And the Trip Down

What goes up,

must come down

(or so the saying goes)

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And we needed to come down...

since we don't have a cabin up there,

and since it was just a trip and it was time to head home.

-

Despite my making it up

and my immense joy at doing so,

I knew we should try another way down...

so we did.

---

Of course coming down a mountain,

the road involved a lot of beautiful curves and winding roads,

signs like this,

and road grades of about 17% in at least 2 places

-

BUT

it was a lot easier on me then the road up had been

and still very, very pretty

And as I sit here typing...

I'm thinking when will we go back?

Because, despite the fear, I really want to!

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Blessings on your travels,

Aimee

Finally Did It!

I love mountains--I really, really do!

But there have been a couple places, in the NW mountains, that I have avoided because of past fearful incidents---

As of this weekend, there is one less of those places:)

-

So let's take a trip while I conquer THAT place!

The road up is an interesting one.

Lots and lots of trees.

And you know I love trees!

Lots of curves and...

views like this one.

Lots of clear views like this one...

as you climb higher and higher up the mountainside.

But after what seems like an eternity

(which is actually a lot less when the passenger

- yours truly -

is not asking the driver to travel 10 mph)

you reach the top

the peak

the summit

THE GOAL

(and yes I did consider dropping to my knees and kissing the ground).

But no time for that because now comes the hike--

a short hike

on a seriously steep hillside...

(memo to self: NEVER wear sandals to hike.)

Of course, mountain goat Farmer Boy does not need to worry--

he is sure-footed in all kinds of footwear--

but even he said the hillside was steep:)

However, the short hike in slippery sandals was well worth it for this-

BEAUTIFUL!

By this time I was giving thanks for the trees, I was leaning against-

first because I was still shaking from the drive up

and secondly..

they gave me something to hold onto while I was trying to get some photos of the beautiful vistas.

But I did keep thinking--in between the shaking--

wow am I glad we kept going!

(of course there were few places to turn around at)

But really, I was thankful...

because I love the views from mountains,

the moss laden trees,

plants that are hidden in the forests and

time with my DH--the mt goat.

Speaking of plants--there were many--some with red berries

(sorry but the camera--I mean I--was shaking too much on that photo),

this pretty little flower,

and these.

I really, really wish I had taken a better photo of these--

they were really pretty!

I have no idea what they were though.

My DH wasn't feeling well so he returned to the car-

and I walked a bit more-no longer shaking

in the mostly flat area of the lower part of the park.

There were only 2 other people there so I had the area mostly to myself.

Myself and the tall, tall trees.

And the views.

And the shadows.

And the tall, tall, tall trees.

And then it was over...well except for the drive DOWN!

-

BUT I did it

(and this time I won't wait some 30 odd years more to do it again)!

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Have you conquered any old fears lately?

Found blessing in a special place?

Blessings from the mountainside,

Aimee

The Word on Wednesday

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.“
Mark 6:30 NKJV

As we move closer to Labor Day, it is becoming more and more evident that mom will soon cease her earthly labors and go on to her heavenly rest. Every time our home phone rings I dread answering it because it is the line my sibling generally uses to call me and I don't want to hear THOSE words.

Yes, I don't want my mom to suffer and I know that in heaven she will know eternal peace, perfect love and joy, no pain, fellowship with Christ and happy reunions with family and friends long since passed on--but...
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the thought of life without her always young spirit, her sense of humor, her constant love, her prayers, her smile, her conversations; it is something I am not ready for. I don't think it is an easy thing to say goodbye to someone who has been so much a part of your life, is it?
--
So I am tired--not physically, but definitely emotionally and spiritually. I am in need of a retreat for my soul. I need to heed God's call and come away for awhile--with Him--and rest my heart there, in His presence, under the shadow of His wings and I don't need to, as much as I'd like to, climb the mountains, visit the desert or find refuge in the forests to pray, meditate on His Word or just be silent before Him.
-
Blessings,
Aimee

Note:
“Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
Photo:
A valley view from the coast range.

The Word on Wednesday

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth,
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper:

the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day,

nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil:

He shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth,

and even for evermore.
Psalms 121 KJV

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May the LORD who made heaven and earth fill you with His presence this week.

