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!