Whychus Creek Falls

What an incredible falls!  Coming from the glaciers and snowfields of Broken Top and Three Sisters mountains, Whchus Creed is only one of four glacial fed streams in the Deschutes Basin.

Spending time in the woods restored my soul.  That's part of the point of this Adventure Blog.  A University of Michigan study shows that interacting with nature improves your attention span by 20 percent.  Researchers in England found that people who get exercise outside feel more restored, less anxious, angry, and depressed than those who exercise for the same amount of time in an inside gym on a treadmill watching CNN.  They call it "green exercise."  I call it "Restoring your soul."

 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  If you're not getting outdoor exercise, take a chance to do it for your spiritual health and growth.  Remember, In the restling grass we hear Him pass.

I love these adventures.  I love sharing them with you even more.  Open your heart and mind to experiencing the presence of God.  Just get outside and do it.  You will be blessed. 

Tumalo Falls, Bend, OR

What a gorgeous morning for a hike!  Tumalo Falls is a little less than an hour from my house, and is an awesome falls off a basalt escarpment into a beautiful basin.

Today my thoughts were only on Hannah's Old Testament dream of a child. Since you saw my kids in my last entry, you'll know how thankful I am for them.  But if you want to hear more about Hannah's dream, I'll post it Sunday evening at the end of these pics.  So enjoy!

For some very odd reason I could not get these the right way!  Tried and tried....oh well.

And this is what I was thinking about on the hike.

Family Cabin Adventure Time

The family cabin at Hayward, Wisconsin was the site of a family gathering over July 4.  The only one missing (of the 14 possible) was my niece, who was in Greece on a study trip.  It was a wonderful time, and reminded us all of how important it is to have a place where people just luv ya, no matter what.

Here's my three, with Jess (Alex' fiance) on the right.  I think I'll keep 'em all...

Some random pics...

Alex and Jess at the Engagement Party at Famous Dave's.

Laura and Matthew...

 Yeah, we ordered 3 (and ate 3) of the Famous Dave's Feast Platters.  Incredibly good!

And the whole crew...

Smith Rock Non-Reflection

It was a beautiful day last Friday when I went early to Smith Rock (8 miles from my house) for a stroll.  It had been a busy couple weeks so I wasn't so much up for a strenuous hike, but just wanted to have a non-reflective time when I just took time for myself in the midst of a busy time.

And the only think I could think of was how important it is to take regenerative self-care time.  That's the whole point of this Adventure Blog, which also is an attempt to show the beauty of Central Oregon.  What a great place to live!  Enjoy the non-reflective pics.  And make sure to take care of yourself!

Gray Butte - Plan B...

Hi Folks:  I haven't posted an adventure for a couple weeks partly because I've been busy, and partly because the weather hasn't been cooperating!  But a couple weeks ago I was all set to hike Gray Butte, which is a pretty strenuous climb.

Unfortunately...

...when I came to a fork in the path, I took the wrong path.

It took me through the woods, with some nice views, but not on the path I was planning.  How frustrating!  All my plans and preparations were in vain.

But then I started enjoying Plan B.

And the beautiful sights, serenity, and beauty of Plan B.  And I started enjoying Plan B.  And realizing that sometimes when life gives you Plan B, when you're prepared for Plan A and that's what you have your mind set on, that Plan B can also be an enjoyable journey. 

And by the time I got back to my car, I thought that I'll get to Gray Butte some day, but that Plan B was also wonderful.  Kinda a good life lesson, I thought.  Enjoy your day, even if it is Plan B!

Santa Clara Women's Water Polo WWPA Tournament

Last weekend Gracie (see blog below...) and I went to Santa Clara for Laura's water polo tournament.  We also went to the Golden Gate Bridge (at night) in the limited free time she had.

Here are two of Laura's water polo team mates.  Don't they look like nice, sweet girls?

Sure....but get them into the water and they morph.  If you're a guy, and you have great memories of the "glory days" of high school football, don't even consider getting into the water with these girls. 

Really.  Don't even consider it.

But if you do, don't say I didn't warn you.  Laura is #13.  Most of the video has Santa Clara on offense. 

Enjoy!

Where in the world is Gracie? Contest!

Announcing the first ever "Where in the world is Gracie?  Contest!"  Gracie and I went last weekend to Santa Clara University for Laura's D1 Conference Championship Tournament.  Take a guess where she is.  The winner of this contest gets to sing a solo at Zion Lutheran; your choice of service and selection!  Answers to where the pics are from are listed below the pictures.  Check back for pics and video of Laura's games.
1.


2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

And the answers are:
1.  At Santa Clara University (a gimme...).  Gracie is right above the "R".
2.  You've heard of a "dash-cam."  Here's Gracie attempting to be a "dash-dog."  When I was a kid people used to have brown dogs with wagging heads at the back of their cars.  Here, stopped in California traffic, I asked Gracie to wag her head.  She declined...
3.  The "high point" of our trip at the Hebron Summit at 5,202 feet in Northern California.
4.  Unknown pet area...
5.  Getting loved on by the Santa Clara water polo girls.
6.  Golden Gate Bridge at twilight.  Laura and I took Gracie there after Saturday's game and team picnic.
7.  Mount Shasta Vista View.

Let me know how many you guessed correctly, and we'll plan you in for singing that solo!