Blessings,

Aimee

-

Photo: coast range and foothills

Note: this has been my favorite Bible chapter since I was a teenager.

A Mountain Retreat for the Soul

I needed to get up into the mountains of the NW again-

I knew it

To be among the tall trees of the forests

and the ferns and wildflowers there

To breathe in the peace that is found on the mountainside,

in a world far away from the noises of daily life

To listen, instead, to the restful sounds of nature

and

to feel my heart and spirit soar and yet be soothed

as the road would lead us upwards

To see the birds of the air

flying above the hillside

To see, too, the creatures of the meadows.

To leave my burdens behind --

to allow myself to be renewed in body, mind and spirit.

To remember, again,

that it is from the Maker of heaven and earth that my help comes from.

And
to be in awe, again,

at the handiwork of His hands--

The hands that created this garden--

the garden of mountains,

forests

and

meadows.

-

So I listened to the longing of my heart,
the call of my soul
and this past weekend my DH and I traveled up that winding road to those mountains.

And my heart again smiled

because I remembered.

-

Blessings,

Aimee

-

Where do you go when your soul longs for a time of refreshment?

A time of renewal?

-

Photos: coast range

Daughter of My Heart

Many years ago God gave me a very special gift;
He gave me an adorable little girl full of energy!

-
She wasn’t mine by birth;
but she was definitely born from my heart's longing for a daughter

(although it took a time to realize this)
-
And now that this cute little girl has grown up,

and become a woman with children of her own--

she is still beautiful on the exterior, yes;
but where it counts the most, in her heart, she is even more lovely

and I am SO honored to be part of her life!

-

Daughter of my heart--I thank God for you;

a gift from Him,

a blessing from heaven and

the answer to my heart's longing!

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Always know that you and your brothers are my treasures and are deeply loved!

---
Love you always and forever my daughter,
Mom

The Word on Wednesday

"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away." Like 21: 33 KJV
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Although I struggle with some unanswered questions of faith at this trying time (I think that is pretty normal), deep within I KNOW what I know--that mom will go to heaven when she passes away and that there she will know no more pain or suffering.
Blessings,
Aimee
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Photo: Siletz Bay with ocean in distance.

PNW Links of Interest & Info

I know it is not obvious at all---but I LOVE the PNW!
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And it may be quite surprising to you that even as much as I have traveled, there are still places I want to see that I haven't been to before--Klamath Falls, Mima Mounds, Diamond Lake, Puget Island, Nutty Narrows and others come to mind. One lifetime will never be enough to totally explore every little nook and cranny that make up the incredible place I call home:)
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But what are my favorite places in the NW? Certain things are definite draws for me--the combo of water and mountains always is a biggee, just about any place with a Scandinavian heritage, forests, rural and small town areas.
Yes, I have spent time in the bigger cities of the Puget Sound as well as elsewhere ( and I have a HUGE soft spot in my heart for Seattle) but it is His gardens-the gardens God created that appeal the most to me.
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Now having said that--here are some of my fav places on the northern and central Oregon coast (I am starting with them because of a special request for info on the Oregon coast). Of course I will add a little additional info on my beloved Washington too:)
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I LOVE parks---and the PNW region has many good ones! Here are links to Washington state parks and one to Oregon state parks. Visitors might be surprised to find that you don't necessarily need a camper, trailer or tent either; many parks are now offering yurt and cabin rentals.

I LOVE wildlife refuges! Some you can just drive by but others allow you to actually walk into the area. I've been to a couple, but I have several more on my list for visits this autumn and winter in Oregon and Washington. Here is the link for the NWR site (you will find a map to click on for the state you want to visit).
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I LOVE historical--anything. Give me some Victorian houses, old forts, pioneer cemeteries, etc and I am as happy as a clam (not that any clams I've ever seen looked happy!). Needless to say I LOVE Pt Townsend and Pt Gamble (WA) and Astoria (OR)---of course I pour over travel books and have a long, long list of places with pioneer churches, historic buildings and Victorian homes. If you also share this interest and are traveling to Oregon I would go to the Astoria-Warrenton area! Oh and this area also has totally yummy Scandinavian bakery items...and a great state park (Ft Stevens), wonderful places to photograph (filming locations, Astor Column, the waterfront, etc). Here is a link to their chamber of commerce. I think of Astoria as a little Scandinavian San Francisco on the edge of lots and lots of trees. I especially love to view it from atop Coxcomb Hill and from the Young's Bay Bridge--oh and from the area near the Goonies house!
Also, there is a bridge--a long, long one--that crosses over to WA here in case you want to continue your tour of the PNW coast on Highway 101.

