Welcome to Adele's Blog

Blooming Chinese Witch Hazel

2012-01-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

It never fails to take me by surprise when I look out to see the Witch Hazel in bloom!

A blue sky day today to fully appreciate the flowers.

Highlights 2011

2012-01-13T19:57:00.000-08:00

click on the photo then click on the arrow to start slideshow

Coho Salmon Spawning

2012-01-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

The salmon are still thick in the creeks, a very good return this year it seems.

New Years Day Salmon

2012-01-01T21:12:00.000-08:00

The torrential rains we had last week finally allowed salmon to move up to their spawning creeks.

New Year

2012-01-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Another year to explore the wonders of nature

Angel Fun

2011-12-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

What a perfect day for making Angels, cold and clear. Mary hosted us again.

One of the first to be completed by Monica

Happy at work

Some of the finished product

Eagle Owl

2011-11-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

Check out this slow-mo video of an Eagle Owl!

Sutton Birthday Hike

2011-11-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Monica and Mike came over to help me celebrate my birthday

We did the Sutton Creek loop and didn't get rained on

Happy Birthday

2011-11-11T22:47:00.000-08:00

Hard to be anything bur happy about a cheesecake like this

Whale Surprise

2011-11-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Last Farmer's Market

2011-10-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

John Yager from Greenfields Farm surveys Sheila's pepper and eggplant crop from Smith River

Shoppers are so happy to get the local organic produce

Maria Yager of Greenfields Farm and her helper Pat

Alpha Farm has a great display. We will all miss our market very much. What will we eat?

Milk Stool demo

2011-10-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

We had a good time catching up with our friends Karen and Pete who live in NE Oregon

In the morning Mitcho gave us a demo of how a Swiss milk stool is worn

and put to use

Cape Perpetua Hike

2011-10-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hiking Gwynn Creek trail with my old friends Karen and Pete

Karen and I went to Quaker high school together

Is Pete really trapped in the tree?

Coral fungus along the trail

They live in Eastern Oregon so it's a real treat to them to hike in the ferny, mossy forest of the Oregon coast

Ridin my bike

2011-10-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

I've been getting out on my bike almost every day. Can't believe it's the end of October!

Kayak Siltcoos Outlet

2011-10-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

The second 70 degree day we had to get on the water

It was warm and windless even at the mouth

It doesn't get any better

But I'm afraid it's the last kayak of the season

Hobbit beach walk

2011-10-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

What a day for a walk on the beach! Mike and Monica came over and we did the China creek loop.

Waldo Lake Trip

2011-10-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Waldo was outstanding as always.

Weather was as good as it gets.

Some worked on rock art.

Some went exploring, this is my favorite cove.

The water is so clear as you can see.

Bison Jams

2011-10-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Bison are common in Yellowstone, this one was in Silver Gate a village on the park border.

Bison jams are common, cars can back up for miles, all you can do is wait and get some pics.

I was always glad to be in the car when we were close to these guys.

He just doesn't look all that friendly does he?

Beartooth Highway

2011-10-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Our last day in Yellowstone we drove NE out of the park to drive over Beartooth Pass.

At 11,000 ft it's probably windy a lot but this day it was gale force winds with blowing snow.

Mitcho had to ride over the pass anyway!

The namesake peak.

The proud cyclist.

Yellowstone

2011-09-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

West Thumb near Yellowstone Lake

Turquoise color in a hot spring

Men, Bea and Wolfi taking a break on the knotty porch after MANY geysers

Grand Prysmatic Pool

Men at Mammoth Hot Springs

Grand Teton hiking

2011-09-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mt. Moran of the Teton Range

Trail to Inspiration Point

A couple of Moose browsing on streamside willows

Hidden Falls

Paintbrush and Harebells still blooming

Summer Heather

2011-08-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

The summer heather is in full bloom.

Japanese Blood Grass surrounds Longneck.

Dwarf conifers in the foreground.

Our new lantern near the pond.

Tuesday Lunch Bunch visit

2011-08-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Pat, Esther, Mariam, and Helen toured the garden after lunch today.

Art and Sally visit

2011-08-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Art and Sally finally made it to Florence.

Monica joined us for a hike to Tahkenitch Creek.

Tenas Lakes Hike

2011-08-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

One of Tenas Lakes, Scott Mt. in the background.

I love this group of small lakes above Scott and Benson Lakes.

I am usually sunbathing on the south facing rocks when we come in September. Not this time, looking for high ground to catch a breeze to blow the mosquitoes away.

