Cherry Orchard Trail

We would be hiking the Cherry Orchard Trail that also begins near Lyle, and I knew ahead of time that I would like it.

Cliffs, moss, waterfalls

My philosophy is that there is potential danger all around us at all times, and that a trail is actually safer than a sidewalk.

Central Oregon weekend

Arno and I had the idea to leave Friday after work and drive wherever our fancy took us.

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. […]

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.

South to the North Coast

The trails allow visitors to experience this spectacular old-growth rainforest from the inside.

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.

Faerieworlds 2013

I like to believe that if there were magical creatures among us, this is where they would appear.

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.