My good friend Scott Cohn hosted me for a few days in Portland while I prepared to circumnavigate Mt Hood via the Timberline Trail. Scott and I took to Scappoose Bay off of the Columbia River on a kayak adventure.
It was a perfect day to be out on the calm waters surrounded by tree line banks with a sweet view of Mt Saint Helens right down the waterway.
The kayaks cut through the water with ease as we put our backs into it releasing the Stress of the outside world, shoulders and arms working seeking to find that Balance that my friend certainly needs in his very busy work as a Property Manager at Alder Property Management. Kayaks, the best of friends, blue water, blue sky, paddles and Mt Saint Helens. Ya’ just gotta’ luv it!
Thanks for joining Scott and I as we paddled- “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“, on this pleasant day of kayaking in NW Oregon. It doesn’t matter the question a little physical activity in the great outdoors is the answer. So make sure that you COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE– you don’t want to miss a single moment to be inspired by nature. Hopefully this will get you out there in the outdoors taking it all in. It’s good for the soul. Need adventure wear? The answer is yes you do, lol. Please see SHOP APPAREL. Need adventure? Again same answer- yes you do, so go to the menu- there are suggestions for adventures all over the West. Each of the locations has a separate website and you should check them out. They all need to be FOLLOWED independently as they are separate websites.
Taft Waterfront Park is a lovely spot for reflection and to find peace while exploring soft, golden sand, and miles of twisted, aged grey drift wood. Turbulent waters enter Siletz Bay from the wild Pacific, yet this restless flow provides a calming affect. Brilliantly blue skies show through despite big puffy clouds unsuccessful attempt in obscuring radiant sunshine. Verdant fir trees set a boundary between this perfectly natural scene and the world of man.
Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach.
Thanks for joining my loving Mother Tory, Sister Peggy, and Brother in Law Dale all ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ along the beautiful Oregon Coast. My Mom’s wish to return and set eyes on the Oregon Coast one more time and feel the magnificent bounty of Mother Nature was our beloved mission. We enjoyed our time together and with Nature. Our nearby condo took in tremendous views of the waves crashing upon the beach in the wild abandonment that only the Oregon Coast can provide. World Famous Chowder is something my family cannot miss out on when going to the Oregon Coast, and “Moe’s” is our favorite. There is always a long wait since it is quite popular, but that is not a problem when you have a place like Taft Waterfront Park to enjoy.
In order to take more adventures into the splendor that is Oregon I invite you to COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you please, checkout the menu above for spots all over this great West of ours that PBTA ventures to. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You will need Adventure Wear so go to SHOP APPAREL for top quality gear that bears the PBTA logo and mantra.
I had Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor on my list, as I have seen the incredible pictures. Scenic doesn’t begin to describe it. Corridor however is a good word as this is not just one stop or one spot, but it is a lengthy passage.
I had one picture in my mind that was a must see, so I stopped multiple times and went on multiple little hikes. They were all short hikes and as I said numerous ones so I am going to break with my tradition of mapping out a hike in this instance, but I will say this- each hike, each stop, was amazing so you really cannot go wrong by stopping at each turn off and checking it out once you get to this Corridor. Of course the whole Highway 101 in this entire stretch is pretty extraordinary so it is all good, strike that it is all magnificent.
The pull outs have views of places with names like: Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, Thunder Rock Cove, Secret Beach, and Coast Trail. The Coast Trail and some of these trails do connect one stop to another, I know that I did that in at least one instance.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor displays immense beauty. The kind of beauty with your eyes peeled wide, you hold your breath or it will be taken away. All of your senses come alive, absorbing every minuscule detail. Time moves slower so that you can enjoy each and every minute, etching it into your mind, imprinting it on your soul. Breath in the splendor, capture the moment, take a picture with your heart, because no photo or video can record this, at least doing it any justice. The best that photos can do is serve as a reminder of this instance of how it felt. Feeling the damp air, smelling the fragrant firs mixed with the dank scent of the moist earth and the salt of the sea, hearing the crashing waves below, the cry of a lonely gull, sights of forest, ocean, cliff, tiny islands, delightful coves, rugged volcanic rock and formations that are simply divine are intoxicating. Drink in as much of Nature’s Goodness as you dare.
