Early spring 2015

Here in Oregon, we've been experiencing what some are calling an "early spring". I call it a serious lack of winter weather. We've hardly had any precipitation, and hardly any snow on the mountains.

Even though our upcoming summer will likely be very dry and filled with wildfire smoke, it doesn't mean I can't enjoy getting out and driving on one of our recent 65°+ days. It's been a real treat actually!

I packed up the pooch a couple weekends ago, and headed for the hills, literally. I ended up circling a bit – another "let's see where this road goes" detour – but finally found another road (Pike Road out of Yamhill), that after some time on gravel, and seeing only one other vehicle, led me up to the top of an old logging tower spot, that has since been turned into the perfect summer campfire spot.

As we climbed up this road, I could see a view taking shape...

As we came to the top, we got out to enjoy the real view this spot had to offer. It was rather beautiful. As LM and I wandered around, taking in the scenery and the beautiful day, I noticed that I could actually see 4 mountains from where I was standing. If I really looked, I could almost see five. Moving a few feet closer to the "edge", I could see a sixth (though I couldn't get that one in the pic).

You could barely make out Rainier on the left, but Helens, Adams, Hood and Jefferson (not pictured, way to the right) were shining brightly in the February sunshine. Happy I stopped when I did, as the fine layer of "smog or clouds" that was hiding Rainier covered all but Adams and Hood after about an hour.

We wandered around for a while, made sure we both got some exercise. So much so, that LM decided he was tired of all the "nature" and he was ready to walk himself home! Impatient little bugger that he is. Note that all the walking we did that day, made for a very sleepy Chihuahua that evening!! ;)

I had just washed Bea the weekend before, so I took the opportunity or a few glamour shots. Yes, I love my rig. Even though her sister is now her cousin, and residing in a drier climate, Gert (Trudi) will always be my first love. But she's being well taken care of now, making a good friend happy, and I get visitation rights. :) Bea has over 117k on her now, and things are slowly taking shape...there will be more changes as time/money allows, but for now she looks/performs great.

The clean Bea experience lasted until about 30 minutes after this pic was taken. I found mud, and a little trail. :) :) We went about a mile down the trail before the ruts got way too deep (especially for me being out there solo), so we turned back. Was still a fun ride.

As it was beginning to get dark after all the playing was done, I opted to head back down the mountain, and finally came upon another vehicle. Not bad for a February Sunday. I'd like to go back up there and see where the road ends up...since there was much more to see, I'm sure.