Finally- a bit of camping

This past weekend I finally went camping! It seemed like every time I was hiking in Peru with Heather, I vocalized my need to go camping. I think she was getting sick of my whining, with good reason. Finally I went for a very short camping trip this past weekend. Unfortunately, everyone else but Baby was busy, so we set out for another BandB adventure. I learned a few things as I embarked on my first solo camping trip and wanted to share a few observations with you all.

These are my thoughts broken up into quadrants (Who knew I was so anal?) They are as follows:
My trip brought me to the coastal range where I had two goals: fishing and surfing. I left first thing Saturday morning and battled traffic on highway 26 until Elsie. The plan was to fish at Lost Lake, catch some trout and spend the night at the nearby campground. Well, the campground was completely full, so I improvised. I ended up finding a private spot on the Nehalem River up about 3 miles that was kind of close to other campers (maybe 3/4 of a mile). I could hear nearby campers laughing in the distance, which brought me some comfort. I set up camp and headed up the hill to Lost Lake. The views atop this hill were beautiful!
The road took me straight to the lake where there was parking and a few hike-in camping spots. Had I known there would have been a few families already camped out up there, I would have waited to set up camp and stayed next to the lake. Next time. Baby and I started our hike around the lake and I can honestly say I have never been around so many mosquitoes! Luckily I moved fast enough to avoid being eaten alive. After dropping a line in a few places, I found a good fishing spot. I was using a castmaster and after two casts, had two fish. The first was super small and luckily I was able to free it. The second fish was a 10 inch Rainbow and for some unknown reason- well I know the reason- I was a bit confident and let it go thinking I could get a bigger one. My fish friendly side was telling me that bait fishing would make it easier to release the smaller ones. These fish were not going for the powerbait, so I quickly switched back to the castmaster hoping to hook some dinner. The shadows must have changed and the fish had lost interest. It was getting late and I was tired and hungry. After a few more attempts on my walk around the lake and a quick swim, I gave up on the fish. I also had to give up on my plans for spicy black bean trout burritos. It was a sad moment.
Every time I try to have a nice picture with Baby, she freezes up and stares at me like I'm the worst Mom ever! I think she has some sixth sense that alerts her of the timer option on my camera and as a result, almost every picture we have is of her staring at my cheek. Nice Baby-
Back at camp, I was enjoying myself so much I decided to maybe stay a second night on the river. I enjoyed a VERY relaxing evening with my pb and j, baked sour cream and cheddar lays, campfire, doggy and book. It was great. I also made a friend. Meet Mr. Mosquito! The next morning, I awoke hungry for oatmeal. Had some breakfast and started to read through my dissertation. This was by far the most disappointing part of my trip. I have to turn in my final copy this coming Wednesday and needed to do some editing this weekend. I brought my stuff, but as usual was unable to be productive and immediately started to make myself feel sick with guilt. I decided that my second night would have to be sacrificed if I wanted to surf. So I packed up and was at Surf Sands by noon. The beach was more packed than I had ever seen it, but I braved the crowds, suited up and actually caught quite a few choppy Oregon waves. Peru surfing was great, but I felt like I was back home.
This little trip has only intensified my need to backpack and spend time outdoors. I think Nurse Betty (from my job) and I are off for a trip next weekend and I can hardly wait to get back out there!

World's largest gathering of organic brewers right here in Portland!

Yup! That's what I went to this evening. I felt it was appropriate that I attend this festival because it was an organic brewer here in Portland that turned me onto beer about 6 months ago!


Roots Brewery is responsible for the transformation of my tastebuds that has already saved me a ton of money! I mean seriously, beer is so much cheaper than mixed drinks and wine. Now I actually like it. Especially the yuppie Heather Beer from Roots. The event was an eclectic mix of hippies, cyclists, baby boomers, etc. There were no drunk people, just a lot of relaxing on the cool grass and mingling with other Portlanders.

A few pics.This is a picture of me and my coworker buddies, Sally and Jamie. They are very cool girls who help me maintain my sanity by making me laugh at work. They are both leaving my program and on to nursing school and grad school in the midwest. It is sad, but I am so happy to see them go on to new adventures.

Mingling.....

relaxing on the cool grass while listening to live music.....

Good stuff!

this makes me smile-

My niece is now emailing pictures and videos. It has been said that she resembles me in my younger years, both in physical appearance and personality. I have pasted a few of the brilliant things she has sent me recently, including a video clip that captures the essence of brother/sister relationships. It is difficult to think about how old they are. Christian was born when I was in 9th grade! Again.. where does the time go?


In any case, check out my niece, Megan. She cracks me up.

Megan's email:

Dear aunty beth ; I I am so siked that you are already out of school. My school ends this friday!You are so lucky.Anyway I am reading the sixth Harry Potter.Have you ever gone on Youtube?If you have you will know it's got some funny stuff.Next time you go on Youtube tipe in "Potter Pals'' you will laugh your head off! How are baby and buta doing?Email me back! TTYL

SINCERELY' MEGAN

Megan's construction paper family:

I'm so proud of all my nieces and nephews! You guys rock!

