The Gypsies Have Landed

Here we are. December at Beverly Beach! You can't tell from this selfie, but we are standing on sand with ocean in the background. This picture was taken November 30, the only dry day so far. We were blessed with a bald eagle fly by during this inaugural beach walk.

Family

One of the reasons Rich and I are hosting in the Salem, Oregon area is to be withing a reasonable driving range of family. I forgot that my first husband's family were early settlers in Monmouth and Independence, Oregon area. The park where we are currently hosting is about 15 minutes from Monmouth.

From Smoke to Flood

Almost normal river level

The tide is high

During the recent heavy rainfall the Luckiamute River level rose close to flood stage. The rising river did flow over the river trail cutting off sections of the path. Our site remained dry.

Sexy Beasts

View of Luckiamute River from our site

Rich and I have colds. Life slows down and not much happens. With all the coughing and nose blowing we are a bit sexy. Well, maybe.

A Lovely Site

Sarah Helmick, the day use park where we are hosting for the month of October is the park first acquired by the State of Oregon. Most of the maple trees look old, gnarly and are absolutely gorgeous.

Movin' On

Rich and I enjoyed our time at Cascara Campground. For the eclipse we we not in tototality maybe 98% but it was an exciting event. About two weeks after we arrived the Jones fire started in the area where we were hoping to hike in old growth forest. Sad face.

We are now hosting at Sarah Helmick Park about 30 minutes south if Salem, Oregon. A beautiful park and the only downside is cellphone service is very limited. I am posting this from a rather sketchy laundromat.

Trash Walking Meditation

Cheryl's News From Cascara Campground

September 3, 2017

Cheryl & Rich with smoke filled Dexter Lake in the background.

Our work day at Cascara begins with walking the campground and picking up trash. The first bit of trash I picked up was a cigarette butt, the first of many. By weight, dog and skunk poop wins the prize for the largest quantity of trash we pick up. That is correct, there are skunks in camp and for some reason they like to poop on the picnic tables. Picking up trash, bicycling the camp a couple times a day, selling wood, answering questions and being a presence in camp is our daily work schedule. It is an easy, carefree life we enjoy, and each day begins with a walking meditation.