It's Not Easy Being Green

Yesterday, we explored some national forest just east of Salem. The hike we chose was called Opal Creek.

The forest where this hike took place is considered a rain forest that contains some of the last old growth douglas fir and western red cedar trees.

Another cool thing about this place was that it is a historic mining settlement in which 11 people still reside. Mining doesn't take place anymore, but the people who live there carry on educational camps for kids and families. This place is "off the grid", so they have to supply their own power, which comes from the creek rushing nearby.

There were all these random items sitting outside, like this old woodstove, named "cheerful". Strange.

Not much else to report except it was beautiful, pristine and green as green could be. Lots of great photo ops.

Today, we will ride our road bikes on Sauvie Island, which is a small island off the Columbia River that's filled with farms and orchards. Apparently, there's a great ride that goes around the perimeter of this place. I'm sure we'll let you know how it goes!