Oregon Garden Birthday Party

My two sisters and I took Mom to the Oregon Garden Resort for her 77th birthday.  The Garden is located South of Mt. Angel and East of Salem.  We took the scenic route through Woodburn and Mt. Angel.  Beautiful countryside. 

The Garden has been around since 2000, but the Resort part is new since October.  It has cottages that each have about 6 separate rooms in each.  There is a restaurant, lounge, spa, swimming pool and hot tub.  We didn't get a chance to use the spa, not enough time.  Kammy and my room came with dinner (entree and bottle of wine). Quite the deal.  The dinner was great.  We hung out in the lounge afterwards and listened to the live entertainment.  The band was a little sketchy, but we had fun.  In the morning we took advantage of the free hot breakfast, but my recommendation is to get there early because by the time we got there, they had basically run out of food.  They may have a few kinks to work out.  The room rate came with free entrance to the Oregon Garden, so we shopped a bit in the gift shop and then caught the tram that takes you all around the Garden in about 20-25 minutes. 

 We got a great overview of the Garden, but you really need to get out and wander.  The Garden is a series of themed plantings:

This was my favorite in The Bosque.  The reflecting pools with the maple trees growing in the water.
The Conifer Garden.


The view down to the Garden from the Resort and the Willamette Valley.

The Wetlands.  This is a joint venture with the city of Silverton using treated wastewater.  They also have the Lewis and Clark Garden featuring plants that the duo discovered; the Children's Garden, the Sensory Garden, and others.
A great idea for birthdays, girls getaways, anniversaries!  We had a great time and I am ready to go back and walk every garden.

My New Kayak!

In the Fall of 2008, we did a kayaking/mt. biking trip down in Moab, Utah on the White Rim and the Green River.  It was an epic adventure with lots of good paddling, biking and a 100 year flood that kept us camped in tents on the top of a mesa during the biggest thunderstorm I've ever been a part of.  One of the times in my life that I was really really afraid for my life.  I just knew that a lightening bolt was going to hit our tent.  The kayaking on the twisting Green River was so much fun! We survived and left Utah with a love of being on the river in a kayak.  

Mark bought a kayak from a friend about a year ago and has enjoyed a few forays out on the Willamette and other local waterways.  I've been a little slower to buy one, but we did this past week and christened it this week on a short evening ride on the Willamette.  I bought an Perception Essence 16.5 foot and I love it!  It glides through the water very nicely I must say.  It has a scag that pops out of the bottom of the boat and recesses when you are done.  Much nicer than the one on the exterior.

My maiden voyage was on a perfect warm late spring evening.  The sun had come out late in the day and there was no wind.  We rolled Mark's kayak out of the parking garage (where it is stored on a rented rack) and took mine off the top of the Suburban.  Mark pulled his on his new wheels and held one end of mine, while I held the other end of mine.  Quite a site.  We have a launch area at the river by our building.  It is steep and gravelly, so it was a little shaky getting the boats down the incline.  We launched in the cold water and glided across to Ross Island.  What an amazing feeling to be in the middle of a city of one million and feel so far away.  It was quiet all except for the songs of the birds on Ross Island.  We had a great rivers-eye view of our building and the others in the South Waterfront.  

We paddled along the Island and then crossed back to the other side of the river and made our way back up to the launch area.  We explored the pilings that are left from ship building operations from days gone by.  The creosote smell was strong!  Several Dragon Boat teams paddled by, including my good friend Kelly's team.

We wrangled the boats out and put them back in their rack snugged up against each other.  I see many more trips on this river out our window in our future!

June Storm

On Thursday, June 4 an unusual storm blew threw the Willamette Valley.  It packed most of its punch south and east of Portland, but arrived here with plenty of wind, rain and lightening.  I'm a self professed weather geek so really enjoyed watching it roll in.  The windows of the condo are a perfect viewing platform.  Mark was returning from climbing Mt Hood earlier in the day, so was thankful they got off the mountain before the storm came in!

Clear Lake Butte Fire Lookout

Mark and I spent the first night of Memorial Weekend at an active fire lookout in the Mt. Hood National Forest.  We have also stayed in one by John Day and Mark and his nephews have stayed at the one on Devil's Peak.  The lookouts are rentable through the recreation.gov website.  We paid a mere $30 for a day and night of great views and peace and quiet.

We were hoping (actually I think it was more me) that we could drive right up to the lookout.  The lookout is used in the summer so, most rentals are in the winter and people have to ski/snowshoe/snowmobile the 2 miles up to the lookout from the main road Forest Service Road 42.  This is the road to Timothy Lake off of Hwy 26.  We got to the spur road 240 and had to park because the road was closed with a gate.  The road was relatively snow free except for section higher up, so the hike up was easy. 

The weather was beautiful and warm.We arrived and made the climb up the several flights of stairs up to the Lookout.  I haven't been that freaked for a long time about heights.  The stairs were steep and did not have backs on them, so you looked right through to the sky!  Took me awhile to get up but I did finally.  The trip up and down got easier the more I did that, but I knew I would NOT go down those stairs in the middle of the night to use the outhouse... 

