Mohammad Hosayn Farahani's Hajj Travel Route (1885-86)

View Mohammad Hosayn Farahani's Hajj Travel Route (1885-86) in a larger map

Adopted from "The Safarnameh of Mirza Mohammad Hosayn Farahani", from his pilgrimage in 1885-1886.

Farahani's journey to Mecca not only fulfills his pilgrimage obligation but also provides a detailed guidebook for his contemporary Persians needed for their Hajj travels. Thanks to the introduction of railroads between Baku and Batumi, Farahani takes the unconventional route to Mecca, traveling first to Batumi via train and then going to Istanbul by boat stopping along the route in several cities such as Trabzon and Sinop. After Istanbul, he continues his journey by boat to reach Alexandria over the Aegean Sea and from thereon to Jidda via Suez Canal. His return trip was also from the same route and his book was considered to be Guide Michelin of his time for round-trip Persian Hajj.

Bridge Pedal - 6 Bridge loop

Bridge Pedal - 6 Bridge Loop

Over the weekend, I had the chance to attend the annual Bridge Pedal Event in downtown Portland. There are several routes of various lengths and I chose the 13 miles crossing the 6 bridges. The event is very well organized and good for families. Definitely recommended! Below are some snapshots from my route.

The union station:

Broadway Bridge:

Finish line:

King's Mountain - Sea of Clouds

King's Mountain - Sea of Clouds

King's Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destination for Oregonians especially those living in the "weird" Portland and vicinity. Among many of our hikes to King's Mountain, this one was particularly spectacular when we got closer to the peak. The thick clouds left below formed a virtual blanket over the Tillamook Forest. It almost felt like a sea of clouds. Here are some photos from the day:

King's Mountain on another day