The France Hopper Network

As of 7pm Pacific on July 17, 2026, the blog is finally on a VPS.

Site Updates

Welcome to a [Hopefully] Dramatically Faster France Hopper Network

Photo of a cluster of large rock formations in the middle of the Pacific Ocean seen from the Cape Meares Lighthouse. One of the formations has a tunnel passing through it. Short Beach can be seen on the left.

A milestone year for the blog and for finally exploring Oregon.

Life in Portland Special Thoughts

15 Years of The France Hopper Network

Photo of yukizuri in the Flat Garden of the Portland Japanese Garden.

After a record amount of December rainfall, I’m dreaming of a dry Christmas.

Life in Portland Special

Happy Holidays 2025: A Decade In Portland

Photo of Portland Streetcar departing westbound from SW 3rd and Harrison.

While Brookville looked immensely promising in 2017, Portland was not delivered the train that was ordered in 2018.

Life in Portland Thoughts

Brookville: The $12 Million Mistake

Taken on Aug 01, 2026 @ 14:12.

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Picture Post: Afternoon snack time for Liu. Enoki was slugged …

Taken on Aug 01, 2026 @ 13:59.

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Picture Post: Someone was jealous they weren’t getting any attention …

Taken on Aug 01, 2026 @ 13:55.

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Picture Post: Oh. You found me. :P

Photo of the two female lions at the Oregon Zoo eating meat hidden in barrels around their habitat.

Taken on Jul 31, 2026 @ 10:57.

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Picture Post: Lions are enjoying some treats in a barrel …

Photo of a successfully pulled shot of espresso after dialing in setting on a new grinder.

Taken on Jul 29, 2026 @ 07:58.

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Picture Post: Why you shouldn’t buy an espresso machine without …

Photo of a vinyl record collection shelved on an IKEA KALLAX.

Taken on Jul 28, 2026 @ 11:19.

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Picture Post: I forget when I last showed off the …

Photo of one of the female lions lounging on the grass near a window in their habitat at the Oregon Zoo.

Taken on Jul 24, 2026 @ 13:02.

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Picture Post: Lions are enjoying the shade today. Maybe not …

Photo looking north across the Steel Bridge towards the Broadway Bridge during sunset while on a TriMet MAX train.

Taken on Jul 23, 2026 @ 22:42.

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Picture Post: Downside to almost August: the days are getting …

Photo of a commemorative plaque on TriMet MAX car 205 dedicating it as the Gunter Ernst Car. It reads, "In 1993 Tri-Met sought a manufacturer to produce North America's first low-floor light rail cars. While general manager and vice-president of Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc., Mass Transit Division, Gunter Ernst impressed Tri-Met with his firm's outstanding qualifications, unparalleled experience and commitment to excellence in design and production of these innovative vehicles. Car 205 became the first car formally delivered to Tri-Met on March 17, 1997. On that day, by proclamation of Tri-Met General Manager Tom Walsh, and in testimony to Gunter's vision, determination and entrepreneurial skill, Car 205 was named the Gunter Ernst Car."

Taken on Jul 23, 2026 @ 20:01.

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Picture Post: Been a while since I caught the Gunter …

Photo of different editions of volume one of "Witch Hat Atelier". From left to right: Japanese language version, English language version, Crunchyroll Store Edition, Kinokuniya Edition.

Taken on Jul 22, 2026 @ 17:17.

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Picture Post: Just need the Grimoire Edition now. Get that …

Photo of a KINKISHARYO coffee mug on an end table.

Taken on Jul 21, 2026 @ 10:07.

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Picture Post: May as well keep the transit mugs going …

Photo of a sunset behind trees over Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center.

Taken on Jul 21, 2026 @ 06:32.

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Picture Post: Just another sunset on the rails last night.

Photo of a SMART 10X bus, left, and SAM bus, right, at the Clackamas Town Center transit center. An unidentified TriMet bus is parked next to the SAM bus.

Taken on Jul 20, 2026 @ 19:32.

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Picture Post: Very multi-agency at CTC today. #gobytransit

Photo of the box for the "METAPHOR: Re Fantazio" soundtrack on vinyl.

