Fall Creek

Last year when we volunteered at Cascara Campground, Rich and I were unable to hike in the nearby Willamette National Forest which was closed due to a forest fire. This year we enjoyed hikes in this gorgeous and serene rainforest.

Rich and Cheryl's Big Adventure

Belknap Hot Springs

A lovely soak in the hot springs. A lovely walk in the woods. And a lovely time by the Mackenzie River.

Sunny Days

It's hard to believe that our first month at Jasper State Park is coming to an end. There has been no rain so we are enjoying sitting outside in the sun. There are two downsides of no rain. Weeding is more of a challenge. The park opened to the public May 1. One of our main jobs is weeding and getting the park presentable. The second is the water level in the reservoir will be low later in the summer which will affect how often and where we will kayak. Right now, we are truly enjoying the sunshine.

photo: a painted rock tucked in a stump.

Out of the Woods

Trillium

It has been four years since Rich and I have been at a park when Trillium is in bloom. At Silver Falls, there is an abundance.

Upper North Falls, Silver Falls State Park

At each and every park we have volunteered, there have been deer sightings. This little guy and two other older deer frequented our hosting site at Silver Falls.
 
Our site was nestled in the woods which created a wonderful ambiance. Contrast direct sunshine, when it wasn't raining,  for maybe a few fours each day with the brilliant sunshine all day at Jasper Day Use Park where Rich and I are volunteering this month. In truth, we love both. Living in the woods with a rustic lifestyle and lots of pine needles everywhere. On the floor, stuck in your socks, in the washing machine. Now, a return to urban living, and the ease of living it brings. Imagine us sitting outdoors in reclining chairs with eyes closed and the warm valley sun shining on our faces.  

Silver Falls State Park

North Falls

North Falls is one of the places I visit yearly in the Pacific Northwest that feeds my soul. Deep nourishment for my soul. North Falls can be a spiritual place of healing and insight. Many times when I visit, there will be a woman standing behind the falls or off to side. Standing still communing with the spirit present. A sister in spirit as I stand behind North Falls meditating.  

South Falls

A Brief Time

View from our front door

Rich and I feel blessed to be able to volunteer at Silver Falls State Park for six weeks. The park is beautiful and is marketed as "the crown jewel" of Oregon. We work hard cleaning cabins. The downside is feeling rather exhausted at the the of the day. The upside is we are in better physical health. The park elevation is about 1300 feet. Many mornings are in the thirties. On those mornings we bundle up in many layers and shed clothing as needed. And yes, we had three days of . . .

SNOW

We worked in the snow, too.

Who Needs an Alarm Clock

Mimi's, I am an angel face


It is 6 am. Mimi jumps on the bed and yowls is my ear. If she is feeling particularly sweet, she puts her nose in my ear and purrs, loud. Time to go outside, time for fresh food, she says. Is the draw to go outdoors, birds she hears? To pee? I have no idea. I don't turn on a light or put on my glasses. Rich and I had a wonderful reprieve with the time change to daylight savings. Reveille at only 7 am. As spring ebbs to summer and dawn is earlier, wake up is now about 6:30 am. Rich and I adjust to Mimi's rhythm. Take turns letting her outside and putting down fresh food.