Winter Adventures

There were a few days this winter with sunshine... Saw a cute squirrel in my neighborhood early January. Visited Marshall Park (complete with ceramic art animals) with friends in February. And on a search for a specific skyline view, I recently visited a few spots in the west hills: Council Crest, with sequoias and a unique drinking fountain - and the viewpoint at Pittock Mansion, which is surrounded by the wildwood hiking trail in forest park.

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.