, Yosiell, and I are currently gay stalkers for a cider maker.  We have grown to appreciate Crooked City Cider and the lovely artisan Dana, she makes some incredible ciders.   Dana recommended a cider place in Portland, Reverend Nat's, s naturally we had to check it out.   

Opting for tasting 12 different ciders, each very distinctive.  

Dana's recommendation didn't disappoint.    Next on our quirky Portland tour, the Lovecraft Bar, a goth bar based on the writings f H.P. Lovecraft.

Graphiti in the bathroom I thought was funny.."Ya'll Bunch of South Park Goths"

Even Portland weirdness must end and we were obligated to get back home.  Hanging out in Portland is a blast but back to Bay Area realness.

A few weekends after our Portland trip, we hopped in the car and drove the 45 minutes to Port Costa...a very small and somewhat secluded town in the northeast bay.  We savored an excellent brunch at Bull Valley restaurant and just enjoyed walking around this quaint hamlet.

Yosiell lurking in the alleyways,  

Rainy day bay view.

Railroad tracks art shot. 

California poppies.  

A cute coffee house in the hotel/former brothel.  

Rusty after a top notch brunch at Bull Valley with awesome Bloody Mary's.  

All kinds of quaintness inside the restaurant.  

 And of course at the end of March we once again celebrated the most holy of holidays, the Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary contest in Golden Gate Park.

Early, before the multitudes arrived. 

Tom and girls being indoctrinated into the gay agenda...again!   

Becky enjoying sun and fun on this balmy spring day.  

CC copping some -tude because everything is lame when you are in your teens.  

Nimone and Yon feigning shock and surprise at the debauchery.  

Yes, Rusty did enter the bonnet contest and got up in front of a thousand people with the sisters.  

Classic pose reminiscent of a statesman.  

Nimone and moi...yes, I am sunburned...yes, I put on sunscreen, yes, it was painful and lasted two weeks.  

Well, gentle readers, there were other smaller adventures not included but those are the Spring highlights.  As you can see, the bay area and west coast in general offers many opportunities for fun.  I encourage you all to come find your own adventures on the left coast...we'll be waiting for you.