Tyron Creek State Park & University Falls

Well this late in October it's hard to find a free day that isn't raining! Finally a friend of mine & I caught a break & went to Tyron Creek State Park. I didn't know it was a state park until we got there... Her dog Phoenix was not the only dog we rain into. And then the next day, Monday, I had off work. So I finally went back to HWY 6 to find those University Falls I'd seen signs for earlier in the summer. I had no idea I would be driving down a dirt/gravel logging road to get to the trailhead... But it was worth the time. I only wish I had more time to hike the trail that continued beyond the falls. 

Note: The car video watches much better on a phone (that most likely has newer video software) as otherwise the light reflecting off the glass gets in the way...

Gresham City Park & Its Hidden Japanese Garden

Nearby to family of mine, I often drive by Gresham's main city park, and wonder about it. Well the other day I learned it held a Japanese garden within its boundaries... So after visiting an aunt, I decided to stop by. I was surprised at how much was here. The park itself is fairly large, designed around a watershed so there are bridges everywhere. And it connects to a really cool part of the Springwater Corridor trail at its rear. I actually spent over 1.5 hours here, and still I hadn't seen everything. What a terrific find! Yes mom the tree at the end is for you lol :D

End Of Summer Adventures

I visited Tualatin Hills Nature Park this last week, and had one last beach trip of the summer with my mom. In Lincoln City, my mom and I not only saw Road's End Beach & depot bay, but we also hiked around Devil's lake for the first time. 

Oxbow Park & Sandy River

I was finally able to get to Oxbow Park after its recent restoration. I completely forgot that it's right near Sandy River too. Got some great photos of both! 

Escaping Smokey Air by Jumping-Ship to the Coast

After 2 days of unhealthy air (yellow, then orange) from wildfire smoke, I decided at the last minute to drive to the coast so I wouldn't get anymore sick than I already felt. (My body hates prolonged smoke exposure...) I knew the beaches would be crowded, so I headed for Tillamook Creamery & a hiking trail farther north that looked really interesting on Google Maps! It was nice to breath clean air as soon as I hit HWY 6, and for 6 hours after...

Horseback Riding in Pacific City

I had more time off after I got back from the Chalet so I decided to take a trip to Pacific City to do something I'd never done before: Horseback Ride on the beach. Was lots of fun.

Chalet Adventures

Jeanette and I took a little vacation to the Chalet Shalom. Good timing too, we were able to escape the last few days of the historic heat wave that swept the northwest. Here are some pics of our adventures.

Westmoreland Nature Park & The Oregon Garden

More outdoor places that somehow I've never been to... Both were smaller than I expected, but nice little adventures. The Oregon Garden pics start with the "Art in the Garden" sign. I actually didn't get to see all of the Oregon Garden because their oak grove area is closed for repairs, and somehow I didn't get to their northern forest (because I thought it was also closed haha). But those 2 areas combined happen to be 1/3 of the entire 80-acre area so I figure a 2nd visit early fall to see those spots (& the Frank Llyod Wright Gorden House which I also didn't know was open today) will be worth the admission price. The rest of the garden is a combination of 22 mini-gardens, & that took me an hour and 20 minutes to see so yeah. Neither of the two central-garden fountains were running since we're in a drought, but many areas had running water incorporated in that space even if you couldn't see it.

Crown Point & Willamette National Cemetery on Memorial Day

Taking advantage of the recent warm weather while praying for rain... Took some rose petals up to graves at Willamette National Cemetery, didn't have enough for the whole rotunda up top lol, but it's all good. 

Portland Parks Adventures May 16-23

Explorations of parks around Portland, Oregon, including Kelly Butte, Mt. Tabor, Leach Botanical Gardens, & Errol Heights.

Oregon Zoo 4/30/21

I finally got to see Nora back at the Oregon Zoo today! Also the condor statue I took a pic of is made from ocean plastic, as part of an ongoing art exhibit to highlight ocean issues. Apologies about the shaky camera in the videos, I had it on it's side and apparently it's harder to steady that way. Also I was not out of breath lol. I was breathing against a mask, and the microphone picked that sound up.

Sauvie Island 4/24/21

Exploring various wildlife refuge/recreation areas on Sauvie Island. 

Mt. Talbert Summit 4/18/21

Photos from hiking Mt. Talbert Summit in Happy Valley today.

Whale Watching in Depot Bay

Whale watching was such a cool experience! We had the best boat out there, highly recommend Dockside Charters! We did see gray whales, spouts & fins, though I wasn't able to grab a picture of one. Jeanette did though!

Forest Park 4/4/21 / 4/11/21

Photos from hiking a couple of trails (out of the dozens) on the lower/south part of Forest Park, as well as a trail on the more northern side.

Powell Butte 3/22/21

Photos From Hiking Powell Butte 

New Year, New Hopes

I don't know about you, but I was so grateful when the calendar switched to 2021. Even though the covid pandemic is still here, the vaccines have arrived, we have a new President & VP, and artists are dropping new music. God is good, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Here are the top 5 tunes that are giving me hope right now.

1) Great You Are by Jordan Smith

2) Rescue by Lauren Daigle 

3) Angels We Have Heard (Glory Be) by Jordan Smith

4) Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Pentatonix

5) No Longer Slaves by Jonathan David/Melissa Helser

What are you listening to?