Oregon is green and beautiful, even when the day is overcast and cold. Expected to rain, but the drive from Rogue River, to Florence, which is near the coast, is scenic. Crossing through the Umpqua watershed, following the river, then the Smith River area…this abundance of water helps make it the Great North West.
I even enjoyed seeing a parade of logging trucks, though I despise the clear cutting that is still happening here and in Washington State.
Old bridges, some with swinging draws are plentiful because rivers are plentiful as water pushes toward the sea from the cascades. In fact, someone told me there are 52 covered bridges in Oregon. What a wonderful goal for some summer, to find them all. There is one near my property.
As we got lower in elevation near the Dean River watershed, an expansive meadow held a huge herd of elk, lying around in plain site. Signs everywhere, elk crossing, siting area, benches and shaded places were set up for viewing. By the time we spotted them, the turn out was past so we cruised on by. Couldn’t even get my camera focused in time to catch a shot from the window. But, we did stop for lunch at Brandy Bar, above. Its filled with trees and ducks.
The nearby bank showed off a patch of little English daisies in bloom and bright, new green leaves on the trees. I would have taken a dunk if the river was in Redding with its 93 degrees instead of here.
Lovely! Oregon is one of my family’s favorite destinations. I have an uncle who lives there and has been kind enough to show me around what turns out to be one of the most beautiful and intimate states in the union.
I too have good memories of Oregon and making some more. Thanks for writing,.