Day Trips Around Oregon

I realize it's been a couple of weeks since I had mentioned that we were heading to the southern most Oregon coast. We did indeed go to Brookings on August 17. I've just not written about it until now...

I haven't been to Brookings since I was kid and my family traveled through Oregon on summer vacation. Needless to say, I did not remember anything specific about the town as a 4th grader.

Anyhow, Mark and I went to escape the heat here in town, which worked. The weather on our coast line is usually cool and windy. The day we went happened to be beautiful! It was a bit overcast earlier in the day, but the temperature was fine. In fact, there wasn't too much of a breeze. We had a great escape...

In addition to wanting to get out town before our summer was officially over, we wanted to see the lighthouse here. We were able to drive by the lighthouse, but were disappointed because we couldn't get inside of it. In fact, this lighthouse is part of someones house. Regardless, I have now seen every lighthouse along the Oregon coast. Accomplishing that goal was not disappointing!

We enjoyed every bit of the leisure drive along the famous Highway 101. We pulled over frequently for photo ops. and enjoyed snacking on wild blackberries. Here, blackberries are likened to a weed. They grow everywhere! (We spent quite a bit of time ripping them out of our yard a few summers ago.) Every so often though, they are a tasty treat!

On Labor Day weekend, we decided to "escape" again, and drove to Crater Lake. Crater Lake is Oregon's only National Park. The weather was again perfect for us, and the drive made for an awesome day trip. If you haven't been to Crater Lake, you should put it on your list of places to see before you die. This lake is such a deep blue that it doesn't look real. One has the option of driving all the way around the rim and even taking a boat tour out on the lake. There is a fancy lodge to stay in with a fabulous (supposedly) restaurant. We tried to eat at the lodge, but the restaurant closed to prepare for dinner about 5 minutes before we ventured inside. There are also a few gift shops, and of course, numerous tourists.

I am including several pictures of the lake so you can see just how blue it really is:

Pretty, isn't it?? Have I mentioned how much I love living in Oregon? I can't believe this state has such dynamic beauty to offer!

School has started again for the both of us. We've just survived our 1st official week back with students. So far things have gone quite smoothly for the both of us. Mark is really enjoying the new music history class he created, and I love the support classes I'm teaching. I hope the year continues to be as smooth as its start!