The colors are so strong, so vibrant, the green firs, the lush ferns, the blues and greens of the Pacific, the midday sky with its wisps of white clouds… Rambling along the perfectly forested trails that provide peek boo glimpses of the ocean beyond, the turbulent sea catches your attention, but take caution you will come across dizzying heights, so be mindful of your step. The glory that beholds can act as a Siren just as the myth of Mermaids luring seafaring men onto the rocks, but in this case the view beckoning you ever closer to the edge for that perfect view. Be warned that these cliff edges could be undercut and give way. Even some large trees have their roots eroded and exposed to air and space. This is a strange, mystical, magical and wonderful place and very powerful.
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel. Click the pic and listen to the waves and see the power.Gold Beach
This would be a gorgeous place for wedding pictures, but I will say around the time of this picture a wave cornered the bride and groom and soiled her beautiful gown.
“There is pleasure in the pathless words… There is rapture on the lonely shore… There is society where none intrudes… By the deep sea and music in it’s roar… I love not man the less, but nature more… From these our interviews, in which I steal… From all I may be, or have been before. To mingle with the universe and to feel… What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.” – Lord Byron
Thank you for joining me in a forest, on a cliff with a view of complete splendor. While I found myself ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ amongst the trees, nature provided “Natural Bridges” from the busy life of man to the sweet embrace of Mother Nature. Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor was a good one and I will be hard pressed to try and top this place, but try I must and try I will. To join me: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above has wonderful places throughout the West that PBTA explores check it out to spawn ideas of your next adventure.Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.SHOP APPARELhas top quality adventure wear for you to adorn yourself for your journey.
Staying in Condos on the beach between Lincoln City and Depot Bay sister Peggy and I went for a three mile beach hike to the craggy headlands know as Fishing Rock. It looked interesting as it jutted out into the churning chasm of large violent waves. The jagged rocks were being pounded by a rough Pacific and the crashing swells exploded into the air upon contact.
We were scampering on the rocks when I spied a tiny marker ”Oregon Coastal Trail” that uncovered a steep little path that led up the bluff. Once on top there was a dark and foreboding forest that was impenetrable, but for a trail cut through it.
One direction led into an area devoid of light other than where a few sun beams filtered through in the most curious way giving it an mysteriously enchanted vibe. The cool air formed clouds of vapor from our breath and in the streaming light beams it cast haunting shadows and visions in an incredibly eerie fashion.
The other direction’s course weaved through a brushy maze opening up to the vastness of the ocean as it smashed into the rocks in a mesmerizing rhythm. We were compelled to watch wave after crashing wave as as the ocean had cast it’s spell upon us.
Fishing Rock on the Central Oregon Coast is one of the smallest sites of the State Park System. It is tucked away, obscured from sight of Highway 101 like a hidden secret. The signage on the 101 is discreet, vague and unassuming. Fishing Rock is at the end of a side road through a little neighborhood. There is a tiny parking lot and only after curiosity gets the best of you do you follow the dark colored gravel path that seems to lead to no where, and that is where the adventure begins.
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel Click the Pic. There is motion in the Ocean.“There is pleasure in the pathless words, there is rapture on the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music and it’s roar: I love not man the less, but nature more.” -Lord Byron
My sister, Peggy, and I thank you for joining us on this entrancing excursion along the Oregon Coast. For more adventure I beseech you follow these oh so simple tasks that will ensure that you don’t miss out: FOLLOW, COMMENT, SHARE and LIKE. If you take a peek at the menu you will see that PBTA ventures to many different locations, each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Click on SHOP APPARELand you will discovered logo adventure wear. The gear is top quality and carries the mantra of finding ourselves through profound experiences in the healing of Mother Nature.
5.8 miles. 318′ elevation gain, 3 hour duration, rated Easy
I visited Clear Lake basically as recon for the future. My Fraternity brother Bruce was giving me the grand tour of Central Oregon and I am afraid that we did not have time to squeeze this hike in. I can tell you of the short portion of the trail that I was on, snapping a few quick pics, it looked like a beautiful spot. The trail was gorgeous with big heavy timber, the blue Clear Lake was so tranquil, and Mount Washington in the back ground framed the area perfectly. It appears that in a non Covid-19 year this would be a pretty popular spot and it is easy to see why.
I am always outside on the inside.
