Saturday, February 28, 2009

This time last week...


We were on the Oregon coast. Newport, specifically. Every year in late February, their chamber hosts the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival. This was their 32nd annual, and we finally got around to checking it out. Because we like seafood. And wine. There's a definite Mardi Gras feel to the event...very festive. But then, how can you not be happy when you're sampling fresh crab, crab cakes (heaven on a plate), clam chowder, lobster and shrimp cocktail...along with approximately 80 different wineries from Oregon and beyond. No, I didn't taste from all of them. But, if I had to pick two favorites, I really enjoyed each of the Pinot Gris from Vitis Ridge and Sienna Ridge Estate. Crisp, and fruity without being sweet.

Overall, a very fun event. One hint: If you're claustrophobic, go before noon on Saturday or any time Sunday. I think the entire OSU student body was there Saturday afternoon.

This was also my first trip to Newport in about six years, and it reminded me how much I love the stretch of coastline that runs from Depoe Bay to Yachats. Beautiful.
Cape Foulweather
View of Agate Beach from our rental
Yaquina Head lighthouse. And yes, that is blue sky you see.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Hey, Birthday Girl!

Happy 150th! I've only lived here 27 of them, so I can't really call myself a native. But, I believe that being from the State of Jefferson makes me close to one. In tribute to our beautiful state, here are a few of my favorite places in and around Central and Southern Oregon:

Curiosity seekers along a float trip on the Wood River, Southern Oregon.
Evening in Fort Klamath, one of the most peaceful places on earth.
Our National Park gem
Mill Creek Falls, Southern Oregon
Sunset on East Lake
The Metolius River (Mt. Jefferson in background)
Beautiful, bountiful Hood River Valley
Sunset from the top of Mt. Bachelor
Deschutes River
Morning on East Lake
Smith Rock

While these don't begin to illustrate the diversity of our geography and seasons, I hope they at least have you itching to get out and explore one of the most beautiful states in the union. Happy Birthday, Oregon!