Willamette Valley Parks

This was the area jointly held by two nations, called the Oregon Territory by the United States, and the Columbia Territory by Britain.

Lighthouse and Sea Lions for Christmas

{Our trip begins with Day one.} I had told Arno the night before that I wanted to be on the beach Christmas morning for sunrise photos. It helps to tell someone else when there’s a good chance I’ll blow off my own plans. “Sunrise is at 7:52,” he announced as soon as I started moving. […]

SeaQuest Inn Bed & Breakfast

I’d like to take the time to talk about our Christmas lodging before I continue on the journey. If you are interested, click here for Day one and here for Day two. Arno found the SeaQuest Inn Bed & Breakfast online for us, and reserved three nights. The closest town is Yachats, seven miles to […]

Christmas Eve on the Oregon Coast

I don’t know how close I came to not seeing this amazing sight out of pure unromantic stubbornness, but thank goodness it didn’t happen.

Frozen Waterfalls

I keep finding new reasons to talk about this place because it’s JUST SO AMAZING.

Columbus Day backpacking – Is that a bag of poo?

Arno hung a thermometer in the tent and when we checked it in the morning, it read 30 degrees. Below freezing inside the tent.

Columbus Day backpacking – Can I burn the map now?

We were the first people to leave the packed down PCT since the snow had fallen. It was about two feet deep at the point where we left the trail. Arno suggests 1 1/2 feet deep. Either way, it’s a lot to break trail through.

Guest writer climbs Cooper Spur

The guy carrying his grandfather in-law’s ashes reminded me of the closing scene in the movie “The Bucket List”.

Airborne Sweet 16

Today is my baby girl’s birthday. Scratch that. It’s my lovely young lady’s birthday.

July 4th Road Trip – Part III: John Day Fossil Beds

Arno and I had never been to this part of Oregon before, and for me it was a surprise to discover what a wealth of fossil excavation and high-quality paleontology is going on right here in my back yard.