Thursday, December 26, 2013
More Photos...
Seasoned With Community
We arrived in the Columbia River Gorge in late summer. The climate was beneficent, granting a long streak of sunny days and glorious fall color. Gradually the days shortened and a regular frost descended on the orchards of the Hood River valley. Now all that remains in the cold and shadowed forests are the hardy juncos and
boisterous chickadees, pecking for fallen grass seed and raiding
branch-tip cones. When the snows came it was a fresh experience, having spent last winter near the equator.
We didn't know that we'd be here long enough to see a progression of seasons, but Danielle's contracts and extensions are unpredictable. As it turns out, our residence here was a blessing. Having drifted around Asia on our long adventure, and then followed the beacon of our friends' hospitality for some months, it was good to have a little apartment to call home. Adding to our relief was the acknowledgement that this is our kind of community. Yes, we availed ourselves daily of the mountain biking and hiking and other outdoor pursuits, but the relationships we kindled are what will remain in our memories.
In frequently volunteering with the local food bank and animal shelters, I rediscovered the satisfaction of service and enjoyed the camaraderie of the selfless workers around me. Volunteering with a desert conservation organization renewed my passion for working to protect and restore natural resources. Teaching yoga downtown was intellectually stimulating and served as a free pass into new friendships. Working at the Oregon Vets Home was a revelation for Danielle, in that she discovered how much she enjoyed hearing lifetimes of stories from the elderly. She found the work less technical and frenetic than other medical environments, explaining they just need "love, support, and a little laughter".
Our faithful pup Koa has had a bit of a rough time. She had a surgery to remove a malignant mass in her chest, followed very closely by a surgery to patch up a face torn open by an encounter with barbed wire. Right now she's nursing an eye left swollen by a hungry tick. But, to credit her good nature and fortitude, she hardly new anything was wrong and has been pounding down the trails at full speed.
And finally, our time in Oregon was key to spending some quality time with our families and old friends. Danielle's Dad, J.D., came north for a long visit and we got to see more of her sister, Lynette. I had a lot of fun visiting my sister April at Washington State University, and Devon came up from University of Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with us. My high school buddies -- "the boys" -- brought their charm and goofiness to town for a brewery tour. And we rallied everyone for Christmas, including god-daughter Jocelyn and family.
Our very sincere gratitude goes out to our friends Victoria and Matt, as well as Steve and Pamela, whose friendship and encouragement drew us here and may very well bring us back soon. We are not entirely certain where we are headed next... perhaps Colorado, Idaho, North Carolina, or wherever a new contract leads ... but Danielle and I are excited to shoulder our backpacks again and hit the road. Of course, two vehicles, a sea kayak, four bikes and a dog are taking the place of our slim little backpacks, but you get the picture. The New Year will see us visiting Astoria and Truckee en route to somewhere.
What follows are some photo highlights of our time here. Happy New Year everyone! ~Micah
Smoke column rising from a field burn (Tygh Valley, OR).
Pond reflection (The Dalles, OR).
Sunrise on the Columbia River (The Dalles, OR).
Dusk and a moon rise on the Columbia River (Rowena Crest, OR).
Mt. Hood towering above an inversion (Mt. Defiance, OR).
Abandoned farmhouse & raven's nest (The Palouse, WA).
Ice crystals on grass (Conboy Lake N.W.R., WA).
Mt. Adams at dusk (Conboy N.W.R., WA).
We didn't know that we'd be here long enough to see a progression of seasons, but Danielle's contracts and extensions are unpredictable. As it turns out, our residence here was a blessing. Having drifted around Asia on our long adventure, and then followed the beacon of our friends' hospitality for some months, it was good to have a little apartment to call home. Adding to our relief was the acknowledgement that this is our kind of community. Yes, we availed ourselves daily of the mountain biking and hiking and other outdoor pursuits, but the relationships we kindled are what will remain in our memories.
In frequently volunteering with the local food bank and animal shelters, I rediscovered the satisfaction of service and enjoyed the camaraderie of the selfless workers around me. Volunteering with a desert conservation organization renewed my passion for working to protect and restore natural resources. Teaching yoga downtown was intellectually stimulating and served as a free pass into new friendships. Working at the Oregon Vets Home was a revelation for Danielle, in that she discovered how much she enjoyed hearing lifetimes of stories from the elderly. She found the work less technical and frenetic than other medical environments, explaining they just need "love, support, and a little laughter".
Our faithful pup Koa has had a bit of a rough time. She had a surgery to remove a malignant mass in her chest, followed very closely by a surgery to patch up a face torn open by an encounter with barbed wire. Right now she's nursing an eye left swollen by a hungry tick. But, to credit her good nature and fortitude, she hardly new anything was wrong and has been pounding down the trails at full speed.