View of Mt Washington on the Pacific Crest Trail between our camp and the summit.

North and Middle Sister from the PCT.

Four in One Cone Hike

2011-08-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

More snow than I expected on the trail.

Even snow when I reached the lava.

One of the great knarled snags near the cinder field.

North Sister from the cinder field at Four in One Cone.

Sunday Ride

2011-08-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Marilyn came by to go for a ride this morning.

Mitcho even joined us. It was cloudy but no wind.

Is it August?

2011-08-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

It must be...Annemarie and Bill Bauer are here! Happy Greek Pizza with Lisa.

Threemile Lake Hike

2011-08-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

First glimpse of the ocean through the forest on the way to Threemile Lake.

Mary hiking through the ferns in the Sitka Spruce forest.

Coming out in the dunes, Threemile Lake to the left, Pacific to the right.

View through the trees on the return. Quite an outstanding day.

Upper North Fork Ride with the Titanium K's

2011-08-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

Mitcho and Kurt rode from home, Kathy and I drove our bikes to the campground.

It was a perfect day for a perfect ride.

I just love the warm air and the filtered light.

We ran into Noland on the way home, he was working on the place. To the left you see what he'd rather be doing.

Sunday ride to Ada

2011-07-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Marilyn at Ada Park on the cove where Mike and Monica used to live on Siltcoos Lake. They spent many happy hours canoeing there.

My favorite stretch of the ride.

Marilyn was loving it.

Hiking Cape Perpetua

2011-07-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

We met some funny cyclists on the way up the coast, it was a little breezy

Randy and Men were cycling to Yachats for lunch.

Jens, Grit and Jessica on the Gwynn Creek Trail.

View from the top.

Grit up high in a giant snag.

Metolius Wildflowers

2011-07-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Ninebark was growing everywhere along the river.

Scarlet Gilia was quite prevalent.

Here are three clumps of Pinedrops just coming up.

Wild Rose

Monkey Flower and Indian Paintbrush.

Metolius River Camping

2011-07-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

We took the first camping trip of the year to the Metolius River in central Oregon.

It is warm and dry over there.

There are miles of hiking trails in the Ponderosa Pine forest.

Water was really gushing and wildflowers were at their peak. Birding was outstanding!

Krafsic's Pizza Reunion

2011-07-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

John and Linda came to visit after a month of volunteering at Sunset Bay.

Even Mitcho showed up for this lunch!

Greek Pizza, YUM!

Ada Ride

2011-07-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Cynthia, Mary and I took a ride along Fiddle Creek Arm of Siltcoos Lake.

What a lovely day it was...

and how we enjoyed it!

Guess Who showed up in Florence

2011-06-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

I ran into Tom and Chris on Bay St. yesterday. They were lighthouse volunteers for several seasons when I was at Heceta Head Ligthouse. They used to live in IOWA (a four letter word I hope to never see again) is the way Tom puts it. They have been full-time in their RV for almost a year now. They are currently volunteering at Honeyman State Park.

Rhododendron season

2011-06-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

Our native Rhododendron macrophyllum has been in bloom for months now it seems.

I do not remember a season when the blossoms lasted so long.

I think the cool rainy spring has a lot to do with it.

I took these photos along the Sutton trails on wednesday after a morning shower.

Each plant is so different from the next.

Looking for Falcons

2011-06-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Kurt and Kathy came birding with Lisa, Jane and I.

We stopped at Mary's first to try to spot the Peregrine Falcons that are nesting under the Siuslaw bridge. It's good to see these Coloradans on the coast!

Golden and Silver Falls

2011-05-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Gerry, Mary, Lisa and I took a trip to Golden and Silver Falls today.

Silver Falls

Wildflowers were just coming into bloom.

Up the coast for minus tide

2011-05-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Super low tide -2' early this morning set me on a mission to report on my Coast Watch adopted mile.

The intertidal was outstanding and the water exceptionally clear. Ochre seastars were chowing on mussels.

This sea lemon caught my eye.

I stopped off at Neptune after that. The lupine is blooming nicely.

North Neptune has some lovely pools.

I was reminded how much I love the Oregon coast.

Waxmyrtle and Lagoon Trails

2011-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Lisa, Mary and Gerry Misemer and I walked the Waxmyrtle Trail at Siltcoos Outlet. It was very birdy. Western Tananger, Black-headed Grosbeak and Semipalmated Plover were among highlights.

Lagoon Trail produced an Olive-sided Flycatcher and a Western Wood Peewee. The native rhododendrons are just coming into bloom.

