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.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

What with the long rainy season, followed by happy mosquitoes long past their usual “sell-by” date, on the heels of an extended fire season, my trips of camping and hiking were pretty thin this year. That allowed me to experience some of the special moments here in Oregon’s State Capital, Salem.

We have a special avenue here lined with old maples. They pay us a huge bonus every Autumn with a tunnel of gold. Gold above, gold on the left, gold on the right and a pile of gold underfoot to kick to our hearts content. All the while breezes lift gold from the fingers of limbs to launch them into the air. The gold maple leaves spin, twist, turn and amuse all who walk through the tunnel as the leaves fall  to Earth.

Then, there was the total solar eclipse event! The universe gave me a diamond ring. What an engagement party we had! Will next year top this? Stay tuned...

DUFUR LAYERS

Have you ever been to Dufur? Well, just check out the layers the Earth has to offer when you view the horizon from across that Central Oregon landscape. Between the natural rise and fall created by volcanic activity eons ago is the active agriculture taking place minute by minute. As you can see, that is where our bread comes from, wheat, that is. I visited on a cloudy day with spits from the clouds as they trundled north. That only brought another lovely layer into play.

Mt. Hood was actively pulling it's misty hood over it's peak when I took the photo below. Driving home through that wet hood was another story. While I enjoyed the drive along that beautiful stretch of highway following Hood River, it was a challenge to stay "in the lines" and gawk off at the same time. Generally, I just pulled over. Whew! So, if you are up for a layered look, stop by Dufur and take the back route from Hood River south over Mt. Hood. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

OREGON, LUSH!

Western Oregon is drunk with lushness. Lush is a good way to describe the wet side of the state...oh, oh, and verdant! Can't forget verdant. The greens range from the near-yellow to the darkest emeralds all in one felled swoop.

Scotch Broom sweeps down the canyons in a rush to congregate along the ditch where pollen laden blooms send future sneezes to unsuspecting motorists. Tree limbs, rested from their winter idleness, bow under the burden of unfurling new leaves as sap runs to the top of the highest bough. And barn-eating blackberry bushes, coated now with white blossoms, send a promise of delicious jelly on warm toast.

Spring, late as it is now, furnishes the region with an abundance of beautiful blooms. Flowers literally drip from rock walls, clamber up from ditches and reach for the blue sky. It's just warm enough to bring memories of sweltering summer days on the horizon but now cool enough to allow a moment of relaxation in this late warmth of spring.

GOLDEN AND SILVER FALLS

In case you have wondered about all the brew-ha-ha regarding the Elliot State Forest, here are two classic examples. The top photo is a recent shot of the Golden Falls, the bottom is the Silver Falls. These gorgeous water falls are located in the Golden and Silver Falls State Park just on the border of the Elliot. It, too, is owned by us: The folks in the State of Oregon. Have you visited? No? Well, it is worth the trip. They are up in the Coast Range outside of Coos Bay. For closer info, just check the Oregon State Park website. The walk to each falls takes you through old growth Douglas Fir and all that comes with it. A visit anytime brings you special treats: Wildflowers, butterflies, and thunderous water falls. There is even a boulder along the trail with a full sized tree growing right out of it. It's a scenic drive and gets you out into some of the prettiest country side around. Don't miss this one!

DAY DREAM BELIEVER

Maybe I was a homecoming queen when I was 16 because I am, and always have been, a day dream believer. Don't you feel that when you open your eyes every morning and all limbs work, all systems are go, that being upright and ambulatory is worth a smile? While walking the Oregon State Capitol grounds today, I noticed a smile on everyones face. The blue sky? The fluffy clouds? Maybe the pink blossoms of the cherry trees? Whatever it was, get yours on (smile, that is) and join me in being a Day Dream Believer...being a homecoming queen is overrated...but I can't say enough about the "day dream believer" part.

GO WILD

So, folks, "ain't life just ducky"? We have almost made it out of one of our wettest winters here in the Pacific Northwest. I think I have moss between my toes and they are anxious to get the hiking boots laced on and get moving. 

This fuzzy little guy was only a day or so old when I stressed his Mama by getting his pix. But, isn't he just lovely? Makes me think of renewal, the future...and most of all...developing a down coating of my own so problems just run off like "water off a duck's back". And, is that a smile on his little face? I like to think so.

My back yard was about the size of my photo trips this winter. The ice was melting from the maple fingers. Couldn't resist the diamonds right outside my kitchen window. 

My hope is for a lovely Spring, Summer, and Autumn. I have trails to walk, photos to take and share with you, and an eclipse to glimpse. I hope for an active season for you, see you on the trail.

THE BIG ONE

So, folks I have spent the last year writing a book for YOU! It has everything you need to get started on the way to disaster preparedness. Since there are 13 million of us living in the Cascadia Subduction Zone where an imminent earthquake in the 9+ magnitude range is just holding it's breath, I thought it would be useful to have a manual to guide you step-by-step as you prepare to live your best life after the dust settles. This manual takes the guess work out of it for you. Proceed page by page and in no time (and little cost) you will be ready for THE BIG ONE. You can email me at tripshoe@gmail.com for more information. I know this is a hard topic to wrap your mind around, hence this manual. Let me be your guide as we prepare to have clean drinking water, good food and (best part) sanitation.