I better make a little disclaimer here--I am not in any way associated with any of these chambers-I am just posting their links here as that is where I usually go if I want to see photos /videos of an area I am interested in and needing info about lodging, local attractions, etc. The same goes with restaurants, etc I may talk about.
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Further south (and please understand there are some great areas in between) is Cannon Beach-home of Haystack Rock--much loved and much photographed offshore rock formation. This town reminds me -- a bit -- of Carmel, CA--at least the Carmel I remember. Lots of shops, pretty parks--haven't been here for awhile but liked it when I visited the area.

Moving south again--Tillamook! Think green pastures, dairy farming, cheese factories, blimp history, a big bay and you will have an idea of what this area looks like. Nearby is the well known Three Capes road---you will want to see it if you like rugged headlands and a good camera. North are the small communities of Garibaldi and others.
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And southward again: the Lincoln City area. Here I like Siletz Bay and Gleneden Beach the best. Lots of art galleries, kites, shops, etc. Devil's Lake is nearby with a park too and the famous D River. Not too far south from here is Boiler Bay -- a good viewpoint area off the highway. You will figure out quickly why it was named that:)

On the road again--you would pass by Depoe Bay (smallest bay) with a great seawall and lots of little shops. I will let you google for their chamber. Keep in mind that all beaches in Oregon are publicly owned and that there are many, many state parks the entire length of Highway 101--the coast highway.

Newport--picturesque bridge and waterfront, lighthouse, aquariums, beaches. shops, etc.

And our final stop for this post Florence. Let's just say sand dunes, lakes and a great state park! Believe me the coast south of here is also amazing! Bays, cranberries, more parks, rock formations, etc....my advice would be to look for photos of an area that sounds interesting and then seek more information. The coast in Oregon is usually divided into three sections if that is of any help--north, central and south.

Lodging: many types available. Bed & Breakfasts, motels, hotels, resorts, rental cabins/houses, state park lodging, etc. You can start by checking out the chamber sites. Often then I check a travel book I have or one of the trip ratings sites. Personally I have stayed in rental houses, motels, resorts and camped at the parks but I am not making any recommendations here for a variety of reasons.

Food: lots available in all different price ranges. Mo's is probably the best known one and they have several locations. I've also eaten and liked Wildflower Grill (near Lincoln City), Camp 18 (Elsie, inland from the coast a bit in the forest), Salishan (a resort in the Siletz Bay area) and Side Door Cafe (Gleneden Beach area). What is also fun is just buying some fresh or smoked fish at one of the local fish markets and grilling it at one of the many parks. Or buying the makings of a picnic and eating it along a lake or at the ocean. BTW--this is not a complete list--I have eaten at various locations up and down the coast but there are just too many to list:) You can also check out various rating sites and make your own decisions. Again, I have no association with any of these establishments.
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Attractions: well besides the forests and coast range which are close by...and the ocean with its rugged capes and sandy beaches, several scenic river byways, big and small bays, etc--there are aquariums (Keiko lived at one of the Newport ones for a bit), deep sea fishing, historical -- maritime and other museums, salt water taffy, art galleries, etc. Just check out the links above or do a search on google. Of course keep in mind that many places also have events going on--festivals, farmer markets, etc.

