The rainy skies that brought lots of snow to Mt. Hood finally cleared and today we could see the 'Mountain' at last. Of course, I screeched at it's beauty and Terry slammed on the brakes not knowing why I screamed. This is one of the views we have of Mt. Hood from our Park. It never fails to take my breath away. The days we can see it are a true delight.
With Jane closer to Portland, however, some of our adventures have been up her way. We both were so excited about seeing the Japanese Gardens there. The traffic wasn't bad as we skirted the edge of town twisting and turning uphill to find it. As we approached we noticed some parking lot construction and thought little of it until the sign before us read CLOSED until March 2016. What a disappointment! Little did we know that the Portland Rose Garden was across the Park street, however.
The view from above was a certain invite down the massive stone steps. The Rose Garden is high above the city with glimpses of high rise buildings between the massive trees. ( Oregon trees are just magnificent anywhere you go. I love them all-- especially in the fall!)
This walkway is one of 4 that have Rose Gardens on each side. It would take most of the day to see all of the roses. We spent about 3 hours and took lots of photos. It was so much fun exclaiming over the varieties and sizes and colors. All these blooms were there to enjoy in late October. I can't imagine the Garden in summer! That's another trip one day.
The only way I know to get to Jane's house is on rural country roads that parallel Interstate 5. The farms and huge tree nurseries along the way are beautiful every trip I make. One morning I left early to get back to the park and never expected that the sunrise would break through the clouds. It was such a lovely morning that I stopped 4 times for photographs.
The pink sky and blue-gray mountain contrast was so intense against the deep green of the fir trees! Oh! Oregon! You can see why all those wagon trains were headed here.
On Veterans' Day we accepted the Park Staff invitation to honor Terry with a day off. And off we went to lunch at our favorite restaurant on the coast in Yachats. The Luna Seafood House is owned by a boat captain who catches the fare served in his restaurant. We both had salmon for lunch that he caught the day before. So fresh and so delicious! You can imagine our surprise when the check came and Terry's lunch was complimentary as a thank you for his service.
Last weekend Jane and I visited the Oregon Garden about 15 miles east of our park. It was a chilly morning that cleared off enough for us to enjoy several hours there searching out plant combinations for Jane's garden at her new home. The many nurseries in the area designed the garden that opened in 2001. Very impressive for a young garden. The trees still had lots of color to enjoy!
We can hardly believe that in 9 days our time here at the park will be over. I have learned to love 'maintenance hosting' here. We have both enjoyed seeing the jobs we do make the park safer and more pleasant for the visitors. It will be sad to say goodbye to our friends and co-workers. The times we have shared with our families have been wonderful and we will miss their closeness. By mid-December we hope to be back with family and friends in NC however.
