Summer Waterfall Adventures

This summer I had the goal of finding more waterways that I'd never been to before. And the thought occurred to me after I found the first one on my list, that I should be bringing my Native American flute on these journeys (so I could make musical videos at each waterfall). So here are those adventures, which include 2 flute videos. Don't worry, I'll find more this fall!

Oh My Gosh I Can't Believe I'm Finally Hiking This Year!!

So 2024 started and somehow the rain decided to appear on all of my weekends in March, and most of April. Ugh. And when visiting places I'd never been before... Kind of have to be safe & not hike in rain. So I didn't really get into the great outdoors until late spring. But hey better late than never! 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...

End of Summer Adventures

Despite the smoke and heat we got (again) this August, I was able to see and do a few things - more towards the end of the month and in September, but it still counts. Here are the photos from those hikes, gatherings, and adventures. 

Hood River & Fish Adventures

Here are the pictures from Jeanette's and mine adventurous day-trip to Hood River, and the adventure of my aquarium fish getting a new home. Gotta love adventures.

Beating the Heat

While the heat prevented some hiking this summer, I was able to do a couple of day trips. The Canterbury Renaissance Faire & the Maryhill Museum up in Washington.

Spring Splashes

The rain has prevented me from doing a lot of hiking this spring. But I have managed to get a few in. Here are the photos from Mt. Tabor & the Portland Memory Garden which I hit before Easter, and the Rhododendron Garden & part of Marquam Nature Park that I hit the last couple of weekends. I took way too many photos at the Rhododendron garden, but hey I haven't been since I was a kid, & there was a lot to see. The trails at Marquam Nature Park were sloppy wet, & one of the trails had a missing chunk due to a fallen tree that had taken it with it, so I didn't see the whole area. But since it looks much the same as Forest park... No big deal lol. 

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

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. 

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.

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?

Autumn Reflections

What can we say 9 months into 2020... From racial justice protests and vigils/memorials to historic wildfires & the smoke they brought... In times like these, we look to God, and can still find beauty and joy. With autumn comes rain, something I think everyone is grateful for this year...

Jeanette's & Mine Summer Vacation To Chalet Shalom

Here are the PICTURES from our very fun summer get-a-way to the Edel Family property!