Hiking Weekend with the Boys

This weekend Lori went with her sister to Sisters to do the Sister's Stride 7 mile walk with their two three year olds.

So when the mama bear is away the cubs play. The "big" boys and I planned hikes both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we drove Aufderheide Memorial Drive between Oakridge and Blue River to go to the Skookum Creek campground trail-head to hike in to the Erma Bells however the trail to the Erma Bells was closed so we went to Otter Lake. As we left the house I was thinking I should get a jacket "just in case" but I was already out the driveway and I had the boys in long sleeve shirts so we should be okay. But as I drove I thought that maybe that was not such a good idea. I was right … it was cold! But we survived and had a nice time. Hamburgers at the Vida Café ended our day on the way home.

Sunday after church we headed back up HWY58 to look at a mobile home park that is for sale this side of Westfir (Oakridge) and then hike the Moon Falls and Spirit Falls trails. This time we all wore long pants and jackets. There had be a very slight drizzle off and on during the afternoon but when we got out at Moon Falls it was dry. I had the boys put on hats but I left mine in the van … it was dry out. Well, about 5 minutes into the hike it started raining. Not the "slight drizzle" of before, but rain. We got wet. But it was warm and beautiful, so no problem. It is an easy (1.2 round trip) and beautiful trail through tall canopy trees with healthy undergrowth. In the fall, the change in colors will be very nice. Moon Falls are very tall going over huge rocks.

Spirit falls is also beautiful. It is a moss-covered water-fall, the moss makes the water separate into thousands of streamlets, stunning. The trail is steeper but short (.8 round trip). Hamburgers and ice cream at P-Hill DQ ended the day nicely.

Lori had the camera with her so I have no pictures this time. I am taking up an offering for a new camera (I am lusting over the Canon 40D). Let me know if you want to donate (cash, check, paypal accepted).☺