Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Oregon

Let me say it right upfront, I am a native born Californian - Boo Hiss! - I know, I know. I'm hardened to the contempt from you Oregon Natives. You can't hurt me anymore. Birth through twelve I lived in sunny California swimming, biking, roller skating, climbing trees, and going to school. It was fun. Then, to Oregon we moved and I've been here ever since.

I LOVE OREGON!! It's gorgeous. West of the Cascades it's green and lush, eastern Oregon is high desert glory. With discovery and fantastic vistas around each corner, I am constantly inspired by this great location, my home.

Yesterday we drove up to Willamette Pass high in the snowy Cascade Mountain Range. Breathtaking scenery lined the highway as we drove along its bends and slopes. Hinting at its upcoming arrival, Spring has somehow begun the glowing of the woods. Thick, luminous green moss-coated rigid tree branches and trunks created a surreal enchanted forest. Tiny, plump, bud nubs silhoutted against the pale gray skies spoke of life and leaves to come. White capped, clear, cold waters bubbled over rocks and boulders as if singing joyfully that nature was about to burst forth with newness and growth.









Our mission was simple: snow tubing at Willamette Pass, on Presidents' Day. A friendly amount of folks had the same idea. The girls hooked onto the tow rope and up they rode!




Looking like sugared doughnuts, these tubes sat ready for action.





"Smile, Honey!" Snap! Relaxing to the rhythm of one last wintery hurrah before Spring.



With one final Winter Fix under our belts, we stand ready to embrace-----Spring!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Cherie, what a lovely description of our home state! I'm heading for bed now. I imagine it will be easy to fall asleep with the pictures you've painted with words still in my sleepy head. An enchanted fores, and little girls playing in the snow.

Thank you!

Good night!

Anonymous said...

I mean forest...oops!

deanna said...

An awesome day. So glad you took advantage while you could.

Those sugared-donut innertubes look good enough to eat.

Pam said...

I love, Love, LOVE the pictures!!! What a fabulous day. I miss Beautiful Oregon... I didn't know you were born in CA and moved to OR when you were 12. We arrived in OR when I was 12 also! Add it to the list of things that make us kindreds.
;-)

Cherie said...

You and me, Pam, twins, separated at birth by a bunch of years, but both arriving in Oregon at 12.

Kindreds, forever!!

Glad you liked the pics. :-)

Cherie said...

Yes, Deanna, it was an awesome day - and those inner tubes do look strangely edible. ;-)

Oddly enough, the weatherman says we have more cold temps in store, and even possibly snow. Maybe I have jumped the gun a little getting ready for spring, huh. Hmmm....I'll have to tell it to the daffodils!

Anonymous said...

Looks like fun!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Cherie,
It was a great day, the photos of the tubes is great. WE are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.
Tom

Ann said...

After looking at the lovely photos, I'm almost embarrassed to admit I've never been to Oregon-- one of the very few states I've missed. One of these days, though....

Cherie said...

Ann, you'll love it!

I've never been to Texas, but have been verrrrry close.

One of these days......

;-)