We arrived and spent the first hour just admiring the view from all angles.  To the north, Mt. Hood and Clear Lake

To the south Mt. Jefferson

To the west Timothy Lake and Little Crater Lake.

The facilities were definitely adequate.  A propane stove and solar powered refrigerator and light.  A nice woodstove with a great woodshed located down below on the ground. 

We saw a little wildlife while were there....blue jays, scrubjays, and we surprised a little rabbit when we used the outhouse after dark!  The Scrub Jays were our best friend during meal times...

We broke out the wine and cheese and enjoyed the sun on the deck and read a bit.  Dinner was simple soup and bread.  We watched the sun set and the lights from the campgrounds at the lakes twinkle.  Amazing.

We played TriOminoes (one of a few games at the lookout).  Had to break out our head lamps to see well.  The one lone solar powered light bulb wasn't cutting it!  We slept well on the bed in our sleeping bags and woke up with the sun.  The Lookout is all windows (no curtains) so we saw a beautiful sunrise as well.

We ate our instant oatmeal, packed up and walked the two miles back to the car.  We had a great time.  A great location for a girls weekend, romantic time for two, or family fun!

Chi-Town

I have fallen in love with Chicago...I think it helped that the weather was magnificent (albeit a little chilly in the shade) when we were there.

We travelled to the Windy City (I'll bet you don't really know why it has that name...) to attend nephew Jeff's graduation from Columbia College.  He graduated with a degree in Marketing and Communications on Sunday.  One of the most interesting graduation ceremonies I've attended.  I'll get to that later...

The experience we had in getting from O'Hare to our hotel on the CTA train showed us we will need to practice in reading signs before we get on the Amazing Race.  Number one, we put too much into the ticket machine expecting change when there was a big sign on the machine that said "no change given".  It's embarassing when the attendant has to point it out in front of your nose.  Mark's ticket was $2.25, mine was $10.  Oops.  Then we promptly turned from the machine and marched down the long tunnel until we realized we were following the wrong signs to the train.  Oops again.  The train entrance had been right next to the ticket machine.

We arrived in the evening and desperately tried to find a "great" Chicago restaurant within walking distance of the luxurious Travelodge we were staying in.  Two things here.  The Travelodge was located just one block off of famous Michigan avenue across from Grant Park.  I feel like we got a great deal on location for the $$.  And, I have this habit of having to have the "perfect" dining experience when we travel.  Don't want to "waste" a meal eating at something non-authentic or true to where we are.  For instance, I hate to eat at chains that I could eat at in Portland.  What's the point of travelling if not to experience the new and different?  Anyway, in that quest I think I often drive Mark crazy looking for the ultimate place.  On Friday when we arrived, it was about 8:30 p.m. and we had not eaten yet (we were very hungry), it was rainy and dark, and we were walking the streets in a neighborhood not known for its eateries.  I also like to go off recommendations of travel books or natives.  Sometimes I get a little too focused on that.  So, we finally had to give up on the quest for the perfect Chicago restaurant.  Too late, and too hungry.  The end result was we ended up eating at a very cheesy Thai restaurant in our hotel.  OK food, but food. 

What did we do when we were there?  We walked/ran along the Lake on Saturday morning.  I love our waterfront run here in Portland, but Chicago was a close 2nd.  We decided to take the Double Decker bus tour to see Chicago quickly and get some history.  We had a blast!  We hopped off the tour at the Chicago River to eat a great burger next to the river.  We hopped back on and rode to the Sears Tower.  Along the way we took in the great architecture of the city.  It is called the Second City because it is the second city that rose from the ashes of the great Chicago fire in the 1800's.  It's a big city but clean and beautiful.  Another fun fact...It's called the Windy City not because it is windy weather-wise, but because of all the political speeches given back in the day.  Hot air...wind.  Get it?  Back to the Sears Tower.  We rode up to the 99th Floor and got a spectacular 360 degree view of the city and the Lake.  Truly awe inspiring.  Sunday we visited the Field Museum for a view of Sue the T Rex and to get my fill of stuffed birds!  We first wanted to go to the Shedd Aquarium, but the Oceanarium was being remodeled, so we opted to go the the Field.  The aquarium and the museum are on what is called the Museum Complex which also houses a Planetarium and Soldier Field where Da Bears play.  One highlight was listening to a great piano player in a bar Saturday night and then a live irish band at a pub later on in the evening.  We were spontaneous and hired a cab to drive us around for a half an hour to see more of the city.  Turns out he is from Turkey and married an american girl.  We will try to hook up Amina and his wife to compare notes.

I fell in love with two fountains.  One in Millenium Park.  So cool.  The other in Grant Park, the Buckingham Fountain.

