Post eclipse update

I have to admit, the eclipse was a special event. Even though my area only got 99.4% of totality it was interesting. I did not buy any eclipse viewing glasses. My eye sight is poor enough without risking any exposure to the sun. So we tried the pin hole in the box method, which worked okay. But the better way we found was to use the binoculars. We turned the large end towards the sun and projected the eclipse image out of the small end onto a flat surface, it worked great. It did not get totally dark in my driveway, remember we still had 0.6% of the sun shining, but it did get dark enough for the street lights to come on and the light sensors of passing cars turned on the headlights. And the temperature did drop enough to make me want to find a sweater. So now that event is over and if you're like me, you're seeing some great pictures and videos of the event all across the nation. So now it's off to our next adventure...more to come later!

"Mental balance" break

After we were done painting we needed a "mental balance" break. So we decided to take a day trip to the ocean. It has been very warm here. It's also been very smokey due to forest fires and all the smoke settling into the Willamette Valley. Somedays I feel as if I live in the LA area. Anyway being done with a big chore and wanting to change up our environment, we decided the cooler breezes of the Oregon coast would be great.
We ended up at Ecola State Park, Indian Beach. We've been there before and explored the tide pools. This time we explored the trails to the north. The Clatsop Loop is a 3 mile trail that rises 800 feet in 1.3 miles. We took the "harder" trail up, traversing switch backs and using tree roots as "stair steps" as we went up the shaded Sitka Spruce and fern lined trail. There were many ocean vistas on the way up. At the top was Hikers' Camp where 3 adirondak-style shelters are available on a first-come basis for an overnite stay. The trail then continues to Seaside or you can take the same trail back down to the trailhead or take the other "half" of the loop down to the trail head. We took the other "half". It was an easier trail, almost a gravel road, at a steady down hill grade but not as steep as the first "half" getting to Hikers' Camp. It was so nice to be in a cooler climate with a smoke free atmosphere. After our hike we sat on the beach for a while, enjoying the rhythmic sound of the surf and sun that was just the right temperature. And no paint.

Sitka Spruce, ferns and FOG!

This is as close as I can get to the Tillamok Lighthouse. Worth the hike to Hikers' Camp to see it closer.

There's an abandoned WWII radar bunker up there.

Blessed Fog!

Ahhh, a snack at the beach. 

Done painting

We are done painting!!!! I'm so happy. In 2 months and 1 week we've managed to paint the whole inside and outside of the house. Now for a few pictures...

Living area

Even managed to capture a robin sitting on the peak

I always wanted a red door 

Deck before weather proofing

Deck after-almost done!


We even managed to hang 2 hammocks. I used my horse ropes that I had for high lining our horses when we went camping. It works great for the grandkids.

We are going to have some windows replaced so there will be some touch up painting to do when that is done. This area of Oregon hasn't had rain for 55 days and counting. Supposedly it will rain this Sunday. So we have put this dry spell to good use. Now for some travel fun! 

Total eclipse- a shot in the dark....

The total solar eclipse is coming in a few weeks. Where I live I should be able to have a 90% view of it. Am I going to visit a place where I can get a 100% view? Probably not. I will be happy with my 90%. There are many stories circulating in Oregon regarding the impact that this event will have on our area. There are estimates that the population of Oregon will increase by one million people, there's only 4 million here to start with. As a result there are many predictions about how that will impact us. I've heard everything from total traffic gridlock, complete with the national guard on alert and 911 services impacted, and we should stock up on food and gas because so many people will be here-to a rather ho hum experience where people will stop what they are doing to observe the phenomenon and then go about their business as usual. I do know several people that are coming from CA to OR to see this event.
In the meantime, I've also noticed that entrepreneurs of every type are trying to cash in on the eclipse. I can go to Walmart and right in the front door a huge display implores me to buy the proper eye wear (which is VERY important), and apparently I will need a eclipse cap, a t-shirt, and a cup holder to be able to enjoy this event. There are business combining the eclipse with their organization to hopefully have more people at their establishments. You can go to the "Solarfest" offered at many areas, many restaurants have special eclipse menus, the town of Madras has a type of "Burning Man" eclipse event going on, you can camp with goats in Oregon's wine country and view the eclipse, many people can't find lodging so many farmers are renting out camping spots for the anticipated crowds. And people are renting out "camping spaces" on their front lawns to view this event. Many eclipse viewing parties are going on, the wineries in the area have also catered to the eclipse crowd-there's the Eclipse brunch & tasting in Dayton, the eclipse wine festival in Ebola Hills to name a few. The craft beer industry offers the eclipse and craft beer tasting starting in Portland, or there's the Total Eclipse of the Hop in Salem. Every day I hear about a new eclipse event that is offered. Even the post office has eclipse forever stamps. I know this because I needed stamps, went to usps.com and found them. I confess I bought them, it is something that I will use.
So later I will have to blog about my own semi-eclipse viewing and how my area survives this event. Truly a shot in the dark, we will see how it turns out. More later!