The Weekend Report

Fall and summer crossed paths this weekend on their ways in and out of Oregon. The sun was hot, but the shadows were long and the light inarguably gold.

Went to Hood River to skate but no one had any energy. Ended up on a sandbar in the warm Columbia, wading out to cool off and watching the dogs lunge through shining waves.

Smoke from wildfires turned the sunset hot pink on the way home, and everything felt liminal.

Went to see Dumpster Wizard—an aptly named metal band comprised of our pals—play in a shadowy corner of the Kenton Club, then pit-stopped at The Tannery for a potent drink in a tall thin glass.

Attended Sunday afternoon gathering at the Bracewell residence, skated 'til exhaustion, sent summer off in the best way possible.

Yard Birds

As you may know, Portland's a beaut for many reasons. One reason in particular—its bangin' backyard skate scene. I'm talking backyard bowls, quarter pipes, curbs, mini ramps ... especially mini ramps. They're my favorite. Try out a new one? I'm always down. Mini ramps tested in the name of science!

See, people here appreciate the value of a backyard. Come summer, life happens in the backyard. And ain't it sweet that that even means skateboarding?

Think about it: No precious hours wasted in the car on a rare sunny day. No waging war with skatepark undesirables. Just friends and skateboard-orientated fun. You leave a happening like that feeling dog tired and happy. Maybe sunburnt. You got to see all your pals. You got to snack on shit and drink shit and talk shit. You got to skate until exhaustion!

Simple folk like myself could not ask for more.

Hudson's on the 4th of July. Sun-dappled yard, dogs, food, and friends—quintessential summer stuff!

A new backyard bowl over at Chris's house—a kind of giant garden sculpture. Magnificent use of space, non?

Bracewell residence training facility. Many miles logged here.

A tiny skatepark, in a backyard, right off Hawthorne. Ain't this city grand??!!

Hidden Souls of the Mini Ramp

The cool thing about backyard mini ramps is that they're all different. Each one's got a soul and secrets that you'll only learn through trial painful error. Hidden kinds, trick coping ... it's all just part of the goodness. And Dave Wien's new mini mini is no different. It's in a lovely Portland backyard under an oak tree right next to a fire pit where friends are crowded around eatin vegetarian BBQ fare. We're down.

Matherly, mini ramp champ as always.

Proud Dave and his creation.