East Fork Lewis River near Yacolt, WA. The water level is the lowest I’ve seen since I moved out here 25 years ago. Still gorgeous, though.

Taken with a Fujifilm X-T5 + Fuji 55-200mm zoom at 200mm.

I love this vibe

Fall is underway...and the road will close for the winter eventually. And then the wait is on for it to reopen in the spring.

Just returned back to Portland after spending the weekend in Bend covering the elementary school tragedy. Had to be sure to visit Silver Rail Elementary School before I left. I expected to see a big memorial of flowers left by the community. I didn't expect to see floral shrines at every entrance I passed around the school's campus.

I spent about an hour observing, mostly on the south side of the school where the tragedy took place, watching people of all ages, languages and cultures leave bouquets, stuffed animals, handwritten messages and trinkets. Some played melodic bells and other calming instruments, including one made of glass that you simply held up to the wind. Some kids played in the police tape. A church from Idaho arrived with certified therapy golden retrievers.

And people just kept showing up with more. More flowers. More stuffed animals. More handwritten messages. The piles grew and grew.

On our way from WI back home to La Conner, got to see a spectacular sunset after passing through Spokane. I think that's Mt. Rainer casting a shadow in the first photo.

Took my Honda Ruckus for a ride down the beach yesterday and came across this friend

Mirror Lake hike, little zig zag falls walk & views near Timberline Lodge
10/16 & 10/17 2026
So thankful to live here in the PACNW

Morning hike in a nearby trail

I added about a half cup grated apple to the mix, and I was generous with the pumpkin pie spice. Used no maple syrup. Lots of butter and heated TJ caramel sauce drizzled around. Recipe on pic 2.