Bridges

Oregon is noted for its bridges and we crossed quite a few.  

Each bridge is different and are all sizes and shapes.   All seem to be in good shape . 

I tried to capture the fog as most of our trip home in a rain storm .

A piece of the new bridge they have been working on for a year.   There is a traffic light stop so you wait for your turn to cross by the equipment and the one way opening.

The rain made patterns on the wind shield and this one was really something to see as it looked like a row of tiny fishes.    As you can see the ride home was a wet one but each mile brought us closer to home.  It is really nice to go and see what is out there when you have the opportunity . . . but after a long wet road trip it is so nice to be home, inside and looking out at the rain.

I took over fifty pictures and most are views you have seen before.    Patricia and I have taken the road north many times and each time we have taken the pictures along the coast and have shown them.   Both Oregon and Washington are similar in the flora and fauna.   There are miles of forest land and many areas where the trees have been cut down and look barren and sad, but soon you come to an area where the reforestation has taken place and the new trees are thriving and it makes your heart sing.   The wild flowers are many, just weeds that have grown into beautiful bushes, some wild lupine reminding me of our Minnie Mouse who strived for years trying to grow lupine in her garden and was finally successful and so proud of herself.    The California poppies are plentiful and so colorful.    There are areas where the gorse has taken over and the beginnings of more to come, but the color is lovely and it is a shame that this plant is evasive.

Our travels took us from two lane country roads to the big route Five which I told you about earlier.   I enjoy the slower and rural roads the most as you have a chance to see all of the wonders of nature.   There are areas where there are sloughs which are strange looking areas of mud, water and inlets to bigger and more scenic rivers.   Some look like lakes  and huge of size.     We were always happy when it was time to stop and get the use of our land legs.    Of course it was always where there was a great restaurant with food you just could not pass up.    We filled up the car and us and being filled to the brim we had no room for desert but that didn't stop us from buying a whole lemon pie to take home with us.   We met so many nice folks on the road and there was always one gentleman to open doors for us.    Smiling eyes and friendship is right there  when you let the light shine through.     At one stop run by a man from Korea who was young and friendly and gave me a gift of a burrito type sandwich his wife makes.  He held my hands and asked how old I was and told of how his wife misses her mother and calls her on the telephone just to tell her how much she is missed and loved.     How they revere the old, maybe we could all learn lessons from that.    So many nice people who took time to open doors and share a smile.  

We arrived at Christine's home and saw the gnome garden in all its splendor .  Steve is a great gardener with lots of imagination and he did a wonderful fairy like garden under a big tree in her driveway.   I didn't get a picture but will ask Christine to send one so you can see it too.     There are broken shads of flower pots with plants growing from them;   little gnomes reading and the whole scene is one of peace and contentment just like we find in our garden areas when we have time to relax and enjoy.   I did get to the Tea Room, one of my favorite places to go and had the usual special of a cup of soup, a half sandwich and a luscious piece of pie.    The gift shop is lovely and the Madam Alexander dolls were on a special half price sale.  The temptation was there but I didn't buy one as I have no little girls in my life to share a doll with.    I thought to buy one for my girls but that could have gotten me into trouble . . . smile.    All in all it was a short hard trip but well worth it.     Christine is home safely, we are back and relaxed and ready to get into our own routine once more.     A busy week is in store with all the usual catch up things to do.   I hope you have caught up with you and are enjoying the beginning of your new week.    I do hope you have vacation time coming up and can make a road trip short or long and enjoy every minute of it.    Vacations are  a boon to good health.    So work on having a vacation soon.    Don't forget to reach out with a smile in your eyes and a lot of love in your heart and let the other guy have a chance to reciprocate.     Hugs to all.