Plus: Elephants on license plates.
 
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👟 Take a walk in Mark’s shoes

Q+A: Take a walk in a Portland photoblogger’s shoes
A yellow warehouse next to train tracks with a rainbow arching over its roof.
“I recommend the walking resources offered by the Portland Bureau of Transportation,” said McClure. “I often take public transportation to and from my walks, and I encourage others to do the same.” | Photo by Mark E. McClure
Here in Portland, walks are sacred. Traveling the city’s sidewalks, park paths, and bridges by foot can kickstart a morning or provide mental respite at day’s end. For local resident Mark McClure, daily urban walks present opportunities to connect with people he may never meet in person.

McClure photographs his walks and posts the images on his website PNW Photo Walks and on Flickr. With a robust archive of Portland-centric photos taken over the past 14 years, McClure’s work offers an unparalleled look at how the city has changed while vividly showcasing familiar sights and gems that often go overlooked.

Read on to learn what photoblogging means to McClure.

A man wearing a red shirt, glasses, a baseball hat, and a pack slung across one shoulder smiles at the camera.

“Photoblogging is an ideal pastime because I like to explore and take photos. Walking helps me maintain my physical fitness and reminds me to slow down to ‘smell the roses,’” said McClure.

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Photo by Mark E. McClure

What inspired you to start documenting and sharing your daily walks?

In 2010, I began walking to work after 10 years of year-round bicycle commuting. The ever-changing sights I saw on my walks inspired me to take photos and share them on a website about Portland neighborhoods.

Any tips on good walking shoes?

On my walks, I wear good-quality socks and lightweight trail shoes. One of my sons works at Nike, so I often wear their shoes and apparel.

A slideshow of images taken around Portland, Oregon.

McClure believes “local urban walks are a great way to activate our public spaces and counter the ‘Portland is dying’ narrative.”

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Photos by Mark E. McClure

How has your work impacted others in the community?

I made an effort to set an example for my children and coworkers by using active and public transportation. I also volunteered for nonprofit and civic groups that promoted pedestrian advocacy and walking initiatives.

What kind of message, if any, do you hope to convey through your photo walks to people who don’t live here?

Here, the saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” has relevance. Every photo I have taken around the metro region since 2010 — aside from a small collection late last year — shows what we can be happy about and proud of. Our recovery is still in progress, but I urge people who live here to go for a walk and let those who do not live here know what you see.
The places he appreciates
 
