Portland, OR
Okay, so I just got back from the train station and from the Seattle pinball and gameroom expo.
Good news: It was AWESOME. So many machines that I had only heard about there and in the flesh. So many incredible people and pin enthusiasts alike. Pinball fever was palpable in the air and to be around thousands who attended the show, and share their passion for pinball was a truly incredible experience.
The bad news: So that camera I promised to not forget and in turn, document this wondrous gathering with? Umm, I brought it but forgot to charge it. So my first day was lost, the images are there, they just happen to be burned into my fleshy synapses and sadly, as of current technological limitations, they are currently only viewable by me.
Second day, camera was charged and ready to go, but the crowd had at least doubled, and getting playtime on your grail machines was becoming a real sport of judgment, cautious lingering, and then quickly pouncing to ensure your opportunities. What that means is no pictures 
Sorry, but I am sure you all can understand my excitement level. My eyes just glazed over, and I went to pinball tunnel vision. All I could see was what my next table was going to be, who was close to finishing their last ball, who I could ask to play doubles, what row hadn't I hit yet, what had I never seen before, and WHO WAS THAT that I just saw in the crowd? Gottliebs, and Ballys, and WEDGEHEADS, oh my! Suffice it to say, I was having too much and I lost sight of one of the most important things in this pinball life, you gotta look out for your pinside brothers and sisters and feed them the pictures of things that they were unfortunate enough to see themselves.
So guys (and girls), I am sorry. But I am sure that laughingotter has some great ones to upload for y'all. Please understand that I am young and that was only my second expo, everywhere I turned, I saw a machine that I had never seen before, and as we all know: pinball machines are fun to look at, but they're WAY more fun to play! Next time I will find that balance better.
note to laughingotter: I am sorry that I didn't introduce myself. The time I was going to, I saw what I thought was you in the tiedyed shirt as promised, but you were deep in tournament mode and had the look when you turned around that the WPT machine was behaving as a cruel mistress. And I am not one to interfere with anyone's focus so I told my GF, "maybe later" and then ended up exploring the city and never made it back. But next time I am in Seattle, I will be looking for your advice on the best places to play (Shorty's is RAD btw). Hit me up if you ever make down to Portland, and I will return the favor. Hope you did well in the tourney!