Hope that is helpful...at some point I will provide more links to sites on the WA coast also but if you are already interested you can search for info on Ilwaco, Cape Disappointment, Long Beach, Aberdeen, etc. Regarding time to visit the PNW coast--a personal choice really. Summer is the busiest time there--when I go then it is often during the week as I like less crowds, more availability. Early autumn is also great if you are traveling over the coast range to get to the coast--because of the fall colors and normally good weather. The PNW, as you all probably know, is known for its rain, fog in certain areas and storms but I have visited the coast in winter and found it warm at times and stormy-rainy at others or icy. Every year is different but the coast tends to be milder in temperature then inland areas--the southernmost coast can actually have more CA type weather. Again check with the local chamber of commerce sites.
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Blessings & Peaceful Dreams,
Aimee
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Photo: Astor Column, Astoria
Note: all the links above have great photos or slide shows of the area they represent along with other helpful information for the visitor. You will also find more photos in my link to coastal areas, on wikipedia and on other websites. Soon I will be posting photos and info for Camp 18 and Wildflower Grill since we had great meals at both this most recent visit and since they offer other attractions besides food:) Night all!

To Touch a Shipwreck & More

There aren't too many places where one can reach out and touch a shipwreck or even walk inside of it (depending on the tides)--but you can find such a place at Ft Stevens, on the beach south of the jetty.

I still have memories of seeing the Peter Iredale when I was young and our family visited here. Seems like there was a lot more to the wreck then--and perhaps there was as a lot of years have passed.

In this photo you can see what remains of the ship--from bow to stern;

fortunately, there was no loss of life.

A peaceful scene--looks like we have this piece of paradise all to ourselves;

little do you know that the beach was full of happy people, including our family:)

Ft Stevens is a very popular place to visit!

Coffenbury Lake--what you can't see is the fishermen, kids in canoes and people just enjoying the beautiful view!

After we left the park we encountered three deer--a mom (not shown) and two of her babies! I was on my cell phone at the time and yelled at my friend to hold on so I could photograph them (she, knowing that I love ALL Bambi-types, was happy to oblige)...it had been a perfect day thus far and seeing this little deer family was a great ending to that day!

Hope you enjoyed our trip to the NW coast of Oregon...

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Blessings,

Aimee

For more info on the Peter Iredale see this link to wikipedia

Next:

wildflowers, heron and good food!

logging history, bird-lover paradise and --- good food!

Oregon's North Coast: South Jetty & Columbia River

While my daughter was here we traveled to the most northwesterly section of Oregon--
to the Clatsop spit, part of Ft Stevens.
This area is one of my favorites--
it seems so wild - so windswept - so beautiful!
And, yes, I should have used my zoom lens but since I have yet to do so--
I was concerned that I might not attach it correctly and then be without a camera for the remainder of our trip.
Oh well--
we go here once a year or so...
and I suspect I'll have lots of practice changing lenses by the next time we return :)

This is where the Columbia River, a major river of the northwest, meets the Pacific Ocean.
It is a very dangerous place as sand bars, formed by the river, and wild waves make passage from the ocean to the Columbia River very tricky.
.
In the photo above, you can see the SW shore of Washington state.
If you want to continue following the Pacific Ocean, the fastest way is to travel a little east-- over the Young's Bay bridge to Astoria and then take the long bridge that crosses over the Columbia River to Washington state. Before the bridge was built there were ferries. Now the only one that crosses the lower Columbia runs from Westport, OR to Puget Island near Cathlamet, WA.

Here is the south jetty. And why you ask is it called that?
Well because there is a north jetty in Washington.
This one makes a kind of semi-circle and you can get a great view of it
from the observation tower located next to it.

The jetty is quite tall and it's a wierd but neat experience walking along side of it knowing the ocean is just on the other side. Did I say this area was very windy and colder then the other parts of the park? It was--at least on the day we went.

Here is the view looking southward from that same observation tower.

The boulders used in the jetty are HUGE and it can be very dangerous to walk on it.
Since I am not part billy goat, like my DH, I stayed happily and safely off of it:)

Part of the area on Clatsop Spit--so pretty!

Traveling -- just a little way by foot -- to the river side.
While there we visited a wildlife blind.
I had never been in one before and will definitely use them this winter when I visit some PNW wildlife refuges now that I see what they are like.

This peaceful view was from near the blind.
So quiet.

