Fall is here in Eugene

Turkey vultures dry their wings in a tree near our house

It was in the 50s with some rain here in Eugene today, September 29. Fall is here - at least for now. There was light snow up at Willamette Pass this morning. We'll get some nice days in October, but you can feel the season change.

An overnight trip to Clear Lake

Clear Lake from Coldwater Cove

For much of the summer we have been trying to get out to Clear Lake; source of the McKenzie River and only an hour and a half away. We finally had a window of opportunity. An early soccer game Saturday left us with most of the day available and no plans for Sunday. We loaded the bikes and kayak into Lowell and pointed him east. It was a stunningly beautiful day and we found the campground fairly empty. We enjoyed hiking, kayaking, relaxing at the campsite, listening to owls in the evening, and mountain biking all in a brief 24-hour period. It was well worth the effort to get out.

Sahalie Falls

William mountain biking next to old growth, McKenzie River trail

Boating on Clear Lake

A damp weekend at the Oregon coast

Mushrooms on the forest floor in our campsite

It is September and we're off to the Oregon coast for a quick weekend camping getaway. Cape Lookout, near Tillamook, is the destination. While it rained - hard at times - the precipitation was largely confined to Friday night. We enjoyed a couple of nice days at the coast. A bit crowded for my taste, but the beach was enjoyable to walk and the rain forest was wet.

Waldo Lake and the end of summer

William testing out our new kayak on Waldo Lake

It has become a tradition to spend Labor Day weekend - most of the week actually - at Waldo Lake. And it has also become a tradition to enjoy beautiful, warm, and sunny weather at the beginning of the stay and have it switch to fall weather by the end. This year was no exception. We had a great time swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and hanging out at the campfire with friends. Camping season is far from over (is it ever?), but fall is on it's way. Great to get out.