Sadly enough this was the last of my Summer Adventures with my fraternity brother Bruce, who took me trekking around Central Oregon. It was so grand! Thanks so much bro! I can hardly wait until together we once again find ourselves ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’! Followers of PBTA you don’t have to wait because if you look at the Menu above you will find many adventures that you might want to go explore yourselves. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Speaking of FOLLOWING please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for all of your Adventure Wear needs it’s all top quality.
I was trekking across Central Oregon with my good friend and Fraternity Brother Bruce leading the way. He was kind enough to share his expertise and local knowledge on the area. We stopped at extraordinary Sahalie Falls. We had squeezed in many fantastic adventures during our 3 days enjoying this magnificent place called Oregon. So unfortunately our final day was running to an end and thus we did not have time for much of a hike at the falls. Still, we did go above the falls as well as down stream to partake in the wondrous views of this gorgeous spectacle.
Bruce could tell that I was astounded by what was before me. Upon first sight of the Sahalie Falls my eyes widened and my jaw dropped. I love chasing waterfalls, so it was not like I have not seen a lot of wonderful falls. But the power of the McKenzie River was quite literally launching the stream into space. This is a must do, and even my Fraternity Brother who lives in Central Oregon will make a stop here just to check it out when passing by.
There Is Nothing Like A Waterfall
There is nothing like a waterfall When rhododendrons bloom in spring The sound and the earthy smells Two of the joys that nature brings.
Green moss grows on everything A soft and spongy feel So magnificent the scene is Why, it doesn’t seem quite real.
Just listen and close your eyes The world just floats on by There is nothing like a waterfall
by Marilyn Lott
We appreciate you chasing Sahalie Falls with us. It’s time for you to go out and find an adventure that can ignite the passion of your soul, while you stretch your legs, feel the light spray from the waterfall on your face, and drink in all that Mother Nature has blessed us with… or heck you certainly can tag along with us as we continue ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, – We’re perfectly fine with that, but to do so you will need to FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE. If however, you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire you just go to the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Yes, that is a PBTA cap atop my noggin. You can buy one at SHOP APPAREL where there is currently a SPECIAL DEAL going on.
This is not really a hike. It is more of a nice little outing in nature. Just a real pleasant walk through Ponderosa Pines, to a quiet and tranquil scene of a slow flowIng river that started at that spot. Along with the spectacular river scene, which is absolutely idyllic, you will take in picturesque green meadows, beautiful fir trees and Mt Jefferson perfectly framed. What a zen like place.
What is unusual about the phenomenon that is the Head of the Metolius is that most of the time rivers are started by mountain snow run off, or a bunch of springs all which join together over a pretty good chunk of land to form a river, that is not the case here. The Head Waters of the Metolius River comes right out of the ground right at that spot, and not in a trickle by any means. We are talking 50,000 gallons a minute.
After checking out this peaceful setting we stopped by the quintessential General Store type of establishment that is a must do. Just outside the doors the river runs by and there is great fishing to be had.
Really cool outing for the whole family.
“A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself.” -Laura Gilpin
Thanks to my good friend Bruce for sharing this enchanting scene as we adventured across Central Oregon, and thank you for joining us ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. If you liked the post then take a second and COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you glance up at the menu you will see that PBTA goes to many different locations you might just find a few to put on your list. Please note that each locations is a separate site and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. For the very best quality adventure gear stop by PBTA’s SHOP APPAREL.
Black Butte Trail is a fun and popular hike in Central Oregon not far from Bend. The views along the way are worth the price of admission, which by the way you will need an America the Beautiful or other more local pass for parking. Like many of the mountains in the area Black Butte has volcanic origins. It is an extinct stratovolcano.
Your hike starts out in beautiful lush green forest. Enjoy the shade while you can as you will climb out of the forest and that will be the end of the shade. The views from Black Butte are utterly amazing along much of the hike. Even the forest provides peak-a-boo glimpses to spur you on along the trail. On top the Cascades come into full view and they are outstanding. Tam McArther Rim, Broken Top, the Sisters, Mount Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, and Mount Adams all laid out before you like the most lavish banquet for the soul.
Mount Washington
North Sister elevation 10, 090’
Sisters
Cascade Mountains
Cupola Building 1924 observation and living quarters.
