Biking to Fern Ridge Reservoir
Normally, a bike ride to Fern Ridge Reservoir would be nothing more than a conditioning bike ride (as the objective today). But today was different … The bike route A good portion of the route follows the Amazon Bike Trail … Read More
A new goat bell!
A very dear family friend gifted me a new goat bell! His kindness and compassion are second to none and this gift fits his character – perfectly. Our family is lucky to have such friends. Here is the story I … Read More
Hiking Salt Creek Falls to Notch Lake
Another July day sandwiched between really hot July days for a close-in day hike. Last week was lower McKenzie River, so this week targeted Willamette River valley: Salt Creek Falls (opposite Waldo Lake) to Vivian Lake and then on to … Read More
Hiking lower McKenzie River
After hiking the upper and middle sections of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and the weather forecast in the upper 80’s, a perfect time to hike the lower McKenzie River section – completing all the trail but the detour. … Read More
Gear: Saucony Peregrine 13
For the last several years, I have worn Topo Athletic trail-runners, waterproof boots and urban hiking shoes (running shoes). Their design with wide toe-box, low/0 heel to toe drop, and cushioning kept me in their shoes – buying >10 pairs … Read More
Hiking Fuji Mt & South Waldo loop
Hiking Fuji Mountain and South Waldo Lake loop was planned for last week as the last of the snow melted, but high heat >90 postponed the trip until Sunday, July 9. Weather forecasted clear and low 80’s. A couple of … Read More
Hiking Ridgeline Tr on hot day
The day’s plan originally was Fuji Mt for some photos of snow-covered sisters. Hot weather just made the plan stupid, so nearby Ridgeline Tr is an always-welcome contingency. A 30 minute total car-time hike that started at 5:00am at Spring … Read More
Gear: Enlightened Equipment Jackets
Over the last year, I have bought 2 new Enlightened Equipment jackets: Torrid and Copperfield. The Torrid is part of ‘keep warm’ kit, and replaced my Patagonia Nano Puff, and Copperfield goes everywhere in pack belt pocket for wind. Enlightened … Read More
Hiking middle of McKenzie River Trail
In an attempt to finish the entire McKenzie River trail (USFS, AllTrails) both directions (upriver and downriver), Tuesday, June 27, I hiked the middle section of the trail (upper section earlier this year). This hike started at Blue Pool trailhead … Read More
Hiking summer solstice on Alpine and Tire Mountain trails
Summer solstice seems a good day to be in the woods — last year. This year the weather was cool, potentially cloudy but no rain in Willamette Valley, and after last week’s long trip (Ochoco, Smith Rock, McKenzie River) a … Read More
Latest posts
Mary’s Peak Ramble
A couple of clear, cold days and my sister’s day off created perfect opportunity to rendezvous at Mary’s Peak. We met at Conners’ Camp around 7:30; we were the first two cars in the parking lot. Temperatures in the valley … Read More
Spencer Butte fog art
Sometimes timing just works. Another break in the weather (weather reports had called for a break all week, so … had to eventually get it right) with morning fog only in low valleys … the perfect set up for some … Read More
Dripping fog Ridgeline ramble
Weather reports said ‘partly cloudy’ by late-morning. While further away hikes were considered, colder weather and carbon karma avoidance filtered out those alternatives leaving Ridgeline and Spencer Butte as better options. An easily done weekly forest ramble. New experience on … Read More