Visited Dallas, Oregon, and Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton, Oregon, for a few days. Spent the day at a friend's forty-three acre ranch. Formerly a cattle ranch, all the internal fencing has been removed, and the fields mowed. Great views of Mt Hood (I'm told, since it was overcast),  as well valley views. Lots of work went into rebuilding this former ranch (see photos below -- they do not do the ranch justice; there's too many vistas of meadows, forests and the mountains beyond).

Also, took a seven plus mile hike at Silver Falls State Park, the hike wanders through several hundred feet of elevation, and takes you to ten different waterfalls throughout the park. We arrived early, and finished before 11 am. The parking lot was nearly empty when arrived, and it was packed as we left. Here are some photos of the different waterfalls we saw: they range in size from twenty feet to over one hundred forty feet. Well worth the trip, despite the crowds at the end.

Ellis Ranch, Dallas, Oregon

Silver Falls State Park, Silverton, Oregon

Spent the day relaxing after all the noise and confusion of a holiday weekend. The fireworks were spectacular, and the shops and craft fairs were full of people.  A very business weekend, and, hopefully, successful for all the small businesses who rely on holiday and summer vacationers.

I woke early and walked the beach as the sun rose. Very quiet, only a few fellow walkers, with their very happy dogs running up and down the beach and into the surf. I'll return tomorrow; it should be even quieter.

Spent the rest of the day preparing food for fermentation. Fermented food has become a big part of my culinary diet: and that includes sauerkraut (of varying kinds, flavors and spices), fruits, asparagus, cucumbers, spring onions, squash and many other vegetables.  It's relatively simple to do so; I obtained most of my knowledge through this cookbook, Fermented Vegetables, and their website, http://www.fermentista.us/#home-section

Today, I fermented and pickled asparagus, spring onions, cucumbers and squash, and made celery "pudding". a fermented celery mixture combined with fresh sage and thyme (I have a small garden next to my THOW). The scent would be familiar to anyone: think of vegetable stuffing.  In a couple of weeks, I'll have a feast, Plus, I'll be adding new fermented food as the farmer's markets bring new vegetables weekly.

Here are some other photos of the Oregon coast and woodlands.

Tucked safely into the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area, which extends north and south about forty miles along the coast. Dunes accumulated over millions of years from wind and ocean currents building up the dunes to heights of 300 feet and more, and nearly one half mile wide. Great attraction for ATV owners as well for sandboarders who skim across the surface as if they were actually surfing in the ocean.

Many lakes dot the area on the east side of US Highway 101. Some small, some quite large; all filled with canoes, kayaks, motorboats and fishermen.  Trails wind throughout the ridges and lakes along the coast line. Photos below are of various venues, I visited, hiked and camped over the past few days.  Now that July Fourth has come and gone, it is much quieter here.  The beach is nearly empty: just the wind and the surf, and an occasional dog running free!

Wine Country Respite

After a long drive this past Friday, I arrived in Santa Rosa, California, to visit with my beautiful daughter and two grandchildren. Unknown to me, this was NASCAR race weekend at Sonoma Raceway. The RV park was packed with NASCAR fans of all means and persuasions. All were very interested in The Pod, and many tours were held. 

Saturday night we dined at Wiilie's Seafood and Grill, located in Healdsburg, just north of Santa Rosa. One of my daughter's co-workers joined at the last minute for dinner (far left).  We ordered many small plates (sometimes multiple orders) and a few specialties (the family loved the lemon meringue pie)!  Very good times with lots of laughter, silly jokes and lots of dogs to pet (the patio accepts dogs on a leash).

Sequoia National Forest Update

Unexpected rains revived the fading greenery throughout this forest and watershed. Although we were soaked by early morning showers, the beauty and majesty of these forests and trees marveled everyone.

Staying Cool...well at least trying

Orchards for Miles

From Fresno south on CA-99, past Selma (the raisin capital of the US, think SunKist) to Visalia and on to Bakersfield ( a distance of ~150 miles, there thousands of acres of orchards and grapes. Orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, apricot among others, plus olive and walnut groves. 

The attached, if rotated clockwise panoramically through 360 degrees, shows the orchards extending off into the horizon. The farmers were burning that day uprooted older trees that no longer could bear fruit. Hence, the haze in the background. After the fire embers have extinguished, the ashes are furrowed into the soil and new trees are planted.