Summer 2014 is history. It was a wonderful one though wasn't it? I saw some places that were new, visited some familiar spots and made some rich discoveries. What more could a person ask? Well, I hope you had time to get out for a bit and take in a breath of fresh air.
I spent 11 days on the Author's Table at the Oregon State Fair to close out the official summer. While visiting with one man, he said his mother told him there were only 7 days in the week and none of them were named "Someday". That is the thought I would like to send out to each of you who plan to visit wilderness areas "someday" when you have time. Please think of how much you will treasure the time spent if you just do it presently...or maybe next summer. Don't let life slip by like the North Umpqua in the first pix below. It slides smoothly by with barely a ripple, then BOOM, hits the rocks. That's how our lives seem to run. Enjoy the smooth time and renew your spirit for the inevitable times when life hits the rocks.
The second pix was taken at Clear Lake, the head waters of the McKenzie River. I made it up there in early September but knew the autumn colors would be outstanding later in the month so made a quick trip up early in October for that pix. The fire-red of the vine maples reminds me of the molten lava that slid to create this ice infested lake. Fire and ice, the real deal in the autumn months at Clear Lake.
