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Going to Seed

The seasonal transition from summer to autumn was on display at Fernhill Wetlands as wildflowers began producing seeds and providing food for the abundant birds and wildlife of the wetlands. #seasons #summer #autumn #wildflowers #birds #wildlife

Pine Cones Rock

Actually, these pine cones are rocks, fossilized remnants from the days of dinosaurs. Even though they existed long before humans stepped across the landscape and most have long since disappeared, nature curated a select few specimens as fossils to remind us of this “land before time.” #pinecones #fossils #dinosaurs #ricemuseumofrocksandminerals

Land of the Dead

I was drawn to this scene by its tranquil beauty, but what I learned about it is haunting. “Memaloose Ilahee” is a Chinook term referring to “Land of the Dead.” They long used this, and similar islands in the lower Columbia River for burial grounds for their dead, which were wrapped and placed on platformsContinue reading “Land of the Dead”

Able Cables

The appearance of the cables seems as wispy as the clouds in the blue skies above, yet the strands holding the bridge stoutly support the structure that carries traffic across the Columbia River. Once upon a time we motored our boat back and forth under this bridge to and from various cruising adventures on theContinue reading “Able Cables”

That Magnificent Man and His Flying Machines

Dad (center) at Oshkosh Fly-in and EAA Biplane on Farm Strip It arose from a set of blueprints, a collection of steel tubing and wood, and sheets of fabric and aluminum. After years of careful craftsmanship and perseverance Dad brought this EAA Biplane to life. It first flew in 1969 with my oldest brother, Bruce,Continue reading “That Magnificent Man and His Flying Machines”

Thirty-four Cents

I was playing my ukulele while visiting family in Oregon, and my granddaughter came over and put some change in my gig bag. I asked her what that was for, and she replied that she liked my playing and wanted me to continue. At that very instant, small change became priceless. #ukulele #smallchange #priceless

Dent After Dinner?

After reading the green bumper sticker, I certainly hope it was a really great dinner! #dent #accident #bumpersticker #dinner

Pipe Dreams

Unusual and amazing artwork grace the hallways and a “secret passage” in McMenamin’s Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Oregon. It serves fine foods at its restaurant, and also has lodging, concerts, and a movie theatre. After a great meal, a meander through the hallways, up and down stairs, and through unexpected passages reveals even moreContinue reading “Pipe Dreams”

Of Mountains, Wings, and Dreams

Above: Piper Clipper and I on Tieton airstrip at Rimrock Lake in the Washington Cascades. Below: Tieton airstrip and Rimrock Lake seen from above thirty years later. What rag-winged, tail-dragger pilot hasn’t dreamed of mountain flying and landing on remote grass airstrips. There’s a bit of bush pilot in most of us, and it didn’tContinue reading “Of Mountains, Wings, and Dreams”

Nevertheless

It may officially be called a “lesser goldfinch” but it seemed really great to us when we spotted it during a recent walk. It is the first time we had seen one of these, and it took more than a little searching to identify it. Even though called “lesser,” it was a grand sight toContinue reading “Nevertheless”