Road Trip, Day Four: Trinidad.

Wonder is the word for today and also awe...truly.

Began the day in Bandon, OR beside cranberry bogs and blueberry farms.

Drove into California on the Redwood Highway. 

I found a new religion: Redwood Trees. More pictures tomorrow.

I think I pulled the old Volvo wagon over two dozen times 

to stare in amazement at the sheer beauty of this coastline.

There were beaches to explore, rocks to be collected, 

floating bobs of redwood bark to be rescued from waves.

I arrived in Trinidad in the late afternoon. Fishing boats were floating.

Folks were walking their dogs. Surfers were cresting waves, losing the ride

and getting back up. Crabbers were preparing for a midnight harvest.

The shapes of these rocks are breathtaking, erosion is relentless,

we are all always changing...even the rocks.

Road Trip, Day Three: Bandon.

Woke to crispness. Visited friends on Yachats River Road where it was 26 degrees.

Fantastical frost clinging to vines, fence posts, each and every blade of grass.

Then headed south, faced into the sun all day. Crisp blue skies, never made it much 

above freezing, although gorgeous driving weather. Landed in Bandon mid day.

Staying in a yurt at Bullards Beach State Park. Great place to spend the night.

So many moments today that made me say Yes Please.

Yes, Please to wild Oregon, to mountain after mountain of shaggy evergreens,

cliffs and dunes with jetting into crashing waves, funky beach towns with

their collection of characters, agate beaches, old sea dogs, and silver sliver moons.

Road Trip, Day Two: Cummins Creek.

Moments from the day: 

Walking along craggy rocks at Devil's Churn 

and listening to the guttural boom of waves against rock.

Hiking the forested trails at Cummins Creek, watching sun move through

back lit moss. Hearing woodpeckers rap of trunks of trees older than

my eldest living relative. Listening to water move down and further down

the mountain finding the path of least resistance. Finding a tuft

of elk fur, white with auburn tips, holding in between for thumb

and forefinger for miles and miles. Watching the sun find it's

way back to the horizon and kiss the sea goodnight.

Road Trip, Day One: Yachats.

It was a brilliant blue day today on the coast.

Perfect driving weather, with sunlight filtering through mossy branches,

fishermen casting over roaring rivers, and snow covered evergreen boughs.

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.