Jeff's graduation was interesting.  A very depressed Valedictorian and a long winded honorary degree recipient made for an entertaining afternoon.  From the dancer who was honored..."We used to go out to the park and gather up dry leaves then bring them back to the apartment and crumble them on the floor.  But I'll come back to that..."  No, please don't!  Got to meet Jeff's Mom, Gma and Aunt for the first time.  Lovely ladies.  Dinner at a Greek restaurant afterwards capped it all off.  

Our travels were made even more enjoyable by the complimentary passes we have this year for the airline lounges in the airports.  It's like entering another world when you pass through those frosted glass doors.  Not sure I can give it up when the year ends.  Free food and drink, soft chairs and smiling concierges to greet you.  In this day of delayed flights, extra costs for everything, and skimpy meals, it sure was fun to feel pampered if only for awhile.  How much does it cost to extend that year?  

Looking forward to going back and spending more time.  Next time the Aquarium, the Art Institute, a river architecture cruise, maybe Navy Pier, a professional sports game....lots to do.

Neighborhood Update

Lots going on outside the windows...My garden continues to grow.  I've used the rosemary several times in recipes, made mint tea for Mark the other night with my mint, and we've had several salads with our lettuce!  Off today to buy tomatoes and peppers to plant.  Mark and I have wandered down several times over the past week to the new South Waterfront Community Garden that is located just south of the Atwater, next to a gravel parking lot.  It has risen from nothing thanks to the hard work of some of our neighbors.  The plots are actually raised from the ground with wattles as borders.  It is so fun to see what people have planted.  Even garden art in some of the plots.  I am looking forward to seeing the progress as things grow.  It's amazing what people can accomplish with effort.

We are also keeping watch on the osprey nest.  Zidell Marine erected a pole to encourage the nesting pair to build their nest.  Apparently, after PGE put a discouraging structure on top of the power pole that they built their nest on two years ago, the ospreys kept trying to build their nest on a Zidell crane.  So, Zidell built the pole and the ospreys cooperated!  It has been fascinating for a fledgling birder like me to watch them build the nest and now sit on the eggs.  They are so beautiful as they soar above looking for fish in the river.

Right below the osprey nest is a vacant lot just north of our building.  Originally,  plans were to build a hotel on the property, but with the downturn in the economy, the lots sits vacant.  Which is just fine with us because it allows us to keep our great downtown view! 

 Over the past few months we have noticed that someone is tilling the dirt.  A tractor with disks has been parked for awhile.  This weekend we actually saw "The Dahlia Guy" on his tractor tilling up the soil.  Word is he is going to plant a commercial dahlia operation on the property.  Dahlias this summer where previously there has been only dirt and geese!  In Milwaukie, our neighbor behind us had gorgeous Dahlias planted all along the fence.  It will nice to see them again.

The Mirabella (assisted living residence) continues to go up outside our balcony.  They are currently working on the 9th floor (of 31). I wonder what the guy in the crane listens to all day?  What's on his ipod playlist?  Also noticing that the structure up on the OHSU hill is now rising out of the trees..

I continue to marvel at the breath taking sunrises, sunsets, rainbows and comings and goings of storms and clouds.  Always a great picture.

Thanks Jake, for helping your old Aunt Kelly with your blogger tips!

Kings Mountain Hike

We are in "training" for Mark's Mt. Hood climb the first week of June.  I'm not climbing, but tagging along on the hikes to get in shape.  A couple of weeks ago we hiked to Council Crest from our house on a beautiful sunny Saturday.  Yesterday, we headed to the coast on Highway 6 and hiked to the top of Kings Mountain.  It's located in the Tillamook State Forest at milepost 25 on Highway 6 (25 miles east of Tillamook).  I've never been quite sure on the from which direction they start...Our climbing partner was Guido, my boss from Priority Footwear.  Mark is taking Guido and my other boss Dave up Mt. Hood.  We got to the trailhead about 9 and headed up the 2.5 mile trail to the top.  It was about a 2,400 foot elevation gain in that 2.5 miles, so needless to say it was steep in parts.  The trail is well maintained by the Mazamas with great signage and good trail condition.  Not a lot of switchbacks which reminded Mark and I of our trek through the White Mountains on the Appalachian Trail back in the summer of 2001.  It was a hut to hut.  Every morning when we would leave the hut the first trail was straight up!!

The views were great on the way up.  We were a little early for the full wildflower bloom (but I noticed quite a few had opened up by the time we went down.)  We saw lots of trilliums and other assorted pink, purple and yellow flowers.  I wish I could tell you what they were!

As I said, it was steep, but that meant we got to one of the highest parts in the coast range and the views were magnificent.  We signed the climber's log at the top and had a bite to eat.

I've decided that I have an obsession with taking snag pictures....Love the art in their form I guess.

Notice the elevation marker above, 3,000 ft.

We had to pose by the cool carved sign at the summit.  Which is 3,243!

We headed down (which took a lot shorter time).  We had gorgeous weather so that we could see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood and the Pacific Ocean.  My quads and calves are feeling it today!