Events
Thursday, Aug. 1
  • Portland Classic | Thursday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 4 | 7 a.m. | Columbia Edgewater Country Club, 2220 NE Marine Dr., Portland | $20-$250 | Players from around the world will tee off in Portland, continuing the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour’s “longest-running non-major tournament.”
  • Pickathon | Thursday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 4 | Times vary | Pendarvis Farm, 16581 SE Hagen Rd., Happy Valley | $205-$415 | Discover your next favorite artist at this “experiential music festival” that shines a spotlight on rising stars.
Friday, Aug. 2
  • Blood Drive in Honor of Firefighter Spencer Tejedas | Friday, Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Gresham City Hall Conference Center, 1333 NW Eastman Pkwy., Gresham | Free | Donate blood to show your support for this local firefighter who was injured in the line of duty.
  • Brews for the Birds Music Festival | Friday, Aug. 2-Saturday, Aug. 3 | Times vary | Langer’s Entertainment , 21650 SW Langer Farms Pkwy., Sherwood | Free | Enjoy a lineup of performances ranging from reggae to rock ‘n’ roll — proceeds benefit the Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Saturday, Aug. 3
  • Hello Kitty Cafe Truck West | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Clackamas Town Center, 12000 SE 82nd Ave., Happy Valley | Price of purchase | Find this purrfectly pink food truck slinging themed treats and merchandise near the theater and food court entrance.
  • Portland Rose Society’s Miniature Rose Show | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 12-3 p.m. | Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland | Free | Stop and smell the eency-weency roses, or arrive early (6:30-9:30 a.m.) to submit some micro blooms from your own garden.
Sunday, Aug. 4
  • Heartbeat Silent Disco Summer Sundaze Series | Sunday, Aug. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Laurelhurst Park, Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard + Stark Street, Portland | $10 | Bring your driver’s license or ID to check out a pair of headphones, then select a music channel and dance to your heart’s content.
  • Alanis Morissette - The Triple Moon Tour | Sunday, Aug. 4 | 7 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $45.50-$175.50 | If anyone has the right to be annoyed by society’s misuse of the word “ironic,” it’s this singer.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Community
  • The Trail Blazers joined forces with the Albina Vision Trust to form the Albina Rose Alliance, bolstering the nonprofit’s commitment to reconnect the Lower Albina neighborhood and return it to its historic roots. The partnership will, among other things, form a development strategy for the area encompassing the Rose Quarter. (Portland Business Journal)
Asked
  • We want to help local teachers stock their classrooms with the supplies they need for the upcoming school year. If you know an educator in the area (or are one yourself), drop a link to their online wishlist and we’ll share it in an upcoming newsletter.
Olympics
  • Simone Biles officially nicknamed the US women’s gymnastics team — the oldest group the country has ever sent to the Olympics — the “Golden Girls” following gold-medal performances from local stars Jordan Chiles + Jade Carey. Today, turn your attention to former UO player Wyndham Clark in men’s golf. (KGW)
Tech
  • An Intel-powered app helping visually impaired travelers navigate Portland International Airport is also helping Paralympians get where they need to go. GoodMaps relies on AI technology and scans to give step-by-step audio prompts. It’s being used at the US Training Center in Paris and at the Paralympic headquarters in Germany. (KGW)
State
  • The Oregon Zoo wants to slap a trunk on your trunk to support endangered species. A new design inspired by a 1990 mural of iconic local elephant Packy is the latest in a parade of proposed specialty license plates. The plates will go into production if 3,000 vouchers are sold. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Plan Ahead
Environment
  • An 826-ton device that converts energy from ocean waves is now in place at a test site off the coast of Oahu after years of preparation. The OE35, hailed as the world’s first grid-scale wave energy device, was built in Portland and will eventually be connected to Hawaii’s power grid. (Portland Business Journal)
Sports
  • How long will the Trail Blazers hold on to their seasoned players? Brandon Sprague of 1080 The Fan joined Locked On Blazers to speculate on whether the team will trade its veterans as it builds a young roster — and how small forward Deni Avdija could help the decision.
Shop
  • Get more from your Costco membership — this week only, get a $40 digital Costco shop card and $60 off an order of $200+ on Costco.com when you buy an Executive Membership on our deals site.*
 
Olympics

Thorns players help US Women’s Soccer sweep Olympic group play games
Looking up from the ground at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, with the Olympic rings hung on the landmark's side.

Each Olympic medal includes a piece of the Eiffel Tower this year.

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Photo by Shea Stapley, 6AM City

Team USA finished first in Group B and will now play on Saturday in the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. Here’s the story via KGW.

The U.S. women’s soccer team beats Australia 2-1 in their final game of group play, finishing first in Group B with three wins and zero losses. Portland Thorns players Sophia Smith and Sam Coffey both started in all three group stage games, with Smith scoring two goals and assisting on two goals.

Coffey picked up her second yellow of the tournament against Australia and will be forced to miss the quarterfinal match due to suspension. If the U.S. were to make the semi-final, then Coffey would be available once again.
Read more from KGW
The Buy

The Buy 8.01.24 (Affiliate)
This Turkish cotton beach towel — it’s extremely absorbent, made with 100% natural cotton, and is the perfect soft aqua blue companion for your next trip to the ocean.
More worth The Buy
Answered

What would you do with the property at 900 N. Thunderbird Way if it were yours?
A Google Street View image taken in 2024 of a large industrial building with a billboard of a soccer player that reads "This is Soccer City." The Steel Bridge is visible in the background.

The property, and its industrial grain silos, could potentially fit into Albina Vision Trust’s redevelopment plan.

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Photo via Google Street View

“Hotel on the water keep it the way looks.” - Amy C.

“Develop the property for housing for the homeless!” - B.J.

“Honestly you know what would be fun? Make that building into something like the city museum in St. Louis.” - @exidcml

“Let [Albina Vision Trust] decide. I think the Blazers should buy it and gift it back to the trust.” - @savagemaker
 
The Wrap
 
Cambrie Juarez headshot

Today’s edition by:
Cambrie
From the editor
One thing I’ve found myself saying on more than one occasion lately? How much I miss summer camps. This September, OMSI will host its first-ever GEMS Weekend at Camp Gray in Newport — and it’s only for those 21 and older. For three days and two nights, camp-goers will get to enjoy campfire gatherings, tasty food, and science activities led by OMSI educators.
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