A Dream Come True: Aimee's Autumn Cross Country Adventure

Oh my, it's been a long time since I've posted, and a long time since I read and responded to your always kind comments. For the latter I do offer my sincere apologies, but I have an explanation :)

You see, sometimes dreams DO come true and I have been living out my dream of seeing the Deep South and points in between this autumn! In fact, besides seeing places I had only DREAMED of seeing, I had the joy of spending extended time with my DD and her lovely family AND spending extended time with my DS#2 and his lovely southern girlfriend:) I even had the extra special dream come true of celebrating my birthday with them!


There were SO many times I wanted to pinch myself because I felt that this had to be a dream NOT reality -- but it was all true and I am feeling SO blessed right now I can't stop smiling.


But this dream all started several years back when my DH bought me an RV for another birthday...
suddenly in late summer a plan rapidly developed that we would travel from our beautiful PNW to the lovely South. Before the trip my hubby went through, it seemed, every square inch of our home on wheels making sure everything would be in good shape for the many miles that lay between us and our goal and, it seemed he packed every tool known to mankind (LOL). Meanwhile I went to work organizing the wardrobe, pantry and other parts of our home for the next month+


Then one morning, well before sunrise we set out on our adventure-an adventure which would involve aspens (my favorite tree!), lots of time with beautiful Arabian horses, learning how to make TRADITIONAL Mexican food (made by a woman with one of the loveliest hearts I have ever had the privilege of knowing), trips back in time (pony express, Oregon Trail and antebellum homes to die for)....

It truly, truly was amazing! We traveled through/to 14 states, crossed countless rivers, climbed over the continental divide and survived (by God's grace) winds that blew us around as well as semis that did the same, a storm such as our family in Utah had never seen and missed out on seeing the Atlantic Ocean because of a hurricane! I met a cousin I had corresponded with for years (so, so COOL!) and ate a whole bunch of Southern food (but gained-at the most-only 3#), saw many sunrises and many sunsets.

But perhaps you would like to relive our adventure? LOL--I know I definitely would so let's start!  Let's call this an "appetizer" because I still have so many photos to sort through but I do have a little "dessert" for you at the end:)

Alabama

The butterflies were amazing there!

Alabama. 

I FINALLY realized my dream of seeing a cardinal in person!

Next time I will dream of getting a better photo of these lovely birds :)

St Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch -- around sunrise and the Mississippi River!

Yep, I know this is an odd photo, but it helps bring back all the excitement of traveling through that city during the insane rush hour traffic! Needless to say, on the way back we hit the city well before dawn. 

LOL

REAL cotton in a REAL cotton field. Can't recall if this was in Florida, Georgia or Alabama, but I LOVED the fluffy white balls (bolls) that were in fields and - sometimes - in the middle of roads!
One of the most memorable gifts I received while in the South was a cotton boll (the top of the plant) glued into a mason jar! Anyone that knows me, knows I LOVE nature and-in fact-my hubby and I kept adding to our nature table display wherever we went on our adventure>

Utah

Two of my DD's lovely horses! I spent LOTS of time petting them, enjoying their lovely horsey smell (better than the most expensive bottle of perfume to a horse-lover like me), watching them run, just BEING with them! Heaven on earth!

Closer to home--well sort of...

The Columbia River Gorge. 

We were blessed to see the sun rise over many beautiful places--

the Gorge, the Continental Divide, Nebraska cornfields, the lovely Gulf Coast area of Florida--

so many beautiful places in our country!

And now -- a bit of dessert. 

This year has been a year filled with countless blessings (like our cross country adventure), 

but it has also been a year of loss for in less than one year we lost all three of our white furry babies :(

Little did we know that God, through our son and his girlfriend, 

had a gift waiting for us in the Deep South--

a very, very special little gift who would always remind us of answered prayers, 

the kindness of family

and 

the South. 

Meet our new pup pup

Blessings for a new week, 

Aimee

PS: Since I am writing this at a rather late hour, I ask you to excuse any typos and other errors:)

Thanks!

Weeping Wednesday

She became part of our family in 2003 --

the last year all of our kids called the PNW home;

the year the changes began.

 

The "runt" of the litter--a wonderful combo of white fluffy fur, emotions and energy.

She was perfect paw-fect and we knew she should make her home with us.  

 

 

As the years passed she would become more sure of herself

and in time took a more dominant role in her "pack".