Sleeping Giant Hike

2011-05-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

I love this hike, it is mostly in the forest and part of it is giant Norfolk Island Pines

The view from the top looking east.

Another view looking south.

The giant's head and the mouth of the Wailua River.

Mahalepu Hike

2011-04-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

Julie and I did the hike from Shipwrecks to Mahalepu on her last day on Kauai.

At one point we saw many turtles, all sizes feeding.

At the end there is a swim.

A little rest in the shade before the hot hike back.

Makauwahi Cave

2011-04-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Makauwahi Cave holds treasures from the past. A natural amphitheater carved by groundwater and eroded by the elements, the Makauwahi cave sinkhole is a collapsed room of this unusual limestone cave, formed from Pleistocene sand dunes.

Ray, Julie, Jan and I explored the 17 acre reserve that is being restored with native plants.

Since 1999 invasive plants have been removed and native plants restored based on fossil records found in the cave. Now nearly 5000 native and Polynesian plants have been reintroduced to this landscape.

To learn more check out the book Back to the Future in the Caves of Kaua'i : A Scientists Adventures in the Dark by Dr. David Burney

Alakai Swamp Hike

2011-04-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

View of Kalalau Valley in the beginning of the hike with Jan and Julie.

Some plants here you will see no where else.

Haupu"u or Hawaiian Tree Fern is abundant and grows taller than we.

Julie and Jan in the heart of the swamp.

This fern is striking with spores on the back side of the leaf.

Bird list from the day : Apapane, 'Elepapio, Kaua'i Amakihi, Melodious Laughing Thrush and the ever present Japanese White Eye

Surprise Meeting

2011-04-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Look who I ran into at Kilaluea!

Pihea Trail at Kokee State Park

2011-04-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Ohia Lehua was in full bloom along the Pihea trail.

I saw many Apapane, a native honeycreeper that feeds on Ohia blossoms.

Kilauea Wildlife Refuge Kauai

2011-04-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day at Kilauea Point. Red-footed Boobies are nesting in trees on the far hillside.

Offshore Island beyond the end of the point.

Laysan Albatross have chicks. The adults are great flyers with a 7 foot wingspan. They often fly to the Gulf of Alaska to forage for their chicks.

Nene the Hawaiian Goose is coming back from near extinction.

Washburne Loop with M&M

2011-04-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Through the forest first, enjoying shafts of sunlight coming through the big spruce.

On the beach with the outgoing tide.

Sea Lion Point viewpoint on the way home.

Sweet Creek Falls Hike

2011-03-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the Homestead Trailhead 10 miles up Sweet Creek Road. Left to right, Tom, Mike, Monica, Jane and Marilyn.

We are a little wetter now, at Sweet Creek Falls.

We saw the Water Ouzel or Dipper several times. They are commonly seen bobbing on the rocks or foraging underwater using their wings to propel themselves. We hoped to see some nesting activity but were only able to pick out last years nests.

Walk at Alton Baker Park

2011-03-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

The weather allowed a nice walk in the park with Monica and Mike

The Willamette was quite high and rushing. There were Great Blue Herons nesting in some of the big deciduous trees. Some were feeding chicks.

On the bridge of life together.

Monica's 1st Birthday Hike

2011-02-11T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hiking the Hobbit Trail with Monica

Had to stop and check the view

All good here, ready for another year!

Beaver Creek State Natural Area

2011-02-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Lisa and I explored the new Beaver Creek State Natural Area near Seal Rock today. We were pleased to find there are 7 miles of hiking trails,

a visitor center with a viewing deck overlooking the marsh,

and plenty of birds to hear and see. To learn more about Beaver Creek State Natural Area click here

First sign of Spring

2011-01-31T10:25:00.000-08:00

It takes me by surprise every January, I look out the window and see the yellow flowers on the Chinese Witchazel.

The heather Wickwar Flame is in full winter color.

Sun at last!

2011-01-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

Darlingtonia californica grows along one of my favorite hikes this time of year. For more info click here

There is a small island out in the lake that I walk alongside. It was a glorious sunny day and very welcome.

Dog Pond Fence

2011-01-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Finally the Forest Service has put up a fence at the Dog Pond at South Jetty Siuslaw River to keep vehicles from driving up to and into the pond. This is one of our favorite birding spots and a beaver pond. Maybe there is hope.

Hiking near Heceta Head

2010-12-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

I set out to hike the China Creek trail and look for spawning salmon but could not pass up this view of the Heceta Head Lightkeeper's House above Cape Cove.

