Fire Failed to Chase Me Out of Oregon this Summer

OK, well smoke did chase me to the coast for a few days while Jesse was visiting, but this summer (my third living in Oakridge, OR) was the first time I managed to be there from May through October. Starting with my first summer working at the Oakridge Bike Shop my intention was to stay until October and enjoy the change of the seasons. Fire had other ideas. In 2021. And in 2022. And it tried in 2023. Once again fire was in the single digit of miles from our house even as most of our smoke came from the Bedrock Fire 20 miles away; however, the smoke would come and go just enough to allow intermittent bike rides and joy. The good days combined with my increased responsibilities in Oregon as a board member of the Oregon Timber Trail Association made me stick it out this year. I was rewarded with gorgeous late September rides in the crisp cool clean air among the vibrant colors of autumn. A beautiful gift.

In California if someone wants to learn to backpack or bikepack it can be very difficult to find an approachable route without excessive crowds. Either there is no water available, conditions are way too hot or cold to be enjoyable, or the trail too challenging to be fun for a newer adventurer. Oregon is a dream come true for beginner outdoors folks. There are endless pristine lakes 5-10 miles from a trailhead. Often I would go by one of these lakes and time and again there would be no other people around. I present to you some of Oregon’s lakes:

And of course there are always beautiful flowers and occasionally wildlife.

And if that is not enough reason to love Oregon, there are also the waterfalls and berries. And, of course, the wonderful people who I do a very poor job of remembering to photograph. Is it because I want to be present with my friends and not focused on “documenting”? Or is it something else that stops me from pulling out my camera and prioritizing pictures of my friends? Many great hikes and bike rides were had with loved ones.

Just kidding, that last photo isn’t from Oregon! Following the OTTA board retreat in early October (a responsibility that is now no longer mine!) I drove home to California and Jesse and I promptly boarded a red eye to visit my family in Pennsylvania. One of the closer airports to my mom’s house is Buffalo, and she proposed an early morning visit to Niagara Falls. It has been decades since I last visited The Falls and Jesse believes he was there once as a child. Despite blustery cold wind at 7am and the threat of rain we enjoyed beautiful views for a handful of minutes. The light was gorgeous.

Following time with family, Jesse and I headed to the true east coast to visit my dear friend from college, along with her husband and two young boys. We continued to be treated with bursts of autumnal colors and unlike northwest Pennsylvania, Connecticut is rich in trails, many just a few minutes drive from my friend’s house. It was a lovely visit. And I just remembered the other reason I often don’t post photos of friends and family: I don’t like to publish anyone’s picture without their permission. To those I did not manage to see on this trip — I’m sorry! As usual, the trip was a bit fast and furious. Let’s connect next time.

I’m in California for a short stint enjoying time with Jesse, catching up with friends, and in physical therapy dealing with some ongoing joint issues — may they resolve soon! I have several exciting adventures on the horizon and look forward to sharing them. More beautiful pictures and adventures coming soon, I promise!