This might be a little more for the technically inclined among you: I just found my favourite shop. Surplus Gizmos. With a name like that, how far wrong can you go!?!? It implies some kind of engineering mecca, and it doesn’t disappoint.

One great thing about Portland (probably only from my point of view!) is the concentration of electronics companies in the area. And where there are electronics companies, there are engineers, and as a result... there’s the kind of shops that engineers want to visit. This is one of those places.

There are all manner of once-loved bits-and-bobs, along with a a large selection of components and other gadgetry that’s required if you want to build hobbyist electronics projects. (Or work at a startup, I suppose!). There’s all kinds of industrial instruments, discareded from the likes of Intel, Tektronix and Maxim, but perfectly good for characters like me. If only I could haul it back to Australia!!!

The guys had a sense of humour, and the prices were ridiculous (ly cheap). I thought of Scotty, Simon and Tim as I walked through this hoard of treasure.