Taken on Jul 20, 2026 @ 15:00.

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Picture Post: Because paywalling the store wasn’t enough, it’s kind …

Photo of Portland Streetcar 025 on layover at S Lowell & Bond on the day of Portland Streetcar's 25th birthday.

Taken on Jul 20, 2026 @ 07:32.

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Picture Post: That moment when you get 025 for 25 …

Photo of a Portland Streetcar coffee mug with a Portland Streetcar pen in the background.

Taken on Jul 20, 2026 @ 07:20.

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Picture Post: This feels like an appropriate coffee cup to …

Photo of sunset over Downtown Portland looking north towards the Steel Bridge from the Eastbank Esplanade floating bridge.

Taken on Jul 19, 2026 @ 22:34.

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Picture Post: Missed the world record setting festivities for BIKETOWN’s …

Photo of the new Crab Roll at Meadowrue in The Ritz-Carlton, Portland. Featuring avocado, cucumber, radish sprouts, and furikake.

Taken on Jul 17, 2026 @ 19:39.

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Picture Post: A refreshed food menu awaits at Meadowrue. Introducing …

Photo of a preview pour of 薬 (Kusuri), or Medicine in English. Featuring Suntory Toki Black, Kanade Yuzu Liqueur, Sazon Pina Tapache, and Giffard Ginger. The cocktail will be available exclusively as part of the ten-course omakase experience at Meadowrue in The Ritz-Carlton, Portland.

Taken on Jul 15, 2026 @ 20:24.

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Picture Post: Sneak peak: Introducing 薬 (Kusuri, or Medicine in …

Photo of the new Don’t Mez With Me cocktail at Meadowrue in The Ritz-Carlton, Portland. Featuring Del Maguey Vida Puebla Mezcal, Meletti Amaro, Aperol, house-made hibiscus syrup, lime, and prosciutto marcona garnish. (Contains nuts)

Taken on Jul 14, 2026 @ 17:12.

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15 Years of The France Hopper Network

A milestone year for the blog and for finally exploring Oregon.

Happy Holidays 2025

A Decade In Portland

Oath to Order / Calling of the Four Giants

Orchestra recording session video now steaming.

Brookville: The $12 Million Mistake

While Brookville looked immensely promising in 2017, Portland was not delivered the train that was ordered in 2018.

The Moon Has Fallen

"Concerning Clock Town" is now streaming.

So What Happened At Sakura-Con This Year?

No one ever wants a literal fire at con.

Fair Winds & Following Seas feat. ATLYS

ZREO: Second Quest's first physical release.

Welcome to a [Hopefully] Dramatically Faster France Hopper Network

15 Years of The France Hopper Network

Happy Holidays 2025: A Decade In Portland

Brookville: The $12 Million Mistake

Picture Post: Afternoon snack time for Liu. Enoki was slugged …

Picture Post: Someone was jealous they weren’t getting any attention …

Picture Post: Oh. You found me. :P

Picture Post: Lions are enjoying some treats in a barrel …

Picture Post: Why you shouldn’t buy an espresso machine without …

Picture Post: I forget when I last showed off the …

Picture Post: Lions are enjoying the shade today. Maybe not …

Picture Post: Downside to almost August: the days are getting …

Picture Post: Been a while since I caught the Gunter …

Picture Post: Just need the Grimoire Edition now. Get that …

Picture Post: May as well keep the transit mugs going …

Picture Post: Just another sunset on the rails last night.

Picture Post: Very multi-agency at CTC today. #gobytransit

Picture Post: Because paywalling the store wasn’t enough, it’s kind …

Picture Post: That moment when you get 025 for 25 …

Picture Post: This feels like an appropriate coffee cup to …

Picture Post: Missed the world record setting festivities for BIKETOWN’s …

Picture Post: A refreshed food menu awaits at Meadowrue. Introducing …

Picture Post: Sneak peak: Introducing 薬 (Kusuri, or Medicine in …

Picture Post: Introducing the Don’t Mez With Me.