Mount Jefferson elevation 10,497’
TFJ, Three Fingered Jack, elevation 7,844’
Mount Washington
Tam McArthur Rim, South and North Sister is blocking Middle Sister, and Belknap Crater
Sisters
Tam McArthur Rim, South and North Sister is blocking Middle Sister, and Belknap Crater
Mount Washington elevation 7,794’
Three Fingered Jack through the firs.
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.”-Henry David ThoreauBlack Butte
I appreciate you joining my good friend Bruce and I as we found ourselves drinking from the cup of replenishment ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ with the Cascade Mountains on display in all their splendor. To take in so much beauty all at once is almost staggering. Nature has a way of bringing that needle back into balance offsetting our hectic lives and that is exactly what PBTA is all about. There is much more to come. Be sure to COMMENT, FOLLOW, SHARE, and LIKE. Stop by SHOP APPAREL and gear up and then get your boots dusty. Need a place to go? Checkout the menu above each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.
What a wonderful day to be experiencing Oregon at it’s best. I joined my good friend and Fraternity Brother Bruce for several days of journeying into incredible beauty, as he hosted these first days of Summer “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“. Our days were filled with some of the bluest skies you’ll ever see, stunning views of the snow capped Cascade Mountains and on this day from a kayak, surrounded by deep sapphire blue water.
Waldo Lake is the second largest and second deepest natural lake in Oregon. It’s waters are some of the purest and cleanest on earth. On a calm day it is said that you can see over 100 feet deep. The lake is a little less than 6 miles long by 3 miles wide, and the nearest major city is Eugene about 70 miles south. Waldo Lake is surrounded by thick, green, lush forests of Douglas Firs and Western Hemlock, and it is a perfect spot for hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming and kayaking.
It was early in the season, as we did hit a few patches of snow driving along our route, but it was crazy that we had this big beautiful lake all to ourselves. We launched from Shadow Bay and we only saw a few other people- some hikers and a mountain biker. There was a light, but building breeze as we paddled through the indigo water, and took in views of the mountains to include Broken Top, South Sister and Middle Sister. We headed across the lake against the wind thinking if it really came up strong that it would be at our back for our return trip. We also figured that once we got to the other shore the forest would provide a wind break as well. We put in some miles as we struck out for Rhododendron Island which wasn’t in bloom, but full of natural beauty just the same. We circumnavigated the small island taking pictures and video to recreate Bruce’s daughter‘s perfect day, which the two experienced last year together.
If timing is everything then it sounds like we hit the nail on the head. Not only was the weather perfect, but it sounded like we dodged a bullet. We kayaked Hosmer Lake earlier in the morning, and met a Stand Up Paddle Boarder that told us his favorite lake was Waldo Lake because of it’s vast beauty and it’s deep blue water, but that he would never go there again due to the mosquitos. Well, we seemed to have escaped that issue. We experienced none of that, although we did bring the insecticide and head nets. The hikers we encountered in the parking lot, who make this an annual pilgrimage, said that this is the perfect time to come. It is all timing when everything just opens up with the snow melt and before the mosquitos are out in force.
The water was amazing, the scenery was stunning, the exercise was perfect, recanting our college days was awesome, what a great time! When can we do it again?
The pictures you always hear don’t do the experience justice, nor does video clips, but video is a little closer because of the moment of water. We launched into Waldo Lake out of Shadow Bay.Shadow Bay at Waldo LakeBruce lands his kayak on Rhododendron Island.Worry less, paddle more.
Thanks for joining Bruce and I as we paddled- “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“, on this pristine and gorgeous lake in the Wilds of Central Oregon. It doesn’t matter the question a little wilderness is the answer. Good, friends, paddles, blue sky, blue water- “Ya’ Just Gotta Love It!“ Bruce and I still have adventures left to put to pen. So make sure that you COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE– you don’t want to miss a single moment to be inspired by nature. Hopefully this will get you out there in the wilderness taking it all in. It’s good for the soul. Need a hat like my PBTA logo cap? The answer is yes you do, lol. SHOP APPAREL. Need adventure? Again same answer- yes you do, so go to the menu- there are suggestions for adventures all over the West. Each of the locations has a separate website and you should check them out. They all need to be FOLLOWED independently.
Oregon Hiking 