Due to the rain and snow (in the passes), I decided to stick close to home this weekend.    Judging from the traffic cams shots of the mountain passes, I probably wouldn’t have made it anyway…  at least not without installing chains on my tires and I would really prefer a trial run before being forced to install them on the side of a snowy, cold highway.

On Saturday afternoon, Sami and I drove up to Silver Falls State Park.   We arrived so late, we didn’t have time to visit South Falls (which is my favorite).   We did have a nice driving tour and it sparked my desire to get back up there and really explore when weather (and trail conditions) improve in the area.  It’s been so long since we’ve made the trip up and I’d forgotten just how beautiful it really is.  We also peeked in at some of the campsites there in the park.   I think I’ve got an idea for a quick weekend getaway this spring. 

I shot a lot of film and a few digital shots, such as this- of the road through the park:

Today, I slept in later than planned.  So it was already mid afternoon when I decided to take another drive.   Today’s scenic drive led me through the eastern Willamette Valley through miles and miles of green pasture, dotted with mama sheep and their young.  I also found quite a few old farmhouses and barns that were begging to be photographed.   I’ll certainly have to check this area out again.  Next time, I’ll try to do it when it’s still reasonably light out and when it’s not raining cats and dogs.

I did manage to shoot a couple of photographs, but we mostly stayed in the car where it was warm and dry.  This may be my favorite image from the day…  I’d love to get inside of this old abandoned farmhouse and explore!

We also visited the swimming hole on the Calapooia River, where we spent many a summer day when Sami was younger.   I miss those days.   However, today, the river was angry and loud.  It’s hard to believe that we would (and will again) float on our backs peacefully in those waters.

Unfortunately, another type of raincloud was cast over the weekend…   The constant complaining and negativity exhibited by my teenage daughter wore thin quite quickly.  I’m starting to question my decision to take her with me on my road trips.  She tells me that she wants to go, however I really hate to have this negative tone cast upon everything we do.   I know this will pass, but it’s really getting in the way of spending quality time with her.   She sits in the car, headphones on and listening to her music.   Any little noise that I or my car stereo makes and she’s barking out complaints and gripes.  I miss my little girl…   the one who used to love spending time with me as much as I did with her.  sigh…

The lineup for this year’s Sasquatch Festival has been announced.  Tix go on sale in a week or so.  Of course, I’ve pledged every penny I can rake and scrape between now and the beginning of May to go toward my new gear.   But OH! I want to see this show. 

 Then again, I remember my luck with rainstorms during Memorial Day weekend trips and my brothers experience at Sasquatch last year (he killed his Canon 10D in a hail storm…   eek!)

Oooh.   I think I want this…..   BAD!