BUENA VISTA FERRY

Any of you folks who plan to spend time in the Willamette Valley of Oregon this summer may want to factor in a river ride on one of the ferry crossings near Salem. Today was lovely as I boarded the Buena Vista ferry after witnessing osprey returning to nest above yarrow and teasel. The river reflected the blue sky while showing off flowers along the bank. 

A steady stream of paddlers with all forms of flotation devices were out risking getting wet. Fishermen, picnickers and hikers dotted the underbrush and shores of the river. The farm roads were well used by cyclists who were out for a spin broken up by a river crossing that did not require peddling. Google the ferries of Salem for more information.

TRIPPING OVER SALEM

For the past ten years I have spent my summers traveling around Oregon. A record of my method and favorite places are noted in my two books: TRIPPING ON A SHOESTRING and TRIPPING ON OREGON’S TREASURES. This year I plan to stay home. This blog will reflect on some of the beauty garnered from poking around Oregon’s capital city.

River Front Park runs along the Willamette River. On the north end is an old railroad bridge constructed in 1912. The trains quit using this bridge many decades ago so the city of Salem purchased it, refurbished it and created a wonderful walking bridge for the citizens to cross the Willamette River linking Salem to West Salem. From the middle of this bridge, the view of the river changes color every time I cross over. Today, the blue sky was trying; the cotton seed was flying.

On the south end of the park a new span crosses a slough with a trail connecting the park to Minto Brown Island Park. Both bridges and parks are walking, biking friendly with leashed dogs, carriaged babies, old folks with walkers, and all in between.

A quick street crossing east of the parks puts you right into downtown Salem with lovely shops and eateries. Take a stroll east a bit more to the State Capitol building and park. A block away is McDonalds selling its $0.70 ice cream cone, worth every licking cent.

MOIST

Winter has finally decided to descend upon western Oregon. February daffodils, fern, moss and naked limbs are rejoicing with diamond encrusted fingers, or so it seems. Rain drops look for all the world like a jewelry store counter before June. The Umpqua River provides a setting ripe for a photographers snap, snap, snap.