Parked south of Salt Lake City on my route toward Arizona, I hear the gentle whistle of a distant train. That faint mournful call, I say to myself, is exactly the sound a train should make. Not, as I have experienced for the last three months, a RV shaking, cacophony like a 737 landing on my rig. One thing’s for sure, I do NOT miss that train track over my RV.
I am also not going to miss dead fish collection duty. In my time here I have developed a better understanding of the fish’s plight though. They seem to be in constant peril. Birds swoop out of the sky sometimes dropping the hapless fish before even eating them. Yes, many mornings I am surprised to discover a smashed fish carcass on the sidewalk far from the ponds but bizarrely near the picnic tables – coincidence?
Minks stalk and drag the fish from the ponds for an easy meal. The salmon that return to the hatchery having lived an oceanic life for a few years die after that long swim back. So I can see how a fish life can be tough. Glad I am not one – a fish that is.
But with Oregon in my rear-view mirror, I realize I will miss all the cool breezes off the river, the stunning and plentiful waterfalls, the kind and fun folks and the delicious blackberries and abundant colorful flowers. For this farewell to Oregon post, I am delighted to share a few of the cool photos I got before I left. I hope they help you enjoy the Oregon experience as much as I did.
Signs you might only see in Oregon
Hatchery Scenes
Oregon Odds and Ends
Thanks for I’m sharing your Oregon adventure! Those are awesome hydrangeas, so pretty. I’m guessing you won’t notice the Benson trains as much this winter!
Have a safe trip.
Those were awesome hydrangeas. I never saw any like that at home. You know I already loved the train whistles in Benson. Now I really appreciate them.
Actually Volis (according to the whirlygig museum at whirlygig park in Wilson) called them wind mills. Everyone else in North Carolina called them Whirlygigs.
Great video and letter, see you soon…???
Still about a month out from you guys. Can hardly wait to get there though!
Ooops, well I mis-spoke, but that should not be a surprise to anyone. I should probably also confess that the town of Stevenson where that sculpture is located is actually in Washington, not Oregon. Whew…. Now I feel so much better 🙂
Always enjoy your videos, thanks for taking the time to make them and send them. I still think you should include the state tourism folks, they will pay you for these great shots and wonderful explanations of everything. Keep up the good work and looking forward to you coming home for a bit. GOD BLESS
JD/SD
Jim & Sandy
ps: Charlie would be proud of my using spell checker. :>)))))) But I still spell CAT with a K :>)
You are too sweet! Thanks for keeping up with me and yes, Charlie would be proud of you!!
Your pictures and explanations of the beauty and experiences you had make us want to head west. Safe journey back south and God speed!
Tim & Diane
If you do head west let me know and maybe we can get together 🙂 !!
Very nice. Glad you are heading back to Arizona … Thanks for doing your blog and letting us visit OR through your eyes!
Safe travels, Lynn
Thanks, Lynn and safe travels to you!