 

 

She loved spending time with
her aunts, who often would feed her treats...
her human brother and sis who loved her...
her nieces and nephews too.

but most of all, she loved spending time with her Alpha Daddy Dog
(AKA Farmer Boy).
He was EVERYTHING to her.

 

 

She was an accomplished blogger,

creating at least two three posts on this blog

(Dear Daughter Dog Takes A Trip,

If Only,

and

 National Dog Day).

 

Her favorite subject being HERSELF

(of course).

She was not one bit conceited

(LOL)

or maybe she was just totally secure in our love.

 

 

She could be sad, happy, shy, bold, curious, temperamental, manipulative,

loving, cuddly, wanting to be left alone--

the one thing she never was--

was boring.  

 

 

She loved people food.

She didn't like dog food.

 

She hated chickens (the live ones).

She had a love-hate relationship with cats

(but apparently learned one day they are best left alone).

 

She had a love-hate relationship

with her doggie brothers too

 (especially if there were any chickens in sight or earshot).

 

She hated her picture being taken.

Kind of like yours truly:)

 

 

She was a good watchdog;

incredibly loyal to her Daddy Dog.

She trusted him implicitly and he never, ever let her down.

 

She was one of a kind;

I can't imagine ever finding another pup like her.

Could there ever be one?

 

 

She loved to travel and did so routinely--

from the heights of Timberline Lodge (Mt Hood)

 

 

to the sandy beaches along the Oregon coast.

 

Forests, the Coast Range, the valley...

Trips will not be the same without her. 

Sad sigh.

 

 

I thank God for creating you my furry one and for bringing you into our lives.

 

And,

I thank Him for answering my prayer and letting us know,

beyond a shadow of a doubt,

it was time to let you go

(even though my heart is breaking from your loss).

 

 

 

Know that I will miss you intensely each and every day but

 your paw prints will forever be etched in my heart.

 

Go with God now my Furry One.

Farewell and thank you for everything.

 

Love Always,

Aimee

 

In memory of our Baby Girl Eskie who died this week

2003-2016

 

Our Day (From the Furry One): National Dog Day

Hi to all my furry, four footed friends and their owners  out there in cyber-land!

 

It's me---

the small, furry, extraordinarily cute, super talented and totally humble one writing to you

 from the lovely--about to receive a rain blessing--Pacific Northwest!

 

 

And why am I posting instead of Mom you say?

 

Well Mom is on a blog break right now, with a HUGE "to do" list,

and it just so happens that this is a VERY special day in America for us canine types!

 

And, since I am POSITIVELY sure she wouldn't have forgotten to post

 something for this VERY special day--

MY day,

and since she occasionally gives me treats,

I am going to cut her a little slack

and post about OUR special day myself--

being the totally talented pup that I am.

 

So a

HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY

to all my paw-d friends out there

and enjoy the photos:):)

 

This is me with my pesky brother.

He's the one I like to bark and jump at sometimes...

like ANYTIME there's something I can't get to that I don't like

(the neighbor's chickens come to mind).

 

And this is my brother again.

He is rather cute don't you think?

 

 

And, finally, this is our oldest brother when he was just a pup.

He's the one that got this whole thing rolling.

You see Mom fell in love with our types and one day came home with him in tow

and, within a short time, Dad loved him SO much --

well the rest is history

(or should I say our-story?)

 

Oh, oh.

It's time for our afternoon break.

I got to go

(literally)!

 

MOM!!!

 

Puppy love,

The small, furry, white one.

 

Oh, yea--please forgive the photo quality.

I may be SUPER talented but my photo editing skills are rather lacking:)

 

Return To The Nestucca River National Country Byway: The Canyon

Both Farmer Boy and I have fond memories of the Nestucca River

 from when we were younger...

 

I recall camping along it at least once, under the stars, with my then best friend and also of times spent at a park that was located at the base of a dam (no longer accessible).
My hubby recalls visiting the area of the Meadow Lake dam which failed in the early 60s, fishing the Nestucca River and also of a "swimming hole".

Not so very long ago it became our "mission" to find that somewhat elusive "swimming hole".

Just a note that I am arranging these photos from east to west so,
if you look at the links below,
you'll have a better idea of what to expect.

 

And now some green immersion for this warm summer day:)

 

 

The coast range is a wonderland of ferns, trees and more. I never tire of it!
 

 

Not too far from the site of historic Meadow Lake Dam
you'll enter into the lovely Nestucca river canyon.

 

 

Pretty overhead woodland canopy.