Another view of the Columbia.
Next:
a shipwreck you can reach out and touch--if you dare:)
a lake to canoe, kayak, fish in or just enjoy the beauty of
and
MY first deer sighting of the summer!
Blessings,
Aimee
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Note: the links above will take you to two of my previous posts of the
Ft Stevens area and Astoria.

The Word on Wednesday

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love."
John 15:9 KJV

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When faced with a very difficult circumstance, such as the deep suffering or death of a loved one (or yourself) you have two choices. You can either choose to believe what the Bible says about God--that He loves us and that He is always good, or you can turn your back on Him and reject His unchanging love for you.

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May you who are facing difficult circumstances choose to continue in His love.

Blessings,

Aimee

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Photo: lilies in large pond near Ft Stevens State Park, north coast of Oregon

Time of Blessing

Even with our current life's storms, blessings in our life have been abundant.

This week we have been spending time with one of our biggest blessings.

And of course, just like her mom, this blessing likes to travel.

So for those of you who'd like to join us...

it's road trip time!

When times are rough,

I've learned to look high and low for the blessings that surround all of us-

even in the difficult times-

in this case I had to look high!

I've also learned that

blessings come in a lot of different sizes and shapes;

some of my favorites have feathers.

Blessings are found in all sorts of place too.

We found ours this week at the beach,

along rivers and bays

in the mountains

and

at home.

Well I could go on--and I will--but since later today we are meeting with more of the blessings in our life...

and since I am FINALLY getting tired,

it's time to say good night and join my Farmer Boy blessing:)

May you find blessings in your life

today and every day!

Aimee

~

Photos taken at various locations on the central Oregon coast and in the coast range.

More road trip photos later:)

The Word on Wednesday

Before I answered our ringing phone I knew who it was.

Over the next few moments my sibling explained what mom's tests had revealed in terms of diagnosis and prognosis.

It was not good news, but many of the questions we had all been asking over the last few months now had answers. There would not be much time left and some things had already slipped away--soon our prayer warrior would be gone and life would never be the same again. Honestly, it already felt different.

-
Phone call ended, headache birthed, I told my DH I was going outside and stepped out onto our deck. As of late my thoughts had been “It’s TOO soon, God!” and “I’m NOT ready“ - the latter meaning more then just the obvious.

I was filled with emotion and yet at the same time felt empty.

-

But as I left our home and stepped out, over the threshold, into the world God had created, His grace came down. It reached out to me as I stood there, in pain, and touched me with

His Words-eternal words.

It said-"Be still and know that I am God”.

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Above me the sky, His sky was blue. A Stargazer Lily and our fragrant vine, both part of His handiwork, cast their fragrance and beauty across the upper pond from me.

To tell the truth, I had forgotten about the lily even being there; it had been so long since I had seen its bloom and its beautiful pink now caught my eyes and so I walked closer.
Further from my world and deeper into His.

-

And in the distance stood my mountains--

His mountains--

against the blue of the summer sky.

-

The Creator had spoken--not audibly--

but nevertheless His message of comfort for me was clear.

The One who made all of the nature as far as I could see--

the One who had brought me and my mom into being

was still there; at that moment and at my location.

There would be sorrow, yes, much of it;

tears have already been shed and more will come.

But there will also be certainty for mom and us--

for when the time arrives for us to say our final goodbyes on this side of heaven--

the One my mother has known intimately for most of her life

will be waiting on the other side to bid His daughter, my mom, welcome.

-
"Be still and know that I am God"

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Yes, Lord, by Your grace I will.

-　
Know
“…to have information firmly in the mind“.
“be certain about something: to believe firmly in the truth or certainty of something”
“…to be…familiar with somebody”
“…identify somebody or something by a characteristic: to recognize somebody or something by a distinguishing characteristic or attribute”

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May you know His grace & blessings this morning,

Aimee　

-

Note: definitions for the word 'know' excerpted from Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Bible verse: Psalms 46:10 KJV

Temporary Blogging Break

Am taking a short blogging break to finish some important tasks around here:)

TY for your understanding...

Wishing you peace, hope and love till we meet again.

Blessings always,

Aimee

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Photos: miniature rose, simplicity rose, dianthus