Love, Auntie Beth

ps. How old am I? It took me 5 minutes to figure out that TTYL means talk to you later!

words for thought....

BOTTOM LINERS BEWARE:
there's another
set
of
books



A
linkage of lessons
and final exams

that some seem
to view as
unsupervised recess



IS THERE ROOM FOR YOU,
you ask-
there is more than room;
the need to spill
with purpose,
streams of tender
ribboning
time



Today I was working in the day program that I supervise and this book of poems was sitting on the table. I never have been into poetry, mostly because I haven't become comfortable enough with the English language to explore it by writing poems. These poems were taken from The Distant Siren, by James DePreist. He is a famous conductor who currently serves as director for the Oregon Symphony.

I just chose a few of my favorite poems from the book to share. I like poems.

Adventures of Baby and Me

Okay- so maybe the title is a bit over dramatic and grammatically incorrect, but the experience is worth mentioning.

Baby and I had an unplanned stop today on our way home from the Tri-Cities. I had noticed that my 'check gage' light was acting up a bit in Richland, but thought this was the next thing in my dash to go since the RPM light burnt out a while ago. No biggie.... right?

Well, after a few side trips, dirt roads and an hour of going over 70 mph, I exited with anticipation at Blalock Canyon. I figured this would be a fun place to explore/hike/take pictures/etc. When I exited, I looked at the dash and my car had most definitely overheated and the gauge was not capable of going any higher. "How long had it been like this?", "Was it overheating everytime the check gauge light was on?", "Oh my gosh is my engine ruined?"

Well, I decided to pull over and have a look under the hood, since I'm so not familiar with anything engine. I open the hood and my car is gyrating. It sounds a bit like a fan with the protective plastic out of place and you can feel the vibration as the fan uncomfortably rubs against the outer shell. This went on, without any particular pattern for about 15 minutes. I was kind of freaking out, but figured I could handle this. Goal #1: Chill out. So I took it upon myself to get water for Baby, look for a non-existent granola bar, take pictures of myself with my timer option, smell the sage brush on my fingers, gather empty Starbucks cups in my car for disposal.... I kept as busy as possible. Baby waited patiently.

After the noises stopped, I sat there for an additional 30 minutes. I then remembered how I handled this problem with my last Ford SUV(The Bronco II Rocks!...I see a pattern here!). I drove 45 miles to the Dalles with my heat on high. The engine was at about 90% of it's heat capacity and my body was at about 150%. It was ridiculous. But we made it. We found an oil change place that topped off my fluids and also changed my broken thermostat. All fixed. The Explorer will live to see another day.

They are dropping like flies!

Congratulations Sara and Trevor! Mr. And Mrs. Smith became husband and wife on June 21, 2008, despite the freak thunderstorm that moved the ceremony inside. It was still beautiful and the bride was STUNNING!!

Are you ready to see a picture of the best wedding cake I have ever had? Look below-

In this particular picture the aesthetic qualities are not great. However, this cake in my mouth was heaven. Moist, melt in your mouth, perfect amount of frosting sweetness good. Loved it!
Happy Pic with a happy friend and an even happier bride! Love you SARA!
I also was very fortunate to have an invitation to stay at Sara and Trevor's place. This meant I was allowed to spend time with their family... of loving animals. Two dogs, two cats. This little black and white puppy is a new addition. He was found wandering the halls of Sara's High school(she is a teacher) and somehow 'Moo' ended up at their house and is now happily bugging his big brother 'Powder'.
The following picture is of Powder and me on the couch. Honestly, I love Baby to death, but her skittish qualities do not make her the best snugglebug. This full grown Corgi let me snuggle with him and it was great (as you can see on my face).
To Sara and Trevor: Thank you for sharing your home, pets and special day with me. I can't wait to see how your family continues to grow, and I'm not talking about Moo! See you soon for camping in Oregon!

what's gotten into me?

Not really sure why, but lately I feel like I have been stopping to smell the roses.... often. I don't know if it is because the summer air is finally here, or if it is because I just returned from the most amazing trip ever? Maybe it's the books I'm reading for fun, or it is maybe because I don't have the huge weight of my dissertation on my shoulders? I can't pinpoint it, I just know that I am really enjoying it. I feel compelled to bring my camera EVERYWHERE. I'm taking pictures while I'm driving 70 mph.... (see below). I'm taking pictures when I'm laying in a field..... (see further below).... and totally loving it. The pictures are nothing special, but when I take them I feel this rush of life. Can't explain it. Actually, maybe I can. You know when you are so busy feeling things? really feeling them with your senses.. smell, visual, touch? My senses are ultra sensitive lately. Maybe it's the motorcycle? I guess I'll stop thinking about it and enjoy it while I can. So glad summer is here.
Carpe Diem!