Oregon 2008

The timing of our 2-week trip from June 28th thru July 11th to Oregon could not have been better to escape the smoke and haze in the central valley of California due to a multitude of fires throughout State. “What gives with all this trapped smoke in the valley?” It’s not as if this State hasn’t been inundated with fires in the past. Maybe it’s my age, but I just don’t remember smoky conditions as bad as that. It might be what weather people would call the “Prefect Storm” situation, a popular term these days. With the jet air stream moving northward during spring, most of the storms went north leaving California dry and primed for fires. Now, coupled with the lack of air flow, smoke from hundreds of natural and suspicious fires have been trapped in the State for nearly a month. The State is in a literal haze of polluted air leading to health issues and cancelled outdoor events. Perhaps, this can serve as a reminder for us not to take Mother Nature for granted. Either way, I was glad to spend some time in Oregon away from all the foul air.

If not for Kay, I probably would not have gone to Oregon. Alas, her trip to China was cancelled so she suggested this plan as an alternative. As for my perspective, I always enjoy the places I visit and this trip was no exception. We spent the first week along the Oregon coast in Lincoln City, an hour or so west of Salem. Our second week was in the shadows of Mount Bachelor just 5-miles west of downtown Bend staying with friends Dennis and Debbie who are part-time owners of a condominium at the Seventh Mountain Resort. In all, we spent one night in Grants Pass, 4 nights in Lincoln city, one night in Salem, and 7 nights in Bend. The pace of our travel gave us plenty of time to explore the region with side trips to Depoe Bay, Newport, Drift Creek Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Silverton, Smith Rock State Park, and Sisters.

We stayed active with walks on the beach, biking along the coast and into the mountains, hiking to waterfalls, shopping in town, and just hanging out at our homes away from home. Other than an occasional weather report, vacation meant no TV Sports or News. I even missed a great Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal, the ultimate winner with his first Wimbledon title. As for the news, the problems of the world are endless and will still be there in one form or another when we return home so why not take a vacation from the world at large. Our evenings at the resort were centered on games like Gin-Rummy, Spades, and Dominoes while we consumed our share of wine to help the local wine industry. Our thanks to Dennis and Debbie for sharing their place! We had a great time with them hiking, riding tandems, and exploring the area both within and around Bend. I also enjoyed the opportunity to do some photography. Use the link below to see my pictures.

Link to Photo Album: Oregon 2008