And finally, our time in Oregon was key to spending some quality time with our families and old friends. Danielle's Dad, J.D., came north for a long visit and we got to see more of her sister, Lynette. I had a lot of fun visiting my sister April at Washington State University, and Devon came up from University of Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with us. My high school buddies -- "the boys" -- brought their charm and goofiness to town for a brewery tour. And we rallied everyone for Christmas, including god-daughter Jocelyn and family.
Our very sincere gratitude goes out to our friends Victoria and Matt, as well as Steve and Pamela, whose friendship and encouragement drew us here and may very well bring us back soon. We are not entirely certain where we are headed next... perhaps Colorado, Idaho, North Carolina, or wherever a new contract leads ... but Danielle and I are excited to shoulder our backpacks again and hit the road. Of course, two vehicles, a sea kayak, four bikes and a dog are taking the place of our slim little backpacks, but you get the picture. The New Year will see us visiting Astoria and Truckee en route to somewhere.
What follows are some photo highlights of our time here. Happy New Year everyone! ~Micah
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Whereabouts Revealed!
A close-up of Mt. Adams' glaciers from Bird Cr. Meadows.
I obviously fell behind with these blog posts, as I received several messages in the vein of "I hope you are well, wherever you are". Drumroll... We are back in Hood River, outdoor recreation mecca and long-time inspiration. Danielle has a travel physical therapy contract here until November. After that, destination unknown. I am drumming up some on-line work and honing my burgeoning passion for landscape photography and nature writing. Danielle is simply trying to survive being tossed back into the flawed and demanding American medical system. But, as always, her patients adore her and her healing talents. More to come!
Homeowner quicksand. And the return of Koa!!
I've heard a lot of horror stories from people renting their homes. We discovered ourselves facing down one such nightmare, both the tenants and the property manager being outlandishly bad. I've heard worse stories, to be sure, but not many. We are learning, again and again, to feel less attachment to our plans. Case in point, we pivoted and took the opportunity to remodel and put our home on the market. A 10-day visit turned quickly into nearly two months. We are more than a little worn out, but the end result is gorgeous! Big, big thanks to my Dad, Mike, for helping paint every interior square inch of the place. I also want to say thank you directly to our home for several great years and wish it godspeed as it attracts new owners who will love and cherish it.
Meanwhile, we enjoyed the company of friends, the edible delights of summer, and the return of our dog Koa to our daily embrace. Donna and Tracy took such good care of Koa while we were abroad, and she earned her keep as an occupational therapy dog at Donna's clinic. Our deep gratitude also goes out to Jan and David, as well as Norma, for housing and helpfulness in every aspect of our tumultuous transition. Our lives are truly blessed in knowing all of you.
A few highlights from the kitchen... Tracy showed me how to can fresh albacore tuna and bake zucchini bread (vegan and gluten free, mind you). And Danielle fell hard for heirloom tomatoes in all their varietal glory.
I was scarcely found with without a paintbrush or drill in hand, but the high point of my summer was kayak camping on the wild shore of Long Island (Willapa Bay, Washington) with friends Matt and Dan. Out on the mudflats at low tide we gathered oysters for grilling and clams for steaming. Around camp I snacked on salal and huckleberries. That evening, sated by the too-easy feast and contentedly watching the stars, we agreed that we would gather our people and return to Long Island in the event of any kind of apocalypse.
I also managed to put together a short camping trip in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This turned out to be surprisingly challenging. Though the area is beautiful and unique, persistent fog and cold winds left everything damp and dripping, and the stomach situation I developed back in Turkey finally deteriorated to the point of needing immediate medical attention.
Parasite diagnosed and treated, Danielle and Koa and I retreated to the Oregon Gardens for some sun and rest before resuming our work. Such are the rigors and risks of travel. But, looking back through this blog and our memories, the rewards of our travel -- the crazy stories, the friendships -- far, far exceed the costs.
Meanwhile, we enjoyed the company of friends, the edible delights of summer, and the return of our dog Koa to our daily embrace. Donna and Tracy took such good care of Koa while we were abroad, and she earned her keep as an occupational therapy dog at Donna's clinic. Our deep gratitude also goes out to Jan and David, as well as Norma, for housing and helpfulness in every aspect of our tumultuous transition. Our lives are truly blessed in knowing all of you.
A few highlights from the kitchen... Tracy showed me how to can fresh albacore tuna and bake zucchini bread (vegan and gluten free, mind you). And Danielle fell hard for heirloom tomatoes in all their varietal glory.
I was scarcely found with without a paintbrush or drill in hand, but the high point of my summer was kayak camping on the wild shore of Long Island (Willapa Bay, Washington) with friends Matt and Dan. Out on the mudflats at low tide we gathered oysters for grilling and clams for steaming. Around camp I snacked on salal and huckleberries. That evening, sated by the too-easy feast and contentedly watching the stars, we agreed that we would gather our people and return to Long Island in the event of any kind of apocalypse.
