Monday, September 15, 2014

ESCAPE TO NATURE


Yesterday, my son and I decided it was time to escape from the city. I raised my kids to appreciate nature and to hang out with it as much as possible. They spent part of their childhood years around the lakes and woods of northern Michigan.


Lost Lake near Hood River, Oregon was our destination, about two hours northeast of Portland, Oregon. A fantastically beautiful place where we used a canoe to paddle around its perimeter. My arms are sore today from three and a half hours of paddling. We did make a few stops along the shore to sit and observe nature. Above is what the shore lines were like -- stony and full of bleached tree roots as well as gigantic trees with water so clear you could see the bottom. I only fell in once while trying to exit the canoe to the shoreline. Oh well, it was a warm day and my clothes and tennis shoes dried quickly.



As we rounded one of the many curves -- we got a wonderful surprise. A great close-up look of Mount Hood. 




Few folks were out on the lake and at one section, as the above photo shows, there were no folks at all. So quiet, with soft fragrant breezes blowing from the many fir trees. Lots of dragonflies along with butterflies checked us out at shore stops. It was a fine day to enjoy nature.






18 comments:

  1. Oh my, how grand! Those muscles that took you around that lake were a fair price for such great views.

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    1. Barb -- My sore muscles mad me realize how out of shape I am. Do need to get serious about getting in shape so I can enjoy outings similar to this one -- thanks -- barbara

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  2. That sounds/looks absolutely wonderful! I haven't been in a canoe for a few years and miss it very much ...

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    1. Teresa -- I wish I could live closer to places like this. There is something about nature that sooths the soul. thanks -- barbara

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  3. Good for you two! Looks like it was toooo much fun.

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    1. One Fly -- It was a magnificent place -- I hope it remains so into our future. I know that places like this are few and far between. The National Park Service is in charge of this place but I know they do on occasion log some of these areas. thanks -- barbara

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  4. What a beautiful, peaceful place to spend an afternoon. And isn't September a wonderfultime to be there?

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    1. June -- Yes, peaceful is a good word to describe this wild place. No speedboats, jet skis etc. on these pristine waters. September is one of my favorite months as is all of fall. thanks -- barbara

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  5. Sounds like essential therapy! And so much better when you are with someone you love.

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    1. Tabor -- I'm afraid I am not brave enough to go it alone to places like this. I was glad that my son son convinced me to go with him -- I enjoyed it so! thanks -- barbara

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  6. I would live in a fir forest if I could, and smell it day and night.

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    1. Joanne -- I think you and I have something in common -- nature! -- barbara

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  7. What a wonderful day out with your son and you had some fantastic scenery to boot!

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    1. Michelle -- sons can be pretty good to be around when you are out in the wild -- thanks -- barbara

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    1. Hattie -- Nice place to reconnect with nature -- thanks -- barbara

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  9. oh, Barbara, what a beautiful, fine day to share with your son in a most heavenly place!! I am so happy in nature too, and lakes, mountains & the sea, fill me with a fine energy. Your photos made my heart beat fast, truly. I was just reminiscing yesterday about my 2 cross country camping trips out west as I was hiking with a friend in Acadia National Park. Sigh....

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    1. Rita -- Hiking in Acadia -- how nice! You sound like a traveler to me -- two cross country camping trips -- something to always remember for you. When I was single I used to take my dogs and head out alone on cross country trips -- camping but not in a tent -- in my truck's topper or in a "campin" cabin at a KOA. Loved those trips. thanks for the comment --

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