 

 

Our furry passenger on this mission on her way to her beloved dad.
Coming Papa!

 

 

The swimming hole from above.
Much prettier in person where you can truly enjoy the peace of the area.

 

 

Lovely, lovely green. Is it my Celtic DNA that makes me love this color?
There were places on the route that reminded me of a tree "cathedral"--so amazing!
I am constantly amazed at the artistry of our Creator!

 

A small detour off the main road brought us to this nice view.

LOVE (usually) those small detours--

of course there are those narrow, winding, cliff filled, car injuring forest roads

  that I am not too fond of:)
They are not too far from here.

By the way there are a number of waterfalls in this area--some easier to get to than others.

Can I also say that we had a very magical experience while in the canyon?
A beautiful butterfly accompanied our moving car for awhile--
almost flying through our open window.
Totally amazing!

 

 

Rural view as we draw closer to the coast.

 

 

Another thing I never tire of? Clouds, mist and fog on my beloved mountains and hillsides.

 

Good bye for now my beloved Nestucca River--

see you again.

Before I close this post--
in fitting with the beautiful creation experienced along this byway--
a bit of the WORD for your day (even though it's not Wednesday--LOL)

Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD...
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.
Psalms 113:1, 3 KJV

 

Blessings, Aimee

Some info:
There are two routes through this lovely area.
One, the Bald Mountain road is a one lane paved road and, as you may guess from the "mountain" part of the name, it'll take you up in elevation. Later, you will turn onto Bible Creek Rd (two way paved road) which will--in time--rejoin the main route after the campgrounds.
The second and main route is the one through the Nestucca River canyon. On this one, the road is paved except for a few miles of gravel. As I have mentioned, you can also camp here along the river. Both routes are meant to be taken slowly and enjoyed :)
http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/Nestucca%20River.pdf

 

My Collection --thus far--of Nestucca River National Country Byway Posts:

http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2015/03/of-unexpected-blessings-pt-ii.html

(Meadow lake dam)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2013/04/springtime-in-coast-range.html
(Bible Creek Rd, Lake, etc.)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-different-kind-of-exercise.html
(Bald Mountain/Bible Creek Rd Route)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2012/09/into-unknown-of-fear-and-detours-pt-2.html
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2012/08/into-unknown-of-fear-and-detours-pt1.html
(Bald Mountain/Bible Creek Rd Route--first time)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2011/12/advent-journey.html
(Meadow Lake area and more)
http://aimeeonthemountainside.blogspot.com/2010/08/mountain-retreat-for-soul.html
(Meadow Lake area, viewpoint BLM)

And, somewhere, hiding in my files and possibly this website,
 are photos of two of the waterfalls along this route and
one of those narrow, winding, cliff filled, car injuring forest roads

  that I am not too fond of ;)

Coastal Collection (+ A Bit Of A Catchup)

Oh my have we been busy these past weeks.

 

Small One returned from her visit to summer "camp" and we had the pleasure of her company for several days, including a family reunion where we got to chat with relatives we hadn't seen in quite awhile! A lovely trip was made to my beloved mountains where childhood memories were revisited when we rediscovered a swimming hole. Time was spent along the always beautiful sea too where we enjoyed watching a historic train and ate a picnic lunch at a favorite place.

 

New memories were made at a beloved Scandinavian Festival in the valley,

 where a young one tried out folk dancing, and then just a day later, at a beautiful hillside setting, for a wonderful pow wow. These were some of our fun times.

 

More challenging times have been dealing with our house and its ongoing problems. Mature, beloved shrubs and trees had to be cut down---cut down with only a slight glimmer of hope that they will grace our life again. But there was no choice as repairs have to be made on the house before the autumn rain season begins and their continued presence would have endangered my Farmer Boy. Sigh, deep--deep sigh.

 

Speaking of rain--we badly need some. A soaking rain. Actually several soaking rains. This drought is really taking a toll all over the Pacific NW. With all this busyness and stress I feel a bit parched too and am thankful Elul begins this week--I badly need it!

 

And now, a few photos till I have more time:)

 

 

The Three Graces--near Garibaldi + Barview

(love, love, love these beautiful rocks!)

 

 

Neskowin Beach

 

 

Spoiled, cute, white, fluffy dog at Neskowin

 

 

Spoiled, cute, white, fluffy dog having some lunch at Neskowin

 

 

Local residents of Bayocean (bayside)

shot as usual during the not-so-golden hours

 

 

 Cape Meares Lake

and the Cape Meares community

(from Bayocean Dike Road)

 

 

A Neskowin Beach resident

 

 

LOL--love this one:)

 

Before I go, a WORD for Wednesday -- a good verse for Elul too.

