Headin' South

One of the things I loved best about this time of year in Osceola was the bird migration that flew overhead. So it was very comforting this morning to find that the nearby Sandy River Delta is also on a flyway. As I went out for the morning paper, I heard a familiar sound. Princess quickly looked up and there, spread across the sky, a vee of Canadian geese heading south. It’s time. Time to pick up and head south for sunnier climes and the wintering grounds far, far away. A long journey ahead for these birds.

It was a bit chilly in the driveway and I hurried back into the house. These fall days have been unusually warm, but the nights are crisp and the temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s. I’m still needing that extra blanket on the bed. This weekend we’ll be out and about. Saturday Phil and I are leading a Special Needs Hike to Catherine Creek (about fifty miles from here on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge). On Sunday Windy and I will visit Tryon Creek State Park. We’ll hike a portion of the Forty Mile Loop. Even though the park is not that far away in Southwest Portland, we want to check out an overnight stay in one of the yurts available for rental. Fun for a family pajama party.

On Sunday it will suddenly be October and another page turns on the calendar. Next month is starting to get as crowded with activities as the last few have been. The fun of living in Portland with so many choices and so much energy. The first weekend in October Phil and I are again leading a hike. A Full Moon Madness Hike to Multnomah Falls. The Falls in the moonlight are awesome. This is an incredible time of year in the Pacific Northwest.