The 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.

15 Years of The France Hopper Network

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

Slow changes >>

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

Happy Holidays 2025

A Decade In Portland

Read 2025's Letter >>

Video still from the scoring session for "Oath to Order".

Oath to Order / Calling of the Four Giants

Orchestra recording session video now steaming.

Watch the video >>

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

Brookville: The $12 Million Mistake

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

More than teething issues >>

The Moon Has Fallen

"Concerning Clock Town" is now streaming.

Listen now >>

Photo of an exhibitor badge for Sakura-Con 2025.

So What Happened At Sakura-Con This Year?

No one ever wants a literal fire at con.

My recollection of events >>

Fair Winds & Following Seas feat. ATLYS

ZREO: Second Quest's first physical release.

Get your CD >>

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

Photo of the Root Beer Flood, a new dessert at Meadowrue in The Ritz-Carlton, Portland.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 20:02.

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Picture Post: Introducing the Root Beer Flood: an elevated take …

Photo of a large crowd at Darcelle XV Plaza gathered to view statues of crows made to celebrate LAIKA's new film, "Wildwood". The crows will be sold at auction to support OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 15:28.

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Picture Post: It’s your last opportunity to see the crows …

Photo of two mini pumpkins on a kitchen countertop.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 14:29.

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Picture Post: Happy Halloween! If you still need a pumpkin, …

Photo of trees around the Flat Garden in peak Autumn color.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 13:52.

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Picture Post: It is officially peak color for 2026 at …

Photo of the Strolling Pond Garden at the Portland Japanese Garden showing "the" maple on the right side of the photo in vibrant red and orange.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 11:58.

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Picture Post: Peak color has arrived on THE maple at …

Photo of vibrant fall colors seen on trees around the Flat Garden viewed through noren installed at the Pavillion Gallery in the Portland Japanese Garden.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 11:26.

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Picture Post: Whether it’s from behind or in front of …

Photo of a fog-covered Downtown Portland seen from the Mt Hood Overlook at the Portland Japanese Garden. Trees around the overlook feature vibrant red and orange leaves.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 11:22.

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Picture Post: You know it’s definitely Autumn in Portland when …

Photo of an advertisement for a ballot measure on a TriMet bus shelter.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 10:39.

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Picture Post: Kind of ironic how the lobbyists now ask …

Photo of a message about late night service on Portland Streetcar. It reads, "***Out Late, Going Home? Tip: Aim for 9pm*** All Streetcar Service ends between 11pm-12am on weekdays and between 10pm-11pm on weekends.

Taken on Oct 31, 2026 @ 10:06.

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Picture Post: Maybe it’s just me, but if Streetcar now …

Photo of Portland Streetcar 015 with several parts removed to be used as spares on other cars. 015 was a prototype car that failed to sell at auction and became designated as scrap.

Taken on Oct 28, 2026 @ 15:26.

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Picture Post: Farewell, car 015. These were taken a few …

Photo of Red Pandas Liu (left) and Enoki (right) playing together in their habitat at the Oregon Zoo.

Taken on Oct 24, 2026 @ 08:54.

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Picture Post: Latergram: Enoki and Liu sure looked like they …

Photo of TriMet MAX 611 traveling westbound along Morrison Street as seen from the bus stop at SW 12th & Morrison.

Taken on Oct 23, 2026 @ 13:15.

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Picture Post: Transit is running again after this morning’s incident. …

Photo of the interior of Portland Streetcar 003 completely empty while running as the second to last NS Line train of the night.

Taken on Oct 22, 2026 @ 22:43.

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Picture Post: Gotta love when you have the second to …

Photo of a Waymo vehicle being driven to map Downtown Portland seen at SW 11th & Alder.

Taken on Oct 22, 2026 @ 22:33.

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Picture Post: Waymo’s still out and about mapping Portland.

Photo of Portland Streetcar 003 departing northbound from South Moody and Meade. The colors of the leaves on the trees behind appear to transition into the colors of the wrap on the car.

Taken on Oct 22, 2026 @ 14:31.

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Picture Post: That time of year again when the colors …

Photo of a pole with iconography pointing to the Lents / SE Foster Road MAX station.

Taken on Oct 21, 2026 @ 19:15.

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Picture Post: Unimpressed MAX is unimpressed when you don’t pay …

Photo of a Vesper in a cocktail glass.

Taken on Oct 21, 2026 @ 18:43.

Bar 3939 Picture Post

Picture Post: In the test kitchen tonight: new glassware. Finally …

Photo of a bag of Augusta's Organic Breakfast coffee from Nossa Familia Coffee.

Taken on Oct 21, 2026 @ 09:19.

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Picture Post: It’s been a bit since I last rotated …

Photo of Portland Streetcar 009 arriving at SW Park & Mill. The train features a wrap that reads, "Go by Streetcar". The wrap features the Broadway Bridge, Union Station, and OMSI.

Taken on Oct 18, 2026 @ 20:23.

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Picture Post: Dusted off the Sony to get some new …

Photo of Portland Streetcar 007 turning on to SW Montgomery Street after departing from SW 5th & Montgomery. KOIN tower can be seen in the background, left.

Taken on Oct 18, 2026 @ 16:47.

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Picture Post: Been a while since I went out to …