Friday, October 23, 2015

DRINK IT IN, AUTUMN & MINERAL SPRING WATER




Welcome to Autumn in the Pacific Northwest. Here it is--nestled away in this little remote park tucked into the Cascade foothills. Wilhoit Springs sports one of the few mineral springs in Oregon. Tasty mineral water bubbles up out of the ground to offer you a bit of Middle Earth liquified so take some drinking cups with you. Since I was fortunate enough to tag along with family members who knew the way, I was allowed to gawk off and not pay attention to how I arrived at this little known wonder. So my directions would be less than desired. Google and a good map will get you there. I do know it is out of Molalla. Take a lunch and plan to spend some time soaking up the woodsy-ness of it all. It is to good to pass up on these crisp lovely days ahead. The long drive will be made on narrow two lane country roads that twist and turn, go up hills and down thereby keeping your speed in the 15 MPH to 20 MPH range. Plan to allow enough time to enjoy it. The beauty surrounding you will be worth the slow trip. Roll the windows down, put on an extra sweater and breath the rarified country air. Ahhhhhhhh! Don't forget your drinking cup.




Sunday, October 11, 2015

WALK FOR THE SMELL OF IT



Those of us who live on the western side of Oregon, revel in the beauty presented by our forests, rivers, lush flora and fog. Traveling along the Umpqua River this morning, I couldn't help but "gawk off" as I drove along that beautiful diamond encrusted river. Gold maples punctuated the emerald green forests while perfect white fog highlighted the deep blue sky. I even saw a fish jump. It happened only because I had no hook in the water. 

But, I wasn't there for the fish. I was there for the beauty that resonates with each of us who live here and walk this side of Oregon just for the autumnal smell of it. Don't miss it!