Along the Russian River

Kay and I spent a few days with friends, Jim and Yuki, in a house builted along the lush Russian River near Monte Rio. Even though the first major storm of the season plowed into Northern California with both barrels on Tuesday, we had a great time relaxing and just hanging out. All was safe and secure back home, so no worries. Jim, Yuki, and Dolores, thanks for doing all the cooking and everything else. You really gave us a break.

Link to all pictures for Along the Russian River

The Small Wheel Society

The wheels may be small, but there's nothing small about these bikes. Use the link below to see all the pictures.

Link to Photo Album: The Small Wheel Society

Caples Creek Fall

It's a cold morning in the Sierras in the middle of fall and all is quiet at Kirkwood Lake but for a few people milling about including ourselves. Gone are the summer crowds and cars. Cabins now sit empty with curtains drawn and boats lay idle along its shores. It's a beautiful time in the mountains as tinges of yellow begin to wash over the surrounding landscape. There is a stillness, a quietness as if the mountains have been abandoned with the coming of winter. Only a few lingering birds could be heard in the trees as the sun's warmth slowly replaces the morning chill. Alas, it's a good time to come. Perhaps the last time for this season. We are here to hike to Caples Creek Fall. It is less than a mile by trail, but we decide to find our own way through the steep granite maze. Use the link below to see all the pictures.

Link to Photo Album: Caples Creek Falls Scramble

Oregon Trip 2009

Whenever I travel to Oregon, thoughts of living there often comes to mind. This time was no exception. In the places we visited, Eugene, Hood River, Bend, and Pendleton, there are many appealing qualities that make the areas attractive to me. Several of these cities I describe as "little big cities". In other words, they offer much that is available in major metropolitan areas but without the real big city crowds and traffic. Venture several miles out of town and you can find open spaces with mountains, valleys, rivers, trails, and quiet roads. For the outdoors person, this is a great situation. There you can get a mosaic of city scenes and your open spaces without driving too far. From our place in Bend, it was 5 miles to downtown, Bend and 14 miles to Mt Bachelor with numerous trail heads along the way. Ride your bike several miles south of Hood River and you can find quiet roads where only a handful of car will pass you. Such is the Oregon we encountered in the places we visited. Perhaps that is the reason we've traveled to Oregon more than a dozen times over the years. From the rugged coast to the snow capped mountains and beyond, Oregon offers beauty and the space to roam. Use the link below to see all the pictures.

Link to Photo Album: Oregon Trip 2009