I also managed to put together a short camping trip in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This turned out to be surprisingly challenging. Though the area is beautiful and unique, persistent fog and cold winds left everything damp and dripping, and the stomach situation I developed back in Turkey finally deteriorated to the point of needing immediate medical attention.
Parasite diagnosed and treated, Danielle and Koa and I retreated to the Oregon Gardens for some sun and rest before resuming our work. Such are the rigors and risks of travel. But, looking back through this blog and our memories, the rewards of our travel -- the crazy stories, the friendships -- far, far exceed the costs.
Reunion Tour Montage
Yes, that's Danielle in an ice cave. Our first stop on the Reunion Tour was Hood River, Oregon where we reconnected with friends Victoria and Matt. They can always be counted on for a spot of spontaneous fun, above or below ground. The highlight for me was visiting the abundant orchards for U-pick cherries.
Then we returned to our home-ground in Portland, reconnecting with family, friends and colleagues. God-daughter Jocelyn (seen here helping me make pies from the aforementioned cherries) is off to public high school and increasingly competitive volleyball. Brother Devon is headed to University of Oregon and sister April started playing Pac-12 soccer at Washington State. It's an exciting time for the youngest of our clan! We also had the pleasure of putting together a BBQ for my Dad's birthday (above, with me and brothers Garrett and Devon). With no small amount of trepidation, he has successfully reached the 60 mark.
Before heading to Astoria, we circumambulated the Olympic Peninsula, camping, hiking and breathing in the rich air of the ancient forests. This adventure included a side-trip to Victoria to spend a few days with our Canadian friends. As always, it was pure fun, swimming in a lake, basking on the seashore, and cooking for each other.
Though we haven't seen all of our loved ones yet, this was a terrific start. And, as we launch a new journey, it was good to revisit places formative to our identities -- the woods we were steeped in -- and give thanks.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Stateside At Last!
Enjoying a new pair of jeans and a NW beer.
Summertime bounty; Eugene farmers market.
We're back in the USA! Danielle and I retreated to Eugene, Oregon to wait out the jet-lag and culture shock. It was a perfect location, with ample nature trails, a wonderful farmers market, and several delicious breweries. If you find yourself in this area, consider staying at these wonderful properties:
1. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14846, and,
2. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/541748.
Danielle then entered a 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreat at Camp Lane in the Coast Range west of Eugene (http://www.or.us.dhamma.org). Meditating all day, completely silent, zero eye-contact or interaction with anyone else, alone with your ever-shifting mind... I can't overstate the difficulty of this endeavor. Danielle was ready and it came easily to her. I was thoroughly impressed.
Meanwhile, I took off on a solo road trip to some of the loneliest places in Eastern Oregon. After the population density and incessant noise of SE Asia, I was ready for wide-open spaces, starry night skies, and absolute quiet. There is no better cure for nature deficiency than the high desert. What follows are some of my favorite photos from the trip.
Now we are making our way through the NW on our "Reunion Tour", reconnecting with friends and family. As we intend to stay on the road, exploring the continental U.S.A. over the next year, we will keep this blog going. Enjoy your summer-time adventures! ~Micah
1. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14846, and,
2. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/541748.
Danielle then entered a 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreat at Camp Lane in the Coast Range west of Eugene (http://www.or.us.dhamma.org). Meditating all day, completely silent, zero eye-contact or interaction with anyone else, alone with your ever-shifting mind... I can't overstate the difficulty of this endeavor. Danielle was ready and it came easily to her. I was thoroughly impressed.
Meanwhile, I took off on a solo road trip to some of the loneliest places in Eastern Oregon. After the population density and incessant noise of SE Asia, I was ready for wide-open spaces, starry night skies, and absolute quiet. There is no better cure for nature deficiency than the high desert. What follows are some of my favorite photos from the trip.
Now we are making our way through the NW on our "Reunion Tour", reconnecting with friends and family. As we intend to stay on the road, exploring the continental U.S.A. over the next year, we will keep this blog going. Enjoy your summer-time adventures! ~Micah
Dig your own hot springs on the shores of Paulina Lake; Newberry Crater Natl. Monument.
The Big Obsidian Flow, most recent lava flow in Oregon; Newberry Crater.
Strange optical illusions at dusk; Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Unusual geology; Gearhart Mountain Wilderness.
Alkaline Lake Albert.
Camping in an Aspen grove; Hart Mountain Natl. Antelope Refuge.
Sunset shadows; Hart Mountain.
Heart-shaped hot springs; Hart Mountain.
Looking east to the Alvord Desert; Steens Mountain Summit.
Thunderstorms over sage prairie; Steens Mountain.
Looking west to Hart Mountain at sunset; Steens Mountain.
Driving toward Alvord Desert (< 5" rain per year).
Alvord Desert.
Strawberry Lake; Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.
Strawberry Mountain.
Wildflowers on Fields Peak, Aldrich Mountains.
Dragonfly on the South Fork John Day River.
Camouflaged spider on wildflower; Mt. Washington Wilderness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)