 

SUMMER WIND

When the Willamette Valley heats up into the high 90's, the Oregon coast pulls up a white blanket of fog, tucks it under it's chin and sighs. Here by the beach, where Lake Marie snuggles up next to the sand dunes, the fog lifts to reveal a clear, deep, pristine little lake. Circumnavigating on the one mile trail takes a hiker through forests and next to sand dunes. Treasured for swimming, boating (non-motorized), fishing and just plain gawking, Lake Marie epitomizes peaceful perfection. The morning I stopped by, I was the only one there. Just think, fresh ocean breezes, cool fog and clear fresh water all in one spot.

Highway 38 always provides beauty. The field of Queen Anne's Lace with ribbons of buttercups winding through made my camera happy. The forest of the Coast Range hems this little valley with the Umpqua River flowing smack-dab in the middle. The air is balmy, fragrant with hay, sun-warmed myrtle and black berries. Aaahhhh, summer...breath it in!

DIAMOND IN THE (NOT SO) ROUGH

Diamond Lake in south central Oregon is a true diamond. Below, a Merganser Mama and her 10 fuzz-balls eye me as I hike on the trail that surrounds the lake. In the summer time, one would think the Thielsen View Campground would be full, but it was about 20% used in mid week. Fishermen were fishing, campers were camping, bikers were riding the trail along with hikers. The sun shone on us all. A lake breeze kept the mosquitos at bay and the air fresh. Nothing seemed to discourage the chipmunks who were looking for a crumb, handouts are discouraged.

The lower photo was taken from the same trail offering spectacular vistas of Mt. Thielsen. Crater Lake may attract all the out-of-staties, but the real beauty is right up the road at Diamond Lake. I hope you can schedule a few days there this summer. Bring your hiking shoes, bikes, boats, fishing poles and cameras. You will also want a chair to pull up at lake-side come evening. While the sun sets, the lake glistens like a bowl full of diamonds.  

MAURY MOUNTAINS

Have you ever visited the Maury Mountains? Do you know where they are? Well, don't feel bad. I haven't talked to anyone who has ever heard of them. They are located right in the center of Oregon in the Ochoco National Forest. I visited the Antelope Flat Reservoir Campground recently. It's nestled in the mountains at 4,600 feet in elevation. On the way to the forest service road turn-off I encountered the rock in the top photo. It is an immense rock named Eagle Rock and is poking up out of the ground. Like most of Oregon, this region is blessed with it's share of geological beauty. 

The one lane graveled path of twelve miles takes a camper up to the reservoir. The bottom photo is of a Juniper tree that came up through a rock, splitting the rock and making it's home where it choose. That's the spirit! Much of life in Oregon demands the same fortitude. Rock on Oregonians!

CHECKING OUT THE EDGE OF NORTH AMERICA

While I know I have said it before, I will say it again, "The south coast of Oregon is so obscenely beautiful it will hurt your eyes." There, I said it again. Right now the wild flowers add to the Pacific's beauty with profusion found in dewy and wet climates. So, prepare for a brisk breeze, a bit of dampness and knock-your-socks-off beauty when you visit.  Since it will seem like you are the only one on the highway (101), you can actually pull off and on at will, unlike the northern half of the state's coastal route. Take advantage of the sparse population and revel in the beauty at every pull-out and prepared stop. The state highway department (ODOT) has done a fine job of providing enough of these places so that you won't miss a thing.

From Brookings to Port Orford you will find opportunities a dozen times to pull over and just take a deep breath. When you plan your trip to this special locale, plan to spend a day on just that stretch of road so that you can really drink it in. Don't miss Cape Blanco. The wind there will strip your clothes off and send them (back) to China. But, the view from the Cape should not be missed. Google it for more info. Even on a stormy or blustery day, it is worth the extra few miles out to the Cape just to feel the edge of the world, as we know it, here in North America; to see as far as a human eye can see in south, west and northerly directions. Whew! Hope you get there soon!

THESE LITTLE DARLINGS EAT SKEEDS!

Have you visited the Darlingtonia Wayside? It's a wonderful botanical garden on Highway 101 just north of Florence, Oregon. You get one sign directing you so pay attention or you will surely miss it. This walk over a marshy bog is not to be missed. Actually, the walk begins with a paved trail leading through mossy, dense woods lined with multiple Pacific Coast plant species, not the least of which is my favorite: Skunk Cabbage. Your feet soon encounter a boardwalk with a railing. This keeps your feet out of the bog and off these wonderful little mosquito eaters, among other insects.

The dark red round nut-like part with the delicate green petals is the flower. The bulbous leaf with the red split tongue is the insect trap. This plant is Darlingtonia californica, commonly known as Cobra-lily, Cobra-orchid, or Pitcher Plant. Curious insects climb up the lily "stem", into the bulb and viola'-- into digestive juices which eats the insect thereby providing nutrition to the plant. 

