Vernal Outing

Eager to explore more of Oregon, I headed down to Silver Falls State Park one fine sunny day. I always have my camping gear in the back of my car, and it came in handy on this spontaneous trip. Upon waking in the morning, I put on my hiking boots and discovered a crisp verdant trail leading past several waterfalls. The path took me behind a few of the falls and I enjoyed the refreshing spray even in the cool of the morning.

Later that day I visited a tulip farm nearby to witness their annual festival. I was surrounded by fields bursting with color. There were vibrant kaleidoscopic layers of flowers being admired by crowds of people. I also appreciated all of the Dutch cultural references.

Spring Has Sprung

Last night I decided to meander downtown to check out the cherry trees I heard were in bloom. It was a beautiful sunny evening down by the Willamette River. By the waterfront at the Japanese American Historical Plaza, graceful pink blossoms shimmered in the trees. I found that I wasn’t the only one out to enjoy the sunset under this delicate umbrella of flowers. I mingled with other folks out for a picnic or a bike ride or a stroll, happy that warm weather was finally upon us.

Then, VERY early in the morning I decided to go for a drive. I watched the sunrise over the Columbia River Gorge in the silence of dawn.

Then traveling east I came upon Dabney State Park along the Sandy River. New green shoots seemed to be popping up everywhere, and I enjoyed the solitude of a fresh green morning.