What I Did This Summer

So remember how this spring was wet? Well this summer was HOT. Nearly 30 days 90 degrees or hotter... Yuck. But I was able to do a few things this summer outdoors. They weren't really hiking, but I did get some steps in. Here are those photos. 

The Last Autumn Outings - For This Year

Here are the photos of my last hikes and adventures before the cold weather really hit in. My rule is no long or moderately difficult hikes November - February. I'm just glad the weather held out long enough for some cool new places. Winter this year should be interesting...

Portland Audubon Trails & Coastal Adventures

Recently I discovered the woods behind the Portland Audubon Society in west Portland. With benches and boardwalks and curated areas, it was more like an overgrown garden. If the bench behind the great tree boardwalk wasn't already taken I would have sat there for hours. But sitting near one of the creeks wasn't bad either. However be warned, I got 7 bug bites on that trip because I forgot my Off! fan lol. Next time! Then after a random trip back to Depot Bay, I walked the park trails behind the bay a bit, & on the drive back towards Lincoln City I discovered the trails on the Siletz River Wildlife Refuge. I'm surprised I never stopped on that part of HWY 101 before, they were lovely. I always finish a coast trip with pics of the beach at sunset if possible. 

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...