It is a perfect spot to take a break from Hwy. 101. There are picnic tables and a clean potty. But, the best part is viewing these perfect plants. Spring is the best time to see the flower at it's peak. I hope you don't miss it. Also, look on your travel map. It should be noted since it is part of the State Park property. You can see Hwy. 101 from the small parking lot so once you note the road sign, you can't miss it.

MAY DAY ON MARY'S PEAK

Traveling up to the top of Mary's Peak on May Day is a double edge sword. Crisp, breezy air produced clear vistas of surf breaking on the Pacific shore on one side and snowy coated Cascades on the other. The down side, were there to be one, was the lack of wildflowers and butterflies. A few weeks of May will bring riotous clouds of both. Though, today there were a few small ground huggers blooming among the rocks.

The tree in the mid-pix stands at the top of the path giving a breath-taking contrast with the blue sky. Mt. Jefferson hosted some fluffy clouds for most of the day lending a softness to the Cascade Range. Not pictured are the ghosts of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams. Clearly Mt. Hood loomed large with sun blasting it's snowy side. The Three Sisters stood sentinel to Mt. Washington and Three Fingered Jack. Mt. Batchelor was not to be outdone in the south by Diamond. All in all, it was a juicy sight to behold, not only because the wind was watering my eyes, but because a sight like that is rare. 

The west held a wobbly white line we all debated about until we zoomed in with lenses able to prove it was, indeed the Pacific surf. Wow! is all I can say about that!

LUNCH

Once in a while the universe converges to arrange a wonderful sighting. Such was the occasion this Saturday while on a hike up Sweet Creek in the Oregon Coast Range. First let me formulate this question: Were Sasquatch to have a pet, what would it's name be? Author extraordinaire Jonathan Thomas Stratman said, "Easy, Lunch! What else?" So, Lunch it is. I was lucky enough to capture a picture of Lunch just as a beam of light struck him on the steep hillside about 40 yards above me. He was standing in the deep forest. Click, then, nothing. The cloud covered the sun just enough to alert him to disappear. Disolved right into the surrounding forest, but--not before I captured his image here for you to see. Absolutely NO photoshopping allowed on this blog. What I post is what I saw!

The rest of the hike was mist, roar, watch your step, wow! Sweet Creek cascades down through a canyon for two miles of continuous beauty. Each step provided new sights and sounds. Along the path, new plants poked their expectant heads out of the ground. Many, dripping with misty dew were blooming. Don't forget walking sticks, sturdy shoes and your camera. And--you may find Lunch.

UNWIND, RENEW

The ferns are unfurling, trees are leafing out, even the turtles are finding a place to enjoy the sun. I hope you are getting the same privilege. Remember, the sun shines for us all, the short and the tall. So get out and cast your shadow, shake off the winter dust and enjoy the spring air. 

If you need a destination, check out my newest book: Tripping On Oregon's Treasures. It is loaded with wonderful vistas to fill your eyes and soothe your mind. Don't know how to get started? Check out Tripping On a Shoestring. Cover to cover it's loaded with tips to remove the angst from your preparations. 

But, mostly, I hope you just get out. Breathe deeply of what Oregon has to offer. If you are interested in my books, you can email me at tripshoe@gmail.com for more info. 

IT'S TIME TO SPRING INTO SPRING!

Spring has sprung and the red, red, robin has come...bob-bob-bobben along. In the words of William Wordsworth, while he was out for a walk on a spring morning: "...when all at once I saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils." Well, what better pictures to embody our opening of this season of rejuvenation and renewal.  Winter has kept us all cooped up and inside, but now we await sunny warm days, gardening, hiking and all the wonderful activities we live here to enjoy. 

It's time to make a list, check the calendar and dig out the hiking shoes. Perhaps I will even get some inspirational photos to share with you. Perhaps, we will even meet on the trail. I hope! In the mean time, take a deep breath of that terrific air, hear the red-winged black birds sing and put one foot in front of the other...keep on!

NOVEMBER HUG

It's November. The long hot summer of 2015 is in the record books. Whether you live in the city or the country, take a few minutes out of your busy day before the holiday season smacks you upside the head. Get out, breath some cool air. Splash in a puddle, pick up a beautiful leaf. Anywhere you are, there are lovely spots where you can refresh and renew your spirit with a brief walk along leaf strewn paths (or sidewalks). Kick some leaves, pick up a few, revel in the small works of art placed at your feet. 

November, 2015 will not come this way again so don't let it pass without giving it a proverbial hug. Embrace the illusive sun as it dips behind a rain cloud. Rejoice in what rain does fall. Our parched Earth is thirsty. Hum as you go. Put any worries you have in a sack and leave them on the porch for later. Who knows, when you return, maybe some stranger will have picked them up hoping for a surprise. Novembers freshness has a way of offering a different perspective to those worries anyway. Especially if you take time to kick a few leaves, splash in a puddle, and smile, smile, smile.