Entries by TATIANA

I took a drive (together with Chhaya of course) along the Oregon Coast Highway, which is the famous US 101 and stopped at a few places on the Oregon Coast.
I definitely have to go back and see more because it is absolutely beautiful.
Here are some pics from the trip....
I found a pic of me on a wall.




Pretty Chhaya enjoying the view.



Cape Foulweather.









We went down to the beach and dug our toes into the sand.







Hopefully I get to go back and explore this beautiful part of the country soon!

Today was a good day for another trip so me and Chhaya picked up Desi at 3 and we took off.
So we were going to go to Clear Lake because I read that there are some more than 3000 year old trees under the water in the lake and that this lake is considered one of the best places for diving in the US.
On the way there I had to stop at the sign for the Pacific Crest Trail that Cheryl Strayed hiked (1100 miles of it - impressive!) and then penned about that adventure in her book Wild that I just love.



It was a windy and gloomy day today which was nice after many days of relentless sun and heat but it didn't make Clear Lake any justice. The water IS very clear, we went out on the boat deck and as the water got deeper it still remained clear and you can see the bottom of the lake. To view the underwater forest you need to probably either dive or take a boat out to the location of it. Maybe have to come back here another time because Chhaya tried to get in the row boats several times, basically telling me she wants to go boating.









Fed the ducks, Chhaya that normally would not eat plain bread wants to scarf down all the bread that the ducks get because she does not want to share HER bread with them.



And then we continued driving and got to Sahalie Falls.....



I hiked down to Koosah Falls when I was there last month and today we scrambled down to Sahalie Falls, well as close as we could get. It was muddy and the water from the falls sprayed us down, we basically got a shower. Chhaya was not too excited at all over her shower. Here I am showing her the falls from up at the viewpoint and she got kind of stiff.....like what is THAT?



But we got a picture with the waterfalls behind us. Mission accomplished!
Took some pics, or attempted to at the bottom of the hill behind us but the water spraying everywhere made it difficult. I do suggest a hike down to Koosah Falls for an up close experience for those that can handle a rather steep climb.



Then I realized we were close to Belknap so we went there too. A visit to the amazing Secret Garden can never be a bad idea.....it is so beautiful at Belknap.
If you happen to be in the area you have to go there!



When the plants are taller than you....









Then it started getting dark and we drove home. What a nice day!

So during my stay at Belknap I went on a hike to Tamolitch Pool, also known as the Blue Pool. It's a 2 mile hike each way from the Blue Pool trailhead and fairly easy and very scenic, in other words - a great hike. The whole area here is spectacular.
The Blue Pool itself is quite a view when you first see it, crystal clear water and a gorgeous intense color.





There were plenty of visitors at the Blue Pool enjoying themselves, some were jumping into the water from far up but the water was way too cold for me.
I dipped my foot in and that was enough. No swimming for me.





I see a face in the roots.



A short drive or hiking distance away (your choice) there are some waterfalls.
Had to go there of course. Sahalie Falls first.





Thunder of the sky; thunder of the drums; thunder of the falls. A timeless song cycle.....





And then Koosah Falls.









I am so grateful I got to see this. I love the outdoors.

A few weeks ago, on a Sunday to be precise, I packed enough stuff for me and Chhaya to last for a week and drove to Belknap. It was time to do some exploring here in Oregon. I just haven't gotten around to write about this wonderful adventure until now......better late than never.
Upon arrival we checked into one of the cabins. There are some really cool spots for tenting there as well. Plus the lodge, some larger houses for rent and RV spots.



I was in awe over the clean and clear water, probably the clearest water I have seen so far. And remember, I lived in Alaska for years and traveled around there too. So I have seen some clean water before. Belknap is situated on the McKenzie river.



Here is one of the hot spring pools. I was soaking my tired bones in the other and less populated pool though, I prefer less people if possible when it comes to hot springs.









