METOLIUS MAMA MERGANSER & PIGGY-BACK BABIES

The Metolius River in Central Oregon is filled to the rim with surprises. While on the river walk trail this week I encountered the family pictured below. Mama Merganser with nine golf-ball size fuzzy babies. As they scrambled to hit the river and safety the water churned like a motor in a bath tub. It only took a blink of an eye for all nine ducklings to be lined up and ready to hop aboard Mom's back for the ride to the center of the river. They were all aboard and 30 yards away before I could count to two. It does look like Mom's "hair" is standing on end doesn't it? If I had nine little ones to shepherd around mine would probably fall out. Continuing on down the river trail as I snapped pix of the beautiful river my eyes came upon a bump on a log. Indeed, it was another female Common Merganser sunning herself. She had no chicks around so she was living the good life sitting there in the sun. Notice how tame her "hair" is compared to her sister.

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THE BEAR'S DEN

Have you ever hiked or explored the Elliot State Forest in the Coast Range of Oregon? There are critters living everywhere.  The pix below is a bear's den.  A real bear's den.  In our family it is the famous (for personal reasons) "The Bear's Den".  I believe wilderness should be trod upon carefully but trod upon nonetheless.  If our (YOUR) wildernesses are not used, development will ensue.  Can you stand that? Just think, no place for the critters, no place for us critters to observe, no place to wander. 

Spring is here and summer waits in the wings. This is the time when we need to get out and really smell the flowers, or the "sign" left by critters, or the Mother Earth as she spreads her verdant arms to embrace all life as we know it. You don't have to "hike". You can take a road trip with the help of a good forest service map and then get out and walk along a mountain road. You may want to pitch a tent or sleep in your van like I do next to a stream.  But the important thing is to get out and do it. You will make memories to be fondled and played with in your "diaper and dribble-cup years" that will put a smile on your face and drive your care nurse crazy.  That's almost a "two-fer", two good times for one.

Since we all only get to do this earthly trip once, I hope you treasure each day and make the most of it. Go stick your head in an old bear's den. He might grump, but throw him an apple. That will shut him up and give you time to retreat. Actually, the chance of you catching a bear in the den is pretty slim. But the chance of catching wildflowers, birds, small animals, maybe an elk or a deer are pretty good.

You will love every breath you take in the wilderness. Treasure THAT!! And remember when it comes to our wilderness we have to use it or lose it! So USE the heck out of it, leaving no trace of yourself and taking life-long memories to be treasured over and over again.

PLUG IN!

It's Spring! Beautiful bouquets blast right out of the Terra Firma. They are there whether you are there to enjoy them or not.  That's the beauty of nature.  It doesn't need us mortals. It flourishes very well without us. Get into those hiking boots, grab your camera and head out on any trail. Of course you could prepare with help from Tripping On a Shoestring. But even if you only take day trips from home, don't miss this opportunity provided to us all by the very planet we live on.  Don't take it for granted. It's a free show complete with dancing fern, singing birds, babbling brooks, clean air and energy. The Earth's energy abounds. You will feel it the minute you step into the forest. You will soak it up, thrive on it and bring some home with you. Go plug in, get energized!

AS WE SLIDE SLOWLY SEAWARD

As the small stream slides slowly seaward it reminds me of the roads we all take to our destination. Generally we have a direction but lack final knowledge of the end.  My goal is to enjoy the trip, each and every day, each and every mile. Henry David Thoreau said "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." In other words: It's not the destination, it's the journey.  So my recommendation to each of you is to live each day as if it's your "end destination" (who knows? It may be) but at the end of the day you will be satisfied and looking forward to the next. My hope for each of us as we approach this season of renewal is that we may live the life we have imagined for ourselves.

PUT A STEP IN YOUR SPRING

Spring has sprung, so spring into Spring with a spring in your step.  OK enough, well you get the point.  Being cooped up all winter can make a person silly.  Look at the sun streaming through the moss in the pix below.  The ferns are leafed out, the wild flowers are ready for your eyes and the birds are singing.  There are trails to hike, fresh, crisp air to breath and wonderful sites to take in.  Just think, hike a mile,  burn 100 calories.  That is a good goal after a winter of sedentary life.  Oh, I am speaking for myself of course.  But burning calories is a good goal if you can't be prompted by the smells, sounds, and sights of a new morning in a Spring forest.  We have all heard the old question: "If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it...?"  Well, I can assure you that the forest with it's trees, moss, ferns, wild flowers et al will do just fine without us there as a witness to the beauty.  But would we humans do as well?  Would we thrive without bearing witness to that beauty?  No matter where you live in the Pacific Northwest, there is a trail similar to the one pictured here just waiting for your foot steps.  As I have traveled around this area I am surprised at how often I find this same scene: Newly unfurled ferns, clinging & hanging moss, old stairs leading on to more.  You will too.  Check your local maps for parks, pack a lunch, strap on your hiking boots and head out.  A huge breath of fresh Spring air is just what your lungs need.  Your whole body will thank you for the refreshing reawakening it will get from the burst of energy received when you embark on a Spring walk in the woods.  Don't forget your camera.  And please add a comment in my "comment" field about where you went and what you saw.