My son Pathfinder told me that Oregon — at least the western part — is a place trees really like to grow. When I traveled north from his house the trees filled my vision and my heart. I didn’t have time to pull over at every turnout and go hug one of them, but that is what seemed the reasonable thing to do.
My days were full of trees, ocean, rivers — and weather. I walked on this beach, four days in a row, and listened to the rain clattering on the metal roof at night, and the wind howling.
My trusty raincoat was necessary attire, but while I was at the coast there were daily breaks in the rain long enough for a good outing. But the weather could change so fast! These next pictures were taken within a couple of minutes of each other:
As long as I was on the coast I didn’t feel the cold, and the weather was only exciting. I had worried just before setting out, about the prudence of traveling to a colder and wetter climate in this month of the year when one wants to start hibernating. But I never regretted going.
When I left the coast and drove inland it was to Corvallis, new-old home of my former housemate Kit, who had been with me the last two years. She took me to one of her favorite eateries in that college town, the Café Yumm!, where they make their signature Yumm! Sauce that I have come to love because of her sharing bottles brought to our refrigerator from this store.
And she showed me her favorite tree on the Oregon State campus, a beautiful and comforting sight out the window of one of her classes the first autumn she was a student there. You can see why she would love it:
My first night with Kit we slept at the farm where she had lived for several years before moving to California. Several generations and families live here in Philomath, and they all work at chores such as keeping the forest floor clean by burning downed wood and trimmings.
As the sun was already lowering when we arrived, Kit suggested we take a walk around the property to see the animals such as Soay sheep, and also down the road to Marys River and the covered bridge.
I was really glad for my other new coat, a warm winter parka, because now the temperature was near freezing, and the air damp from the daily rain. Our walk was brisk in every way, and the children among us bump-splashed their bicycles through a string of potholes filled with rainwater.
As the sky grew dimmer the burn piles shone brighter, and their wood smoke scented the wintry air. I remembered in my body the cold fog of my childhood winters, but this was a cheerier feeling, like being in a Little House book, or a Currier and Ives video…?
I was thoroughly charmed, as well as humbled and warmed by the farm family welcoming me so heartily — and feeding me heartily, and giving me a spacious and cozy bedroom all to myself.
In the morning this was our view, the clouds hanging out between the ridges and in the little valleys of the wooded hills. And we all — about eleven of us — drove into town for Divine Liturgy.
I spent another night with Kit and her parents in Eugene, where I was also treated royally. I began to wonder if all my hosts were conspiring to see how much fattening up of me they could accomplish in a mere two weeks. All in love, of course!
Most of my driving was not in the rain, until the last day, and then I drove in and out of clouds so frequently that I was captivated by the times when I emerged from a downpour to see the white drifts hanging out prettily nearby.
Then suddenly I was back in northern California…
…and in another day or so was home again. Just in time for Thanksgiving! I’m oh so grateful for a fun expedition and vacation, but even more glad to be in my own bed and kitchen. When I came in the front door it was to a bright wood fire that housemate Susan had got going, the most welcome sight.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends!
Gladsome Lights 
Wow, these are just stunning photos, Mama!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Thanksgiving dear Gretchen. What a delightful trip you had! I can almost feel the cold, damp, smell the wood fires burning.
Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
LikeLiked by 1 person
GJ, you do take my breath away with your traveling, and with the happy spirit in which you do it! Those photos show just the kind of weather I love – cloudy and blustery and changeable, cool and damp. I’m so glad you had a good time and were treated so welcomingly. But it’s good to be home too. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Thanksgiving!
The pastor and his wife who married us teach in China.
Pastor has a blog called “Life Connexions.” This Thanksgiving he presented the proclamation written by President Lincoln. It is a beautiful prayer of Thanksgiving in the midst of civil war and terrible times. It the loveliest of Christian practices I know and a great tool for witness!
Thank You for your blog, Dear One. In Christ, Me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have shared such beautiful photos of Nature’s beauty. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Pat
LikeLiked by 1 person
What wonderful trips you have been on and what wonderful skies you have seen and had such different weather. I am always so proud of you! Have a lovely Thanksgiving. I think sleeping in my own bed after a trip is just bliss. Happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad your traveling was enjoyable, and safe. It is good to return home, isn’t it? As delightful as a trip can be, there comes a time to turn, and return. Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving Day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your accounts of trips taken are always poetic, and the photos beautiful. I think my oohhing and ahhing this time will be for the covered bridge photo and the low clouds in the mountains. Very dreamy! And a Happy Thanksgiving to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such lovely photos of lovely scenery. Your descriptions along with the pictures make me feel I was there. So much so that I felt like putting on another sweater. I’m sure it’s heaven to be back home and I hope your Thanksgiving was a happy one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kit’s tree is GORGEOUS!! What a joy to behold. What grace that Jesus gives us beauty to point us to truth and to sustain us on this journey of life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You bring the sights and smells to life. Woodsmoke in damp, cold air. And the exciting weather! I love to listen to the wind howl when I’m in bed all cozy. How many housemates do you have? Did Kit move out? Thanks for the wonderful description of your trip. You are becoming absolutely intrepid when it comes to traveling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re having such fun traveling to your chicks’ houses!
Gorgeous photos, GJ!
I’m thankful for YOU!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just staggeringly beautiful! My Max would adore the sheep. Thank you for sharing the experience – I’m smiling in my heart!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful landscapes you’ve been enjoying. I thoroughly enjoyed your pictures. I don’t know about Soay Sheep. They’re very goat-like. Do they shear them or does the wool fall off. They look like they are shedding their fleeces. What a happy Thanksgiving vacation. Glad you are home safe and sound. God bless you, Gretchen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband and I were talking about the trees along Oregon’s west coast just yesterday. Thanks for the lovely views. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the manner in which you catch moments and the joy of simply living. Your words create a spirit of joy and trust in the One higher and greater, the One who longs to have us cherish Him in all that He has created.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photographs! Love them all.
My favorite is the one with moss All over tree limbs and trunks, some leaning, some pointing, like giant arms across the path; thin wiry branches in the foreground seem like memories of old fences; but there is an opening down low, a way to the meadow beyond, marked by the trail of fading red and yellow leaves on the ground.
This could be an image for persons struggling with faith who need to know there is hope in the midst of threatening chaos. Though it doesnt look like a door, there is always a way through.
LikeLiked by 1 person