The Hunt.

I went into the woods on a bit of a hunt.

It's my favorite season in the Oregon forest, mushroom time.

These fruit flowers of the fungal world have my heart.

Sometimes I like to learn their names,

most times I just want to find them, 

and see the funny places they choose to grow.

All the time I like to pretend to be a small wee folk,

an elfin friend who uses these as a bit of shade.

So, when you come across a girl in the woods laying on the ground,

peering up at the underside of mushroom caps,

that's just me in make believe land.

Join me, there is plenty of room.

Road Trip, Day Eighteen: Hiking in the Baylands.

Marshes, sweet smell of fennel, true blue skies, geese, ducks, egrets,

winding waterways, pillar art to balance on, and wings in flight.

Road Trip, Day Fifteen: Hiking the Stanford Hills.

Dramatic hike in the Stanford hills. Gnarled oaks set against bright skies.

Voluminous clouds, bright white, floating by. Rolling hills, rolling conversation,

 sunshine, short sleeves, cattle grazing, squirrels nibbling, fresh bay air...good day.

ExplOregon: Hood.

Today's hike: Mount Hood.

Had to settle for a hike lower on the mountain,

as the car started to get stuck in the snow.

Temperature 30 degrees and falling.

Best to keep moving.

Winter Blue.

Gorgeous hike yesterday in Forest Park.

Deep blue winter skies, frosty ferns, and black branches stretched into space.

ExplOregon: Oneonta Falls.

Took another splendid hike in the Columbia River Gorge today.

Started at Horsetail falls and hiked past many more falls leading to Oneonta Falls.

Fantastic views, great conversation, beautiful wild Oregon.

Oregon, I hope our love affair never ends.

You've got my heart big time.

Hamilton Mountain.

What sunshine we had this weekend.

We took the opportunity to hike to the top of

Hamilton Mountain.

It's an amazing little mountain,

sheer rock cliffs jut out of deep forests,

high mountains meadows are filled with wildflowers,

and there are great views of the Columbia River Gorge,

Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

Did I mention the wildflowers?

They were fantastic.

So close to home.

It amazes me every time I go

into the Columbia River Gorge.

Only 45 minutes from my doorstep

to the wonders of waterfalls.

Moss showers,

arching branches,

misty canyons,

what's behind the next bend?

waterfalls!

So much rain,

so much water.

This is why I love Oregon.