 

You caused abundant rain to fall, O God.
When Your inheritance was weary You revived it.
Psalm 68:9 LEB

 

Revive us LORD.

 

Wising you all a joy filled August!

Blessings,

Aimee

 

 

Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible.

Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.

Between Bay + Ocean: Bayocean Peninsula County Park

Bay view from Bayocean Dike Road past the gate. If you look really hard
you can see the historic smokestack located in Garibaldi. Clicking on the photo makes it larger.

 

 

 

 I've written about Bayocean before and the role that the north jetty at Barview played in its demise. Well this last weekend, on a "nice" sunny,  HOT day we took a trip out there--to this lovely spot located between bay and ocean



 

After getting on the wrong road and ending up in Netarts, we put my phone's navigation software and GPS to work and found the somewhat elusive Bayocean Road. Yippee! (If you are gaining elevation, you are NOT on the right road. We saw no signs pointing us the right direction.)

  

Memaloose Point area

  The bay was beautiful--despite the fact that it was not, as usual, the "golden" hour...

oh well you can't have everything, right? :)

 

 

the natives were also lovely and added to our enjoyment of the approximately 5 mile drive out to the peninsula. One small segment even reminded me of the Hood Canal of Washington state and its small homes along the water!

 

View of the Bayocean Dike Road from the parking area. The lower road runs along Tillamook Bay and carries traffic towards the parking area; the higher road passes by Lake Cape Meares and carries traffic back to Bayocean Road.

  

 

 

 

The dike road (Bayocean Dike Road) was a piece of cake...as usual I fretted over NOTHING imagining a road with steep drop-offs into the lake and bay from a very narrow dike. That's what you get when you have the wrong perspective on something:)

 

 

With furry white one in tow we headed out -- at first -- on road that runs along the bay, but hubby quickly decided we should reroute to the beach. A visit to the townsite's original location would have to wait for now...sigh (bay pic at the top of this post is from this area).

 

Returning to the parking lot, we found the sandy trail and headed westward...

 

 

Looking southward from the trail

The scenery on the way was lovely! Scotchbroom (some which still had a few blooms on it), trees, grasses---loved it! But what wasn't so lovely was the sand on the trail was blazing HOT (and I do mean BLAZING)...sheer agony as I couldn't walk barefoot and the sand kept working its way under the soles of my feet because I had worn, not knowing, flip flops. OUCH, agony, pain.

 

 

But we persevered, extremely thankful for the grass at the sides of the trail and all shady spots. Talking to a couple fellow trekkers we gained hope that the trip was well worth it and then...

 

 one last hill to climb and we would be there.

Yippee!

 

Much cooler sand on the beach. Ahhhh. Lovely on the footsies!

 

 

 Beautiful view towards the Cape Meares area

(the community and headland)

Some buildings from Bayocean were moved to the town there...

 

 

Beautiful views to the north too

(Barview area, jetties and more)

 

 

 

The ocean (west of course)--always lovely

 

 

Eastward view towards the dunes and center of the spit. .

 

Was Aimee happy and was it worth it?

Oh YES...despite getting a friction blister. At least I no longer have the splinter, I had picked up earlier in the week, thanks to DH "doctoring" before we left to Bayocean:)

 

And the hike that seemed to be SO long?

Well, per the measuring tool on the most wonderful Google maps...

yep, it was about 1/3 mile one way.

 

But now I have another problem.

I have to convince my wonderful hubby to make a return visit :)

 

 Blessings,

Aimee

 

Links:

The Bayocean link above will take you to a prior post where I've listed some great websites on Bayocean and its fascinating, though sad, history.

Another excellent website I found recently is here:

http://www.bayocean.net/

(some of his posts have really given me a new perspective on Bayocean and its actual location)

Since this post was so photo heavy, I'll include some pictures of Cape Meares Lake at a different time. Heading south on Bayocean Dike Road it's to your right--

it was formed when they built the dike to reconnect the Bayocean spit which had, temporarily become an island in the 1950s due to winter storms and beach erosion caused by building (and later extension) of just the north jetty.

PDF map of Tillamook County -- will give you a perspective on where

the different locations mentioned are.

Once on the peninsula you can have quite the hike if you are up to it...