Belknap is in the middle of a beautiful faerie like forest, I felt like I had stepped into a different time....the trees are tall and the vegetation thick, everything is so green. I loved it, Chhaya as well. Little paths connect you to where you want to go.....



To a bench for a rest perhaps.



This is the entrance to the Secret Garden. I want to bring my Mom here, she would LOVE it. I loved it, so gorgeous. I would not mind spending several weeks at this enchanted place.













After two nights and days at Belknap we got on the road again.....more about the next Oregon adventure another time.
Have a nice weekend everybody! ❤

Yesterday afternoon me, Chhaya and the new friend I made Desi took a drive to McKenzie pass. It was going to be a full moon and I wanted to watch the sunset and the moonrise in a nice spot so I suggested we go there. To get to McKenzie Pass (elevation 5325 ft.) you take Highway 242, it is very scenic and once you get up the mountain a bit you will see a spectacular scenery, a lava field.





Me and Desi.



Since we had some time before the sun was setting we drove to a lake, Scott Lake and had some snacks.



KIND bars for us and a RUFF bar for Chhaya.







It started hailing, then lighting and thunder hit close by us.....almost right where we were. SUPER loud! Not everyday you get that close to lighting....so that was an experience.





The we drove back up to the summit. There is an observatory there, Dee Wright observatory. Very interesting looking stone building made with lava stone, resembling a small Dracula castle. Some bats came out after sunset to make it feel even more vampire like.....







There is a marker on top pointing to different Cascade peaks.







The sun started going down and the sky turned pink.









Then the moon slowly crept up from behind a mountain.







It got dark, we get in the car and.....I turn on the radio. Linkin Park and In The End comes on shortly after. Unreal. I pull over, turn up the volume and Chester's voice fills up the night. Coincidence? I don't think so. Then we continued driving into the night.....

Met with a new friend, YEAY I made a new friend (!), today. We were supposed to go to the gym, I come along as her guest, yes I started going to the gym again.....nothing crazy once maybe twice a week but the gym was closed due to some problem. So instead we went to Barnes & Noble and then to Jamba Juice where we each had an Island Pitaya, pink dragonfruit bowl. Good to befriend somebody that is nice, calm, sober, into healthy interests like hiking, likes to talk about different subjects in an intelligent manner. And we both love Ville Valo!
Ville, olet kaunis! ❤



We started talking about the importance of independence and also co dependent people. I happened to open up a random magazine at Barnes & Noble earlier and took a pic of this page that I think holds a lot of wise words. But to each their own you know.....relationships can be amazing as well. If that is what it truly is. Do not get fooled by the happy facade some put up on Fakebook. That doesn't necessary represent the whole truth, sometimes far from it. I love love though, love is beautiful but alone is beautiful as well.



I know of a woman that has been single for a total of about three months since she was a young teen. Sounds healthy - not. She is in her late 30's now but looks more like 55 plus but that is what is awaiting you after a life full of drinking.....anyhow. Reminded me of something that I read somewhere and that resonated with me so I copied it and saved it for the appropriate occasion, which is now.
The Backup Boyfriend explained, "A lot of women don't like the idea of facing life without a man to lean on, so if they think that their current relationship is shaky they start trying to line up potential replacements. This avoids any awkward gaps with no man to bar hop with, to deal with getting the car fixed, to fix the clogged toilet, etc. Once she decides to dump the current man unit all she has to do is snap her fingers and you'll come running. Have some self respect and date a woman who is actually available and wants to be with you. It's amazing to me how often men fall for this."
Throw in a pregnancy (especially at the beginning stages of the relationship) and you are set! He is trapped and forever yours! Good luck. Parenthood is the most important responsibility one can take on.
Getting a man is easy. Men are always willing. Most women could have a roster of men on rotation. Having a quality person to share your life with, truly share your person and space with, now that is a different story.
Now I am going to take a nap outside, I love sleeping outside, feeling the wind brush my skin. It has been so hot, 90s so I have to wait with anything outdoorsy until it cools off a bit. Later park time with Chhaya.