What I Should've Brought
Woke up yesterday to sun-washed rooms and that sweet, pine-sap smell that tells of an Oregon summer. I had big plans to spend the second of the two 88-degree days forecasted this week rambling through the woods to a miraculous beach on the Sandy River. But first! I had like a million things to do. So ... I drove all over town, I sold something old to a stranger and bought something new to replace it, I tamped down work-related fires as best I could, and then, then I got a piece of bad news right around lunch time—and this news was all I could taste as I ate a bowl of boiled eggs and potatoes.
My point? I was distracted—frazzled if you will—when departing on my preordained adventure. And so I forgot everything.
Here's all the stuff I wished I'd had with me as I hiked down a mountain to a river and then back up again.
-An ice-cold can of grapefruit Perrier. For sitting on the beach. With hurty feet and hot sand all around.
-Another dog to entertain my dog while I snoozed face down on my towel (instead—I spent the entire time throwing sticks as far as I could across the bright, glassy water).
-The best thick white zinc-oxide sun screen for my pasty, Oregon, sitting-in-front-of-the-computer skin (instead, today, I have sun burn).
-Salty chips to crunch on. Fruit, cheese, and bread to make it a meal. You get hungry wandering through woods—and I have long believed that sitting near a river listening to water rushing over rocks is a best-case scenario for eating a good meal.
-A panama hat to block that slanty late-afternoon sun, which dips at such sneaky angles that my current foam-mesh deal is rendered powerless.
I love these mossy tree trimmings—like pearl necklaces for the ancient creaking pines.
Northwest good luck. You can pick this stuff and pop it in your mouth—it tastes bright and lemony.
Happy Lefty Birthday
I'm not sure that a pet's birthday warrants celebration? But it's a time marker. And like all time markers, it just means the world goes ’round.
Then again, I'm not sure I'd classify Lefty as a "pet." Not like a hamster is a pet. He's more like a confidante. One who concerns himself with my doings at all times and who, best of all, sends me constant love beams without an ounce of guile. He's always on my team—sometimes he's the only one, but, it's enough, you know, sometimes.
Anyway, I've already talked at length about my thoughts on canines and the happy friendship they supply. No real need to delve further. Maybe just a salute—perhaps with a celebratory pigs ear and a handsome new collar—to 3 years in the life of Lefty.
Thursday morning scenery.
Snow bonanza this past February. Joy!
Posing next to his exquisite portrait by Brent Wick.
Family trip to Yosemite, 2012.
River Life
So Cal, you have your sparkling beach break; Jersey, you have your shore. But here in Oregon, our summertimes are defined by “river life.” Actually, it defines both summer and winter—one season, you go to the river, and one season, you think about how awesome it’s gonna be when you get to go to the river again.
The Sandy, the Clackamas, the Washougal, the Lewis … I know it’s not that time of year yet, but I’ve been persevering through rain, cold, and darkness for the next chance to toast on some round river rocks alongside one of these mighty rivers. And I know I’m not alone.
Come mid-June or so, river spots become a replacement for bars and parks and other places to gather. And if you have the whole day, then you’re obviously about to float. Required: Intertube, coozie, sunnies, and river shoes (kicked Vans slip-ons work great!).
Floating from one spot to the next provides soft, lazy hours of quiet, allowing you to contemplate the way the tree tips touch the sky and the odd birch leaf spiraling down stream at the exact same pace as you. Of course, if someone happens to bring a floating cooler, then things get a little loose out there on the river. Only within the realms of fun and safety, though, you understand. You come home from a day like that all sandy, sun-tanned and tired—but good-tired, you know? Ah, river life!
Like I said, I know it’s not summer yet, but my bones are positively ACHING for a river day in the extremely near future. See you out there?
A beauteous rope-swing spot near Hood River.
Lefty loves his unca’ Justin!
The journey is its own reward.