The hike was super even though I didn't see any fish. The sea lions were still sunning themselves at Sea Lion Point on my trip back home.

Spawning Salmon at Hendricks Creek

2010-12-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

Mary W. and I had a very successful day looking for spawning Coho Salmon.

Early Angels

2010-12-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

Monica and I got an early start on making Angels this weekend.

Marilyn gets a demo from Monica

Luk gives a demo of his skills. Did you ever see a cat doing angels?

Some of Monica's handiwork.
They are all so adorable and
we have such fun making them.

King Estates Lunch

2010-12-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

Maureen, Jane, Lisa and I made the trip to King Estates

The weather was not bad as you can see.

The lunch was divine!

Snow in Flo

2010-11-23T13:17:00.000-08:00

White, white all white this morning

Blue sky briefly then more snow

Time to head south fellow!

Falcon Comeback

2010-11-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

In 1970 experts couldn’t find a single peregrine falcon in Oregon. 40 years later they are off the endangered species list thanks partly to a large number of nests right in the city of Portland, many on the largest, noisiest bridges. The falcons still face threats from intentional illegal hunting. The Audubon Society of Portland tracks and bands chicks born each year.

Peregrine Falcon

2010-11-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

This Peregrine Falcon showed up last week at Mary's dock.

Birthday Party

2010-11-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

Luk, Adele and Elenor (second from right) celebrate their birthdays with lots of help from their friends

Life Reflection

2010-11-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Luk and I are sharing a birthday today. Mitcho made us this card.

Tuesday Birders at South Jetty

2010-11-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Mark, Adele, Elenor, Lisa and Anne near the Siuslaw River

Mt. Hood Camp

2010-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Our last campsite right on the East Fork of the Hood River.

It hosts winter and summer steelhead runs and the river's threatened Coho salmon too.

Luk and Mitcho exploring the area.

Quaking Aspen as well as Larch and Cottonwood were golden

On the trail to Tamawanas Falls

The falls themselves, gorgeous hike, big trees.

Stop at Timberline Lodge on the way home, there was snow!

Deschutes River Ride

2010-10-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

We did the rails to trails Deschutes River Trail. It goes 18 miles upstream from the confluence with the Columbia River.

An old railroad car in surprisingly good shape, just like the rider.

It's sagebrush country for sure.

Descutes River Camping

2010-10-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Sisters across the lava fields near the top of Old McKenzie Hwy, on the way......

Second camp, along the Deschutes near Maupin, in the dry hills

Third camp, the lower Deschutes at Descutes River State Park.

John and Linda Krafsic came over to visit from their home in Wasco

Sweet Creek Ride

2010-10-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

Mary, Cathy and I rode up Sweet Creek today as far as Beaver Creek Falls

It was a lovely fall day, a little cooler than it has been.

Biking Heceta Beach

2010-10-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Super warm fall day at the beach!

My first time riding on the beach.

Clear Lake

2010-10-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

We kayaked every day at Clear Lake.

One day I went waterfall hiking from Koosah Falls to Sahalie Falls above.

You can cross over and hike back down to Koosah Falls on the other side.

This is the source of it all, the Great Springs where the water comes out of the basalt to form this pool which feeds Clear Lake, headwaters of the McKenzie River.

Clear Lake Camping

2010-10-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Mitcho and I took advantage of the good weather last week to take Luk our new kitty camping for the first time.Clear Lake is not too far and the timing was perfect for fall color and warm days.

Huge old Douglas Firs grow out of the lava.

Turquoise water and red vine maples.

Fall ride along the river

2010-09-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

Jane and I went for a ride on this perfect fall day.

Indian Creek Ride

2010-09-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Jan, Cathy and I rode up West-fork Indian Creek last friday.

Beautiful forest up there!

Sunny and warm in the afternoon.

Waldo Lake in September

2010-09-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

What a place Waldo is the day after a thunderstorm!

The water is so clear, it's hard to believe

We were paddling several hours every day we were there.

Hosmer Lake

2010-09-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

You can kayak up the inlet to Hosmer Lake, Quinn Creek.

There is a waterfall you come to after a little bit.

There are lots of boaters at Hosmer Lk, mostly mellow types.

We came back to camp to find surprise visitors!

Mike and Monica tracked us down, how fun!

Hosmer Lake Kayaking

2010-09-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

When the rain quit and the mountains were visible

we could see the fresh snow on Mt Bachelor

We paddled for two warm sunny days.

