Champoeg State Park

We made reservations earlier in the week to stay the weekend at Champoeg State Park. The forecast called for sunny skies and we thought we’d explore the area a bit. As the week progressed the forecast deteriorated from 10% chance of rain to 100% chance of rain. Armed with books and movies,we decided to brave the elements and head out for the weekend, rain or shine….got a little of both – although definitely more rain than shine.

The lousy weather gave us an excuse to drive to Corvallis to have lunch with  our son Scott and then do some shopping in Woodburn at the outlet malls. As expected, Saturday was wet and stormy but we managed to have a wonderful day anyway! There’s something kind of cozy about being inside the Airstream when it’s storming outside…for one night anyway. 

The skies cleared a bit on Sunday, just enough to allow for a four mile walk along the river. I was disappointed that I had basically taken no photos during our stay, but our little walk afforded me some fun shots of the forest with little glimpses of the first signs of spring.

Next week the forecast calls for temps near 70 and sunshine…I am cautiously optimistic!

Friday night was clear and warm!

Got some fun new serving ware for the Bambi!

Beautiful campsites, large and private.

Green…everywhere!

Trilliums were just blooming

I used my Fuji X100 for all of these photos. I’m still learning how to use this camera after  owning it for  almost two years. I played around with the macro setting a lot on this walk. It does a pretty good job, but I do find I have trouble figuring out exactly what is being focused on when I’m so close with a shallow depth of field. I need to play a little more. I thought I had the newt’s eye both times as my focal point, but his snout ended up being the primary focus in each shot.

Newts and rabbits were coming out from their hiding places to enjoy the sun.

Hum…Cooper wasn’t too sure about this guy…

A little more spring color…

After snow melt and heavy rains…the forest was a swamp!

Little treasures along the way….

Evidence of the wet weather we’ve been having

These lined the bike path!

Gotta love the NW!

Star shaped ivy….

The world is coming alive