Ada Park Ride

2010-09-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

Mary and I rode along Fiddle Creek Arm today

through the trees and along Siltcoos Lake

Warm Weather

2010-09-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

Warm today in Florence, it forced more than one bird to the bath

Sunday Biking

2010-08-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Guess who I ran into at Sunday Market? Mary & Marilyn wanted to go for a ride, of course!

Sutton Hike

2010-08-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

Annemarie and Bill did the Sutton Trails with me today, beautiful day!

Florence Pocket Saltmarsh

2010-08-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

Florence Veteran's Park just west of the

Siuslaw River Bridge hosts a pocket saltmarsh

Gumweed Grindelia integrifolia

Pickleweed or Glasswort Salicornia virginica

is a common estuary plant.

Seaside Plantain Plantago maritima is also

found on sea bluffs.

Jaumea Jaumea carnosa is common in tidal areas

Owl Clover Castilleja ambigua is found in salt

marshes, unlike it's orange-red cousin

Coast Paintbrush which is found on sea cliffs

Interpretive Birding

2010-08-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

I led a group of Forest Service Seasonal Interpreters

for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on

a bird walk at Lagoon Trail, Siltcoos Outlet.

Do I look like I know what I'm talking about?

We had a great time and even saw some birds!

Biking Siuslaw Road

2010-08-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Meeting at Wildcat Bridge, Cathy, Mary & I

rode up the Siuslaw Road today.

Weather was perfect and we even went for a swim

Tuesday Birders at Heceta Head

2010-08-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Common Murres

Common Murres in nesting colony

The blue throat on the Brandt's Cormorants

is quite striking.

Brandt's Cormorants in nesting colony

Tuesday Birders at Heceta Head

2010-08-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Checking for Common Murre chicks on Pinnacle Rock

on the way up to the lighthouse

The purple flower behind us is fireweed.

Birding up the coast

2010-08-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

Rocky Knoll looking north

Heceta Head in the fog looking south

Mystery place....can anyone guess?

Pinnacle and Parrot Rocks off Heceta Head.

I spent some time up north today checking out

the seabirds. I did find Common Murre and

Cormorant chicks as well as Pigeon Guillemots

nesting.

Violet-green Swallow feeding

2010-07-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yachats Lunch

2010-07-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Esther, Diane & Lisa looking for the Indian Pipe

(Lisa took the photos in the last post)

Celebrating success with lunch in Yachats.

Indian Pipe

2010-07-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Indian Pipe or Ghost Flower in Washburne CG

Monotropa uniflora takes sustenance from

nearby trees with the aid of a fungus

It has no chlorophyll and cannot make it's own food.

Marbled Murrelet Survey

2010-07-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

4:53 AM it's still pretty dark but you can hear them

7:30 AM surveyors packed the Green Salmon in Yachats

Marbled Murrelets are seabirds that nest in old growth trees.

Populations have sharply declined due to habitat degradation

on land and in the ocean. It was very thrilling to hear and see

them as they returned to their nests.

Portland ready to ban plastic bags!

2010-07-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Oregon Master Naturalist Training

2010-07-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Stewart Schultz, author of The Northwest Coast,

A Natural History gave a great presentation followed

by a field trip to the beach yesterday.

The topic was the dunes and sandy beaches.

Splish Splash, We love the bath

2010-06-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Chestnut-backed Chickadee.........

or two, the whole family shares

just feels soooo good.........

when you're a juvenile House Finch

just one more time......

lookin' good for a White-crowned Sparrow juvenile

or what?

Pizza Reunion

2010-06-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

John and Linda Krafsic came up to visit from their

volunteer post at Sunset Bay, Lisa came too

So good to see them and a good time was had by all

Pizza delight!

American Goldfinch

2010-06-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

This American Goldfinch has been singing his heart out all day long for a couple weeks now.

Birds at the Bath

2010-06-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

A fledgling Spotted Towhee hung out by the pond

for quite a while last evening

White-crowned Sparrow enjoys the water

Wilson's Warbler waiting it's turn

All these birds are nesting in our yard

Gnome Plant re-appears

2010-06-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Marilyn came over yesterday for a hike......

and after dinner ride to the harbor

We had just started up the Waxmyrtle Trail

when Marilyn spotted a cluster of Gnome Plants,

(Hemitomes congestum)

same as I found on the China Creek trail last year!

Wow! What a find, a new place to see them.

Azalea Occidentale, the Oregon native